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Social group 'makes huge difference' to members

Chris CraddockJersey communities reporter
Kira Moisan Large group of people seated and standing on a sandy beach in front of a concrete wall, raising their arms toward the camera. A dog lies on the sand in the foreground, with picnic items and bags scattered around.Kira Moisan
Safety in New Friends gives people a chance to socialise in a supportive enviroment

Some members of a social group that started on Facebook have said "it makes a huge difference" for them to make friends.

Kira Moisan started Safety in New Friends four years ago to help those who were experiencing social isolation in Jersey.

She has been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards for this work.

Moisan uses the group to organise events where people can form friendships and bonds with others in a safe and inclusive environment. She said she had seen the group grow and develop over the years and she hoped it would continue to help others.

Kira is standing on a beach in front of a large concrete wall, wearing a dark long-sleeve top. A small group sits behind her on blankets and chairs, slightly out of focus.
Kira Moisan has been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards

She said: "My heart's so full with it... It feels so amazing to meet all these people.

"Loneliness is definitely an issue that everyone's aware of and I just want to make a little bit of a difference.

After hearing she had been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards, Moisan said: "I was so, so blown away because these things don't happen to me.

"I love putting effort into this group, and I always have done and I always will do, so it really means a lot that that recognition."

Viviana is standing on a sandy beach in front of a concrete wall, wearing a pink sweater with red heart patterns. Several people sit on folding chairs and blankets in the blurred background.
Viviana Hoyos said Kira's work has helped her when she moved to Jersey

Viviana Hoyos moved to Jersey from Ecuador nearly six months ago and found the group was a good way to settle into the island.

She said: "It's a different culture, so it's nice to get to know people in a more natural environment.

"It's so important to have a community of friends, especially being a woman, because we need girl friendships so that literally means the world.

"Kira's been lovely and we bonded because all girls have something in common and it doesn't matter where we come from."

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