Real stories, real help: Marking 30 years the Jersey Consumer Council way

When we started planning how to mark the Jersey Consumer Council’s 30th anniversary, we faced a choice. We could have done what many organisations do at such milestones: host a dinner, raise a glass, and look back fondly at our achievements.

But the truth is, this didn’t sit right with us. Islanders are facing the toughest cost of living pressures in decades. Families are juggling bills, some struggling to put food on the table, others worrying about rent or mortgages. We knew that if we were going to mark this anniversary, it had to be with something that truly mattered.

That’s how Jersey’s first ever Consumer Fair was born.

I’ll admit, on the morning of the Fair the usual nerves were there. Would anyone come? Would people find it useful? Would all our effort actually make a difference? Within minutes of the doors opening, those worries disappeared. Islanders certainly did come. By the end of the day, over 400 people had visited — and most of them weren’t just browsing. They were there because they needed help.

Some of the conversations I had with Islanders at the weekend will stick with me for a long time.

A young couple who were new parents, came in worried about how to budget with rising food and energy costs. They left armed with practical tips on saving money while supermarket shopping and new contacts who could help them find further support.

And one woman I spoke to admitted that she was being crippled by credit card debt and could not see a way out. Within minutes, we had put her in touch with the fabulous team at Citizens Advice, who were on hand to work with her to help her get free from the problem. After talking with a local charity at their stand, she left with a weight partially lifted, relieved that she finally had someone to turn to.

These are just a two of the many stories that made the event worthwhile. Each conversation proved that the Fair wasn’t about leaflets, free pens and sweets, or fancy displays — it was about listening, guiding, and empowering Islanders.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generosity of the organisations who gave up their Friday and Saturday to be there. Their staff and volunteers didn’t just show up; they truly engaged. They listened with patience, offered clear advice, and treated every person with dignity. I am enormously grateful for their time, effort and commitment.

This Fair was about the consumers of Jersey — the people we exist to serve. And it showed me, very clearly, that there is a hunger for this kind of direct, practical help.

That’s why we are already thinking ahead. The feedback we’ve had suggests a shorter, more concentrated event might work even better next time, and we are keen to build on what we’ve learned. Because if 400 Islanders could benefit at our first event, imagine how many more we could reach with a format refined for the future.

The challenges ahead are undeniable. Prices continue to rise, bills weigh heavily, and many feel powerless. But what the Fair reminded me is that information, advice and advocacy can make a real difference. Sometimes just talking to the right person at the right time can transform worry into confidence.

Yes, I am proud of what we achieved, but I am even more determined about what comes next. Because the Council has never been about dinners or anniversaries. It has always been, and must always be, about helping people — one conversation, one problem, one solution at a time.

And if the Consumer Fair showed us anything, it is that Islanders want, need, and deserve that support now more than ever.

Watch this space for next year's fair.