GROW says it is ready to take on 2025, after consolidating 2024 with recognition at Guernsey's Veyaon awards.

Veyaon translates as ‘Go for it’ in Guernesiais, and the awards celebrate local businesses and the island community.

GROW was named as the 2024 Entrepreneur for Good. It recognises the charity's contributions to society, its sustainable business model and innovation.

In November 2024 crew members Abi Lawlor, Alex Adamson and Jolyon Morton went on stage to collect the award at Beau Sejour.

General Manager Mandy Mackelworth says the charity works hard to help those with disabilities learn practical horticultural, retail and hospitality skills:

"People with learning disabilities often get forgotten; people don’t realise how much potential they have.

It really makes us feel respected and part of the community if we’re winning things like this and be able to go on the stage."

She says they are ready to take on 2025, after a busy 2024:

"Over the last 12 months, we've had 50 enquiries, 40 new referrals, I’ve done 25 assessments, 16 new people have joined us and we had other people move on, who've graduated from GROW.

We're going to try and stabilise things here now. We want to help as many people as possible."