What's On - February 2026
Our news feed gives information about upcoming events, training sessions and awareness days. If you know of an event that isn't listed below, please tell your Employment Coordinator so we can add this.
Training
Check back here for the latest training as it is planned.
What's on this February
Dean and Charlie
In August we remembered our JET colleague Dean Lowe and his lovely son Charlie, it has been two years since he was last in the office with us.
We still think about him and talk about him all the time. If you are coming for a meeting at Oakfield please do feel free to spend some time at our new memorial seating area there and enjoy the peace and flowers - he did love his garden and growing all sorts of floral and vegetable offerings for us at JET.
News from JET
JET Jaunt 2025
The JET Jaunt 2025 was a huge success, great fun was had by all participants and a lot of money has been raised to help the work we do here at JET. Many thanks to all who took part and who worked so hard to make it a success again!
More info here:
https://www.jet.co.je/support-us/jet-events/
Community Events
Why not get involved in a local event to support a Jersey charity, or just have fun and meet new people.
Jersey Heritage have some great walking routes available to try on their website - including new Geowalks. These are accompanied guided walks around different areas of Jersey - a partnership between Jersey Heritage and Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark (AJIG). For more information and a link to book tickets please press here.
4 February - Closer to Home event at Jersey Library, 11am – 3pm (World Cancer Day)
Join organisations at Jersey Library as they mark World Cancer Day with a Connect Me event focused on support, awareness and preventative care. A wide range of local cancer‑related organisations and community services will be available to share information, give guidance and support. Organisations include Macmillan Jersey, Help2Quit Stop Smoking Service and government support teams. Click here for the full list or organisations taking part.
Hear from local experts and community voices at the panel session from 1pm – 2pm.
Panel Members
• Prof. Peter Bradley – Director of Public Health
• Dr. James Kerr – General Practitioner
• Dr. Chris Edmond – Medical Director, WorkHealth Jersey
• Sue De George – Screening Programmes Manager
• Antonia Rubio – Journalist, cancer survivor, and ambassador
• Rhona Reardon - Lead Stop Smoking Nurse Specialist, Help2Quit Stop Smoking Service
The panel will be chaired by Dr. Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, Clinical Lead for Cancer Services and Screening. Click here to reserve your spot. Booking is recommended but not required.
Islanders are encouraged to contribute to the digital pledge wall by adding one positive change they will make to cut their cancer risk.
8 February - Jersey Heritage are holding an event named Folklore for Families at Hamptonne between 1-3pm. The event is preferably for children over the age of 10. Child tickets £6 each, accompanying adults are free.
16 – 20 February is half term, the Maritime museum is holding a Pirates celebration week, lots of action packed fun! Entry free to members and children under 6.
Jersey Library is hosting some lego evenings for adults in their Adult Lego Club. It is held every Wednesday evening at the Town Library from 6-8 pm. The club is for adults only 18 yrs and over. There is no need to book and all lego is provided.
Jersey Library is also currently running Creative Fridays
Every Friday from 10am to 12pm, get creative, have a coffee or tea and meet people. You need to be aged 16 and over. You don’t need to book. Crochet and knit takes place every first Friday of the month and activities change in other weeks. This month there is Upcycled Book Christmas Tree Decoration making on the12th December and Mindful Colouring on the 19th.
As well as these the library also has a program of therapy dogs being available for comfort and love! They are at Les Quennevais library every Saturday morning between 10.30 and 11.30, and in town they come in on different days, this month they are there on 5th, 13th, 16th and 22nd December. The times are still 10.30 to 11.30 am.
The library also has access to a free online program that you can use to improve digital skills, as a library member, you can learn how to use a computer or develop your skills using Learn My Way.
They also offer free extra support to anyone using Learn My Way at the Town Library every:
- Tuesday 6pm to 7pm
- Thursday 10am to 11am
Sessions take place in the computer room on the first floor. You can come to as many sessions as you need but you have to book in advance.
For children, you are able to write a letter to Santa and post it to him in a special post box in the library, until 12th December. He will then write back due to the brilliance and support from Jersey Post!
Jersey Scrabble Club - The club meets every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm at Salvation Army Jersey, on Minden Street, St Helier.
The Autumn League (starting soon) is a great way to learn Scrabble or improve your game, with tips and help given if needed. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned player, there's a place for you. New joiners are welcome to come along and simply enjoy the game—no need to join the league right away. Practice sessions are free, and the Handicap costs just £12 in total, including refreshments.
📞 Contact: Alex Mallinson
Tel: 07797 744228, Email: alexmallinson72@gmail.com
Mind Jersey hold a Women's group on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 5-7pm at the Drop in centre in town. Go for support and friendship with other like minded ladies!
Breathing Matters Choir and other activities by the Respiratory Team
A recently formed choir, set up by the Respiratory Team for people with chronic lung diseases, is looking for new members. The choir is just one of three initiatives set up by the Respiratory Team to support adult Islanders with lung issues or illnesses. “Breathing Matters Choir” provides free sessions with singing coach Gia Morgan Vocals with Gia - Jersey CI & Online for those with conditions such as asthma, COPD or Bronchiectasis. The group was formed through the Government’s Connect Me: Connecting Our Communities grant scheme, which was established to help fund cultural or physical activities for those whose mental and physical health may have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Karen Hughes, said: “Singing has been clinically proven to be of benefit for people with breathing and respiratory conditions. We do lots of singing exercises like blowing through tubes which is great for clearing your chest and improving your lung function.” One choir member said: “The exercises really helped in showing me how to get rid of all that stale air. I am genuinely someone who cannot sing a single note in tune but that didn’t stop me enjoying the session. I am now even tempted to sing Edelweiss in the shower!” “You don’t have to be good at singing,” she said. “It’s meant for people who don’t have any experience. You can also bring a friend or relative along with you. It’s really informal and is meant to be fun.”
Singing coach Gia added: “It’s so very important singing, and it is hugely valuable for lung health. In these sessions, we will use techniques to encourage deep breathing which can improve lung capacity and function.
“It will involve controlled breathing techniques that helps strengthen the respiratory muscles and increase oxygen flow to the lungs. This has been proven to enhance lung efficiency, increase oxygenation of the blood and improve overall respiratory health. Additionally, it holistically promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can also benefit your lung health. The sessions are fun, and no-one is asked to perform solo.”
The choir meets approximately every two weeks on a Monday at 12.30pm. It is held in the day room at Jersey Hospice and there is plenty of flat car parking available. Approximately 20 people, a 50:50 mix of men and women attend but they are also looking for new members. To find out more, call the Respiratory team on 01534 442238 and kindly spread the word.
Karen has also set up a friends walking group for her patients, which meets every Monday at 9.30am for a gentle walk on the promenade by Sands café near the Jersey Pearl in St Ouen.
There is also a respiratory meeting for adults with chronic lung diseases. The group meets in the day room of the Hospice between 2pm and 4pm on the first Thursday of the month where there is the opportunity to discuss any issues around their respiratory health with a member of the Respiratory team and invited speakers.
Awareness Days
February is LGBT+ History Month, it’s a time to celebrate diversity and this year the theme is Visibility, Voice and Value. We are encouraged as a community to consider how greater visibility can encourage empowerment, and how important it is that every voice is heard. Locally, contact Liberate for more advice and guidance around all LGBT+ conversations
2-8 February - Race Equality Week
What is Race Equality Week?
Race Equality Week is a UK-wide initiative uniting thousands of public and private sector organisations to take meaningful action on race equality. It’s a call to move beyond words and make race equality everyone’s business.
Race Equality Week offers a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of race equality, broaden our awareness of others’ experiences, and consider the everyday actions, big or small, that help create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
Why It Matters
Progress on race equality remains slow: (Race Equality Matters data)
76% of employees feel most allies are not active.
47% say leaders are uncomfortable talking about race.
Ethnically diverse colleagues often feel unseen and misunderstood
83% have left organisations because they didn’t feel they belonged.
Tackling race inequality cannot be left to a few, it needs all of us.
For more information you can visit Race Equality Week 2026 - 2nd - 8th Feb 2026 - Race Equality Matters.
6 February - Time to Talk day. Its always good to have someone you trust who you can talk to, even more when you have any issues that you need to discuss. If you need support then you can always ask your Employment Coordinator for advice about who to speak to, or try the Listening Lounge on 866793 for an appointment. If you are really struggling, the Samaritans provide a 24 hour service to listen to anyone who calls. Their number is 0330 094 5717.
You could always take advantage of Time to Talk day to make an effort to get back in touch with old friends or acquaintances over a cuppa and cake! It's good to talk!
2-8 February - Tinnitus Awareness Week. This condition affects lots of people in our community and can be very debilitating. Sufferers often get continuous ringing sounds in their ears which can reduce their quality of life as they battle to hear over the noise. If you have issues with your ears you can speak to Audiology who can advise you.
14 February - St Valentines Day - a day for all those who are in love!
17 February is Random Acts of Kindness Day. What can you do for someone else? Maybe you will have some kindness shown towards you today!
17 February is Pancake Day as Lent starts the day after. Make sure you use up all your ingredients and enjoy a pancake or two
23 February – 1st March is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. If you feel you have an issue with food and would like some advice or someone to speak to who will understand you please contact JEDS - (Jersey Eating Disorder Support), they will be able to help and signpost to other agencies.
General Information
Update on carers review
The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, has announced changes to services and support for carers and people with care needs. This follows a detailed review of Jersey’s benefit system, current services and support, as well as discussions with carers’ organisations.
The Minister has committed to:
- Enabling Long-Term Care, LTC, payments to be made directly to individuals or families, so they have the flexibility and choice to manage their own finances
- Changing how care packages are assessed so parts of the package can be paid directly to the individual or to an informal carer on their behalf, to help meet specific costs for the person receiving the care
- Ensuring carers know a weekly sum can be set aside from a care package to provide a respite budget that will cover the cost of providing care while they take a complete break from time to time
- A dedicated advisor to provide carers with individual advice and direct them to support services that are available to them from 23 February
- A new dedicated page on the Government of Jersey website to bring together all information on support for carers
- A Carers Connect Me event on 17 March to bring people together and share information and resources.
The full findings of the review also considered calls for pensioner carers to be allowed to claim the full Home Carers’ Allowance, HCA, and a pension at the same time.
Under Jersey’s social security system, Islanders can only claim one working age contributory benefit at a time from the contributions they have paid and then receive an old-age pension when they reach pension age. Pension payments are based on the number of contributions an Islander has made through their working life. Carers who do not have a full contribution record when they reach pension age can choose to have their pension payments topped up to reach the level of the Home Carers’ Allowance.
The Support for Unpaid Carers and People with Care Needs: Findings Report found that changing the system to enable Islanders to claim both the full HCA benefit and a full pension on top of that would require a significant increase in funding. Such a change would not benefit carers of working age, would not target financial support where it is most needed, and is not the type of support that most carers have been asking for. The review found that whilst there is already a good level of financial support available, there is more that can be done in terms of practical support and the resources available to informal carers.
Jersey’s election explained: unlock your political power in 2026!
Did you know that you can vote in Jersey's next election if you're aged 16 or over and have lived in the Island for one year leading up to Sunday 7 June 2026?
Vote.je is Jersey's Official Election Guide and it's our mission to help people understand Jersey's political system and to empower them to vote in every election as soon as they become eligible.
Join a FREE interactive, one-hour session which will take you behind-the-scenes and into the States Chamber, where Jersey’s elected parliament meets to debate and create the Island's laws.
You’ll learn how the decisions that affect our daily lives are made by the States Assembly, and how our elections work, so that you’ll be informed and ready to vote on election day.
The session is politically neutral, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Vote.je is delivered by the States Greffe (clerks to Jersey’s parliament) and overseen by the Jersey Electoral Authority.
There are eight dates to choose from and tickets are bookable via Eventbrite.
Wednesday 18 February 12pm-1pm
Saturday 7 March 10am-11am
Saturday 11 April 10am-11am
Thursday 30 April 12pm-1pm
Saturday 16 May 10am-11am
Thursday 21 May 5.30pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 27 May 12pm-1pm
Thursday 4 June 12pm-1pm
For further information and queries, please email getinvolved@gov.je
Making Jersey Zoo accessible
Jersey Zoo want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy a fantastic day out at Jersey Zoo, reconnect with nature, learn about Durrell and support us in our mission of saving species from extinction. These tickets offer zoo entry at a reduced rate of £6 per person to those in receipt of Income Support, for a maximum of 6 people per household. The aim of the Income Support ticket is to help those who may find cost or other challenges to be a barrier to visiting Jersey Zoo.To be eligible, you must be in receipt of Income Support and be able to show evidence of this and photographic ID on arrival to the zoo. We understand there may be sensitivities around individual circumstances, so this offer is initially available to book online only at https://buy2.myonlinebooking.co.uk/jerseyzoo/buy.aspx?tid=54.
Booking your visit
Upon arrival, a member of our admissions team will assist with your entry. To validate your booking, please bring evidence of your Income Support and photographic ID with you.
More information can be found on this link income Support tickets | Durrell
Health and Care Jersey launch new volunteering programme
Health and Care Jersey are pleased to announce the launch of a new volunteering programme. This initiative offers Islanders the opportunity to contribute their time, skills, and compassion to support patients, families and visitors. No previous medical experience is required, just a caring heart and commitment to make a difference. Volunteers will receive training before starting and will also be given ongoing support to ensure they feel confident in their roles.
Volunteers will not only make a difference in the lives of others but also gain personal growth, new skills, and make meaningful connections.
Applications are now open. For more information or to apply, please visit www.gov.je/VolunteerHCJ
The Government’s proposed Budget 2026–29 includes help to support Islanders where it’s needed the most, by investing in the future of our Island. This includes investing in families, pensioners and healthcare.
These investments aim to support families in Jersey with:
✅ Free nursery places for 2–3 year olds.
✅ Increasing investment in early years to almost £7 million. Saving families up to £6,000 a year.
✅ A new secondary school at Mont à l’Abbé.
✅ £16 million St Helier Youth Centre development.
✅ Access to healthy hot meal at school every day.
✅ £12.6 million towards new and improved residential care facilities.
✅ £7.6m for Children’s Services.
✅ Back-to-School Bonus to help with the cost of school uniforms and supplies.
Includes expanding Pension Plus so that more pensioners can get help with their health costs, helping pensioners stay active and remain independent. This includes:
✅ GP fees through the Health Access Scheme
✅ Dental check-ups and treatment.
✅ Optical and chiropody services.
Making sure Islanders get quality care now, while keeping our health system sustainable for the future by:
✅ Committing £15.6 million to meet Jersey’s growing healthcare needs.
✅ Investing an extra £4 million a year to help Islanders stay fit, healthy and well.
✅ Investing in digital healthcare to early diagnosis and new facilities.
✅ Develop a single patient record ensuring joined up care.
Read more about the proposed Budget here: https://bit.ly/4nTptZV
Jersey's benefit system
Not sure what benefits you’re entitled to? Whether you’re working, raising a family, or planning for retirement, Jersey’s benefits system is designed to support you and your family. Learn how they work together and what support might be available to you. Contact the departments below to get all the advice you need.
Employment, Social Security & Housing can guide you through the support available:
Visit: Union Street office, weekdays 8:30am–5pm
Check wait times: gov.je/ESSHwaitingtime
Book online: gov.je/ESSH
Call: 01534 444444 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5pm)
Use online services: gov.je/ESSH
Mental Health Information
Crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important – it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities. That’s why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone. In Jersey we have the responsibility of looking after each other as well as being aware of our own mental health. If you are struggling there are agencies available to help,
The Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours a day,
116 123 free from any phone
0330 094 5717 local call charges apply
If you are in crisis you can call Adult Mental Health 445290. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They do sometimes receive a large number of calls. If you can't wait on the phone, you can leave a message and they will get back to you as soon as possible. In a crisis, they aim to see you within 4 hours, where this is assessed to be clinically indicated. Otherwise, they will arrange for you to be seen as soon as possible depending on your needs. However If you or someone you know are in immediate danger of serious harm and you need immediate medical help or the help of the police call 999. Give as much information as possible to the operator and be as clear as you can when giving your address or location, and telephone number.
If you're already receiving support from one of the community mental health teams, you should contact the team and your care co-ordinator or the team's duty worker.
You can call them 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday:
-
Older Adults, Community Mental Health Team on +44 (0) 1534 444830
-
Working age adults, Community Mental Health Team on +44 (0) 1534 445270
If you need support outside of these hours call +44 (0) 1534 445290.
The Association of Jersey Charities are asking for help in understanding giving in Jersey — whether you give to charity or not
They are inviting everyone in Jersey to take part in the Jersey Giving Survey, run by 4insight on behalf of the Association of Jersey Charities.
This short, anonymous survey aims to build a clear picture of how people across the Island engage with charitable giving — whether that means donating money, volunteering time, supporting causes in other ways, or not giving at all.
Your honest views will help charities and community organisations better understand how people feel about giving today.
- It only takes a few minutes to complete.
- You don’t need to be involved with any charity to take part.
- Every voice matters — we want to hear from everyone.
- As a thank you for your time, you can enter a prize draw to win £100.
👉 Take the survey now: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/jerseygivingsurvey/
European Union new Entry/Exit System goes live on 12 October 2025
The European Union, EU, will officially launch its new Entry/Exit System, EES, on 12 October 2025, marking a significant shift in border control procedures for non-EU nationals, including British citizens, travelling to the Schengen area.
People travelling from Jersey do not need to take any action before travel, and there is no cost for EES registration.
The EES is designed to enhance security across the EU and neighbouring countries. It will automate border checks, replacing the current practice of manually stamping passports, and help authorities monitor overstays and reduce illegal migration.
British passport holders (including Jersey variant passports) visiting any of the 29 Schengen countries for short stays will be required to register their fingerprints and have a photograph taken upon arrival.
The system will be gradually phased in over six months at EU entry points.
Countries in the Schengen Area Include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Please note the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area, and EES does not apply when travelling to these countries.
The EES does not apply to nationals of EU countries that participate in the border system, as well as to holders of residence cards, residence permits, or long-stay visas. A full list of those exempt from the EES can be found here, and it can also be accessed through the gov.je website linked below.
For more information on the European Union Entry/Exit Scheme, please visit: European Union Entry and Exit System.
European Union new Entry/Exit System goes live on 12 October 2025
A new scheme is now in place to assist people who need help with their skills, careers opportunities and choices. It is named 'Get Ahead'
Get Ahead assists individuals who are in receipt of Income Support in enhancing their careers and skills. Participation in this service is optional and will not impact their Income Support benefits.
Get Ahead can help individuals to:
- develop and progress their career
- develop their skills and confidence
- earn more money
You can take part if you’re already working your required hours or are not required to work under the income support eligibility rules. The Get Ahead team can help individuals with funding towards training, development, and qualifications, career advice and guidance, job searching and applications, CV and cover letters, money management, childcare advice and options, Health and wellbeing and planning for the future.
Eligibility for the service:
1. Receiving Income Support with 5 years residency and
2. Already working required hours determined by the income support rules
Or
3. Early parent returners (parent with children under 3 years old)
You can email the team on getahead@gov.je or call +44 (0) 1534 447589. Please also see Career and skills help if you're on Income Support (Get Ahead) for more information and links.
For individuals not receiving Income Support
You can receive help with your career or education, by contacting Skills Jersey.
The team at Skills Jersey provides guidance, services and resources to support students, Islanders and local businesses with going into further education, establishing career paths, starting university and exploring apprenticeship opportunities.
Find more information on skills, careers and higher education.
The Government has moved offices to the new building on the site of Cyril Le Marquand house on Union Street. It now houses employees from Eagle House and La Motte Street and is a hub for the community where we can gain advice and support around areas such as pensions, income support, contributions, registration cards, housing, planning and building control. It opened on 9th December, opening hours are from 8.30 to 5pm, phone number remains the same at 444444. The name of 'Customer and Local Services' will change to become 'Employment, Social Security and Housing'
Your Voice Matters
Macmillan Jersey, whose purpose is to provide cancer support to anyone affected by cancer in Jersey, are asking for your help. By sharing your experiences and suggestions, you'll be directly contributing to the enhancement of services and income strategies ensuring they meet the needs of everyone in our community. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey - your input will make a real difference.
Elemental Launch – Social Prescribing in Jersey
Connect Me: Connecting Our Communities is proud to launch Elemental, which is an online social prescribing solution designed for GP’s and other frontline healthcare professionals so that people with social, emotional, or practical needs are empowered to engage in local programmes and services to which improve their health and wellbeing. In due course, islanders will be able to self-refer themselves to get help, but for the time being referrals will mostly be done via the GP’s. This is a natural flow of progression considering that Connect Me is all about connecting islanders by providing opportunities for them to take part in cultural and physical activities, often that have been out of reach for them due to finances, mobility or isolation.
It is well-proven that joining in social activities and meeting other people greatly improves peoples physical, mental and social well-being therefore Elemental is a fantastic way of delivering help and support to our islanders.
Newly appointed Link Workers will pick up referrals through the Elemental system and will have the opportunity to listen, support and guide people to a new hobby, sport or cultural activity – and some people may even pick up a pastime that they have not been able to do in years – but most importantly, they will be informed and directed to join one of the many activities happening in Jersey that hopefully, in turn, will improve their life.
elementalsoftware.site/jersey/
Check out the link above to the Jersey website which is also a comprehensive directory of activities & services in Jersey, it is not complete yet, but worth a look and if there is an activity that you know is happening in Jersey but is not listed, please contact Jo Goodhall j.goodhall@gov.je – they want as many activities, services and programmes to be listed as possible.
Dementia Jersey Carers Packs
Are you a family carer for someone with dementia? Check out Dementia Jersey’s new FREE Carers Support Pack which contains carefully curated information and advice based on the charity’s years of experience supporting people with dementia and their families and friends. This pack includes guides, tools, and information to help you navigate the caregiving journey.
In the pack, you'll find information on:
Dementia Jersey's services
The Dementia Pathway
‘This is Me’ booklet
Aid to Locate booklet
The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme
Memory Assessment Leaflet
Long Term Care Scheme
Discover valuable resources and support for family carers with Dementia Jersey's Carers Pack! Visit www.dementia.je/carerspack to find out more.
Improvements made to Long-Term Care Scheme communications
The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Elaine Millar, is delighted to announce the completion of a review and enhancements to the Long-Term Care (LTC) Scheme communications, to make them more straightforward and easier to understand. Delivering these enhancements is a key priority of the Minister’s 2023 Delivery Plan. The new communications have been developed after discussions with all stakeholders, including carers and people who currently participate in the LTC scheme.
The workstream to review and improve the communications material, has delivered:
- Updated scheme literature: There is a new Information Pack made up of three separate, newly designed, shorter leaflets to provide clear explanations of each Long-Term Care Scheme scenario and a simple ‘roadmap’ which provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide for someone as they apply for the Long-Term Care Scheme. Information is available in larger font, on request.
- New webpages: To further enhance how information is presented, new webpages have been launched. They offer new content and interactive menus, ensuring that Islanders can access the details they need, quickly and easily. This is available to view. An animated explainer video and EasyRead resources will also be added to the webpages.
Mind Jersey
Mind Jersey have started several new groups in their centres in town. They are generally open for anyone who needs support, friendship or a chat! There are lots of options, from Man Club to a DVD club, Art groups to a walking group. The best way to find out what is happening is on their facebook page, follow this link. Their new hub is called 'Friends of Mine' and can be found on Seale Street not far from the Town Hall. You can drop in to see them and get support, free tea/coffee and a chat. They are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday - give it a try! If you need to find out more you can call their admin line 07829 933929
Macmillan Jersey are offering some new wellbeing fitness classes to try out. If you have been supporting a loved one with cancer, or have recently lost someone to cancer, maybe you've finished cancer treatment and trying to feel more like yourself again, and make some healthy changes to your lifestyle.
You might like to try Macmillan Jersey's new Boxing Better wellbeing fitness class with The Rock Fitness.
Not only is exercise essential for physical and mental health - but these classes can be empowering, cathartic and a great way to relieve stress and channel your energy into something positive through a difficult time.
Sign up today for a block of 12 free sessions (2 per week) by emailing admin@macmillanjersey.com or calling 498188.
Shopmobility
Shopmobility offers a highly subsidised scheme aimed mainly, but not exclusively, at individuals on Income Support who do not meet the criteria for Health supplied equipment. The scheme is designed for those who wish to boost their mobility and enhance their quality of life, thus avoiding the need to consider entering a care home or indeed suffering periods of time in hospital and therefore remaining for longer in their own domestic setting to the benefit of their wellbeing. Proof of need to participate in the scheme is required from either a doctor, including individual GPs, the Occupational or Physiotherapy Departments of Health and Community Services.
The cost to the individual in participating in the scheme is set at £35 per calendar month, easily met from the mobility element of Income Support, with this charge covering insurance, batteries (replacement if needed) and on-going equipment maintenance, along with delivery and collection as needed.
The scooters provided will remain the property of Shopmobility and will be collected when no longer required. In the interests of safety full training is offered by Shopmobility so insurance cover is extended to the scheme and the Charity reserves absolutely the right to refuse applications as deemed appropriate if there are concerns over safe usage at its discretion.
Applications and advice regarding the scheme are readily available not only to potential users but to their family and friends via direct contact at Shopmobility in the Lower Ground Floor of Sand Street Car Park or by phone on 739672.
Alternatively prospective clients can email Mr Edward Trevor, MBE ( Hon Chairman) using edward@shopmobility.org.je who will respond as necessary.
Video Magnifier Project
EYECAN prides itself on its responsiveness to needs in the community. This year EYECAN launched a video magnifier project, which involves the phased distribution of long-term loan video magnifiers to care venues and libraries. The devices support individuals with sight loss to access books, documents, undertake precision tasks such as colouring and needlework, and to revisit photographs, which can prompt reminiscence.
Eyecan is pleased to announce that a video magnifier is now available for the public to use at the Library in St Helier. It is situated on the ground floor in an accessible place to the left of the front doors. A staff member should be on hand to show people how to use it.
The ClearView C is a desktop video magnifier for people with low vision. It is designed for people who need magnification to read, write or do their hobbies. The size of the text can be greatly increased, and the image can be enhanced to provide clearer contrast.
The Government’s Parental Support Payment has launched and is open for applications.
You may be eligible to apply if you meet all the following criteria:
- You have lived in Jersey for less than five years
- You have “registered” status
- You have children under the age of 18
- Your gross household income last year was no more than £36,000 for a single person and £48,000 for a couple
Payments are £250 for one child and £500 for two or more children.
To apply for this money please speak to your EC or call 444444 to speak to someone in Customer and Local Services who will be able to help you.
Gov.je has a website for those with a learning disability, transforming how they can access information - it is now live here
The site, which has been reviewed by service users, improves how information is presented to make sure it is in an accessible and easy to understand format. The project was undertaken as Islanders with learning disabilities struggled with complex information on gov.je and needed help to understand it.
The Adult Learning Disability Team has worked with the Government of Jersey’s Web Services Team in consultation with service users to create the site which delivers “easy read” content in HTML format. It presents information as a combination of images and clear, understandable text. Check it out on the link above and see if its a useful service for you.
Don't put off your cervical screening
We have recently had Cervical Screening Awareness Week, women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 are being encouraged to opt-in to the free cervical screening programme.
Cervical screening detects Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a viral infection passed between people through skin-to-skin and sexual contact which is the main cause of cervical cancer. If HPV is detected the screening sample will then be checked for any underlying abnormalities of the cervical cells.
Women and people with a cervix are reminded that they need to opt-in to the programme when they turn 25 by contacting their GP.
It is important that Islanders attend their screenings regularly (every three years for those aged 25-50, and every five years for those aged 50-64) as HPV can lie dormant for many years. Read more in Don’t put off your cervical screening (gov.je)
Coop Quiet Hour - In conjunction with Autism Jersey and the National Autistic Society, Coop Grande Marche St Peter and St Helier are extending their Quiet Hour on Mondays from 3 - 5pm and Saturdays 5-7pm Read more here
Concessionary bus pass scheme to include free travel for companions
Carers or companions of eligible Islanders in the AvanchiAccess scheme will be able to travel on the bus for free, following an extension of the scheme by the Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE) department.
The existing AvanchiAccess scheme provides unlimited free travel for Islanders who have a long-term disability preventing them from driving. The AvanchiAccess+ scheme includes free travel for carers or companions who need to assist those Islanders who cannot travel alone on the bus some or all of the time.
Eligible Islanders who are part of the existing scheme or new customers that want to apply for the AvanchiAccess+ scheme should pick up an application form from Liberation Station, parish halls, doctors' surgeries and community organisations around the Island to apply. The pass will then be ready to use from 1 October.
Islanders must meet the eligibility criteria which includes having a long-term disability that prevents them from driving and the need to have a companion assist them on the bus some or all of the time.
For the full criteria visit www.gov.je/buses or www.libertybus.je.
Free screening checks to prevent sight loss
Islanders with diabetes are being urged to come forward to check if they are at risk of losing their sight to one of the leading – but largely preventable – causes of blindness in the developed world.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the top five causes of blindness and sight loss in both the working age population and developed world. There are about 4,500 Islanders with diabetes and the team carry out about 5,000 free screening checks, which involves taking a variety of 2D and 3D images of the back of the eye (retina) to look for diabetic changes, a year.
Improvements to the service, which began last year, means that the waiting list for retinal screening has been cleared and the team is now urging anyone who feels they should be screened to contact them by calling 01534 444590. The clinics are free and can be offered in Spanish, Portuguese and Polish. Please check out the information here
The Salvation Army are continuing helping those in need this year.
Their year-round support is available at their Minden Place premises, call Salvation Army HQ on 735472, the office is open 9-1 Monday to Friday for more details of their help.
- Food bank – the Salvation Army food bank will be running for those in short-term financial crisis. Food parcels include toiletries and baby items such as nappies/wipes/formula. For longer term support, i.e. more than 6 weeks, please consider referring to the other foodbanks on the island.
- Voucher support will continue to be available for those in immediate financial hardship. This includes utility top-ups (Jersey Electric, heating oil, and Jersey Gas) and supermarket vouchers.
- Community cafe is open offering free soup daily.
Pastoral support – the Salvation Army are always happy to listen and chat with people and offer pastoral support and/or signposting as appropriate, in their friendly community cafe.
There are more food banks in operation at the moment on Island, The Grace Trust offer food to those in need from their base in Lewis Street, they are happy to help and can be contacted to talk through difficulties. Please follow this link for their website.
SVP (Saint Vincent de Paul Society) also provides food bank access, they are open on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. They are based in an office at the side of St Thomas Church in St Helier. For more information please follow this link
If you need any further help or information about any of the above please talk to your Employment Coordinator, we can assist with referrals or point you in the right direction.