The island facing an exodus of young people
Excerpt and Photo from bbc.com Surrounded by sea and golden sands, Alderney – the most northerly of the Channel Islands – is facing a challenge. With a population of just over 2,000, the island has an ageing demographic which is making some fear for its future. Those who live in Alderney said a lack of job opportunities, affordable transport and even things to do was leading to an exodus of young people. “If we can’t retain the younger generation, then we’ll be in big trouble trying to look after the older generation,” said charity worker Barbara Benfield. Ms Benfield, who was born in Alderney and runs the island’s Age Concern charity, which was hosting a bingo night when she spoke to the BBC, said: “It’s charities and goodwill that support a lot of the things those elderly people need. “I see every day how many elderly people are here.” As the game rolled on, she expressed concerns about the rising costs of long-term health benefits and predicted a future of “serious financial trouble” unless the burden eased. Adding to the financial worries, she said many young people were leaving the island to look for jobs and failing to return when they have their own children.
