Search for term time hosts in Guernsey

Islanders are being asked to become term time hosts for 16-18 year olds from Herm and Alderney while they complete their education in Guernsey.

The Family Placement Service said it was searching for hosts to offer their home, meals and emotional support to students. In return, hosts would receive a monthly allowance.

Social worker Nicky Hubert said it allowed young people to gain qualifications and grow in confidence.

One student who lives with a host in Guernsey is 17-year-old Summer, who said the scheme and living with a host family had made her feel "more confident".

She said: "I'm always a very nervous person going into things that I'm not familiar with and having a comfortable space to go back to after college, it just assures me that I'm going to be fine.

"I think it's amazing how families are offering this to students so they can continue their further education but with a comfortable environment to go back to as well."

Summer said her host family in Guernsey made her feel welcome straight away.

"They've fed me well, they've taken care of me - it's almost like I'm part of the family and I'm really grateful that they've made me feel like that," she said.

Summer is currently studying beauty therapy and hopes to open her own wellness centre in Alderney.

Ms Hubert said the service was "desperate" for more host families to sign up and support.

She said: "At the moment we've got six approved host families and seven students in placement - from September 2026 we've got 10 students coming over to continue their education in Guernsey.

"We're only going to have four host families possibly available, so we're really in desperate, urgent need of more host families to come forward who would like to provide a safe, comfortable space for the ordinary student during term time only."

Ms Hubert added: "Hosts provide a safe and comfortable home for Alderney and Herm students, enabling them to attend sixth form or college.

"This opportunity allows young people to gain qualifications, grow in confidence, and often progress to university.

"None of this would be possible without our host families."

Cath Black, Team Manager of the Family Placement Service, said host families created "life-changing opportunities" for students.

She said: "By opening their homes, they help students build the confidence and independence they need to thrive."

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