Guernsey's oldest residential home urges for help with 'very, very large' debt

La Platon is calling for help fundraising to pay off its 'very, very large', ongoing debt.

The island's oldest residential home borrowed money to help renovate and expand the original house, although extra costs were incurred during COVID-19.

Le Platon is looking for donations from islanders and to raise awareness of the home, which Director Chris Betley says is not very well known in the community:

"Though it is the oldest residential home in the island, it is probably one of the least familiar with people.

"The home has actually doubled in size through the refurbishment and the new build, and during that period of build, we were affected by COVID.

"But, we're really pleased with the result."

Le Platon can now care for up to 50 residents with dementia.

However, capacity has already been reached despite, only being three-quarters of the way through the project.

Mr Betley says the debt is not a fixed sum.

"We have got a very, very large debt that we have had to take out in order to cover the increased costs, but we're working through that.

"Because we've also doubled the size of the home, it means that we've got almost twice the number of staff we need to look after twice the number of residents."

Le Platon was established in 1914 by Edith Renouf MBE, who invested her own wealth to create a sanctuary 'for the incurably sick'.

It is a registered charity, and receives no States funding.

The home is hope its community-wide campaign will boost contributions to ensure it can continue to provide care and comfort to the island's elderly.

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