My Community Series: The Guernsey small non-profit market making a big difference

• Visit the local market where prices are not based on profit

Every Friday, 10am. That's when locals in one of Guernsey's parishes come together at a non-profit community market to not only provide fresh produce but also an important lifeline for their neighbours.

Starting with just one stall a decade ago, the North Community Market in the Vale has grown substantially and around 15 stallholders now take part regularly.

Islanders can buy a range of items from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade stuffed toys and birthday cards.

However, many just go for the opportunity to socialise with people they otherwise would not see with the chance to catch-up over a coffee and take part in a raffle.

Janet Dereham helped set it up and says: "As we all get older, we do less. The market gives people an opportunity to meet new people and make friends, so it's just a brilliant idea and I hope more parishes take it up."

The market is not for profit with all the proceeds put towards renting the Douzaine room and the costs of keeping it going.

Organiser Sarah Breton adds: "It's a meeting point, it's social and regular. People have a chance to pick up things they are using for events such as Christmas cards. However, the main thing is that it's like a coffee morning which brings huge amounts of help and support for people who need it most."

Janet and Sarah were interviewed as part of ITV Channel's 'My Community Series' which celebrates the importance of coming together - it can be a cookery class, a sports session, friends meeting up and much more.

To share what community means to you, send an email with the subject 'My Community' to channelnews@itv.com with a few details about what you do and why it is so special so we can come along and hear all about it.

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