Newsfeed

What's On - May 2025

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.

 

 

 

 

What's on this May

Dean and Charlie

In August we remembered our JET colleague Dean Lowe and his lovely son Charlie, it has been a year 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

 

 

Fancy a challenge? Love Race Across the World? Want to support JET?

The JET Jaunt was a huge success, great fun was had by all participants and a lot of money raised to help the work we do here at JET. Keep your eyes peeled for the return of the Jaunt later this year!

Marathon MyWay
Would you like to run a marathon? It’s an official place in the London Marathon but run, jogged or walked where you like. It can be done in sections, from pub to pub, as long
as it is done on Sunday 27 April.
Email caroline.spencer@jet.co.je

 

 

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.

 

May is a great month for Bank Holidays!

Monday 5 May, Friday 9 May, Monday 26 May are all Bank Holidays - enjoy!

 

3-5 May - Jersey is hosting the annual Boat Show at the main harbour area in St Helier. Go down to see all the different food/craft/nautical stalls that are available and enjoy the (hopeful) sunshine.

 

5-12 May is Jersey Week, you can join in a tour of the States Chamber on 7th May between 1-2pm, or take part in a democracy themed walking tour on Saturday 10th May between 1-2.30pm around St Helier.  Tickets for these 2 events are free but must be booked on Eventbrite - search for Jersey Week. 

 

9 May is Liberation Day here in Jersey. There is always a re-enactment of the events on the day in Liberation Square from 11am, with celebrations carrying on into the afternoon. All are welcome and as this is the 80th anniversary its a very special year to be there. 

 

15 May - The Samaritans are holding an information evening from 6-7pm at their base in Hue Street. This is a great opportunity to find out what the Samaritans as an organisation do and how to become part of their team. If you would like to find out more please email jersey.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org

 

17 May - is not only FA Cup Final day but also Eurovision! Fun for all!

 

24 May - Jersey Hospice are hosting 'Candles on the Beach' at St Brelade's Bay. This is a lovely gentle event where you can light a candle and take part in the celebration of a loved one's life. You can register to get a candle here

 

The Library is hosting some different fun and creative sessions throughout this month for anyone who wants to turn up. Some sessions take place on Friday mornings, these are a chance to get creative and meet new people. There is coffee/tea available and a relaxing environment

2 May - Crochet and Knit

16 May - Liberation History Special

23 May - Mindful Colouring

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 Thurs 8th, Sat 17th, Fri 23rd and Thurs 29th of May.  The times are still 10.30 to 11.30 am.

The library has lots of other talks happening this month around Liberation 80, for all the information please follow the link

 

Older Persons Living Forum

The Older Persons Living Forum is looking to add more individuals to its bimonthly meetings.  The forum aims to provide a bridge between the Government and over 65’s community to ensure that older people are actively involved in government decision-making processes, allowing them to voice their opinions on issues that directly impact them and the community. The forum is filled with dynamic individuals who raise issues they have encountered on the island. All meeting notes are recorded on the Government website

Meetings are held at Age Concern from 14:00 – 16:00 on the following dates:

• Wednesday 19th March 2025
• Wednesday 21st May 2025
• Wednesday 16th July 2025
• Wednesday 17th September 2025
• Wednesday 19th November 2025

If you are over the age of 65 and want to join or know anyone who would be interested, please contact olderpersonslivingforum@gov.je.

 

Care Connect is offering health checks in Parish Halls 12 March – 19 May

Care Connect are providing free health checks for Islanders to check Blood pressure, BMI, Heart rate (&rhythm), Oxygen saturation, Blood glucose level, urinalysis (if requested).

The dates and venues are as follows, times 10am - 2pm

Parish Hall;              Date:                      

Grouville              12th March           

St Martin              20th March           

Trinity                  21st March            

St Clement          27th March           

St Ouen                  1st April               

St Mary                 23rd April              

St Peter                28th April               

St Helier               14th May                

St John                 19th May                

Please also visit Care Connect | The Care Hub for further information on the service.

 

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.

 

Jersey Scrabble Club is looking for members

If you enjoy playing scrabble in a social atmosphere, then please join Jersey Scrabble Club!

The Club meets every Tuesday from 7 – 10pm at the Salvation Army in Minden Place.

All games are 1 v 1, so new members get help and support if they’re uncertain about how to play or want to learn tactics.

New members can try it for free, and it costs £3 per week once you’ve decided to join, including refreshments.

If you’re interested in joining, call Alex on 07797744228 or email alexmallinson@yahoo.co.uk.

 

 

Awareness Days

 

This month is known as 'No Mow May' - we are asked to leave our lawns and gardens so that pollinators can roam free and benefit from the extra long grass and flowers. 

 

5-11 May is Deaf Awareness Week. The theme for this year is "Beyond Silence". This theme focuses on breaking down barriers to full accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, celebrating the diverse ways Deaf people communicate, and highlighting the richness of Deaf culture. 12 million adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss, we can all play our part in becoming more deaf aware both at work and in our daily lives. For more information on how to become more deaf aware please follow here to access the RNID website. In Jersey your first place to contact if you are concerned about hearing loss is your GP, we have an audiology department at the Enid Quenault Centre that can look at all hearing aids needed as well as diagnosis of different reasons for the loss of hearing. You can find out more information here

 

12 - 18 May is Mental Health Awareness Week. This year the focus is on celebrating the communities that support us to protect and nurture good mental health. We know that we thrive when we have strong connections with others and supportive communities around us. We also know that people who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.   

Communities can provide us with a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us purpose. Its so important to know you have a community around you who understand how you are feeling and can empathise. We have charities and agencies on Island who can help if you are feeling low or need someone to talk to, check out Mind Jersey's Drop in Centre or the Listening Lounge to see what is available in these charities, or look online to see if there are other local agencies that can help you recognise your community. 

 

 

 

General Information

 

Covid Spring Booster

Eligible Islanders are encouraged to stay protected this spring and take up the offer of a COVID-19 spring booster vaccination. The vaccines are free of charge and will be available at GP surgeries from Tuesday 1 April and will be offered until the end of June.

Islanders who are eligible for the Spring Booster include: 

• those aged 75 and over 
• those aged 6 months and over who are Immunosuppressed 
• residents in care homes for older people.

Islanders will need to contact their GP surgeries to make an appointment. Delivery may vary practice to practice. Those who are residents in care homes will be vaccinated where they reside. Visit gov.je/SpringBooster ​for more information. 

Primary Care Representative, Bryony Perchard, said: “While most people who get COVID will have a mild illness, those in older age groups and with certain health conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious illness and being hospitalised. Vaccination not only reduces the chances of the getting ill but also makes any infection less unpleasant. I urge all those who are eligible to not let their defences against COVID-19 fade by booking an appointment with their doctor.”

 

Petition Process

A survey has been launched by the States Assembly’s Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC)  to seek Islanders’ views on Jersey’s petition process as part of a wider consultation to ensure that the petition process works well for all Islanders and to identify areas for improvement.

Two types of petitions are currently available – the more popular online petitions and the long-established paper-form. The survey is seeking to gather feedback from Islanders about both forms of the current petition system.

The survey, available in both English and Portuguese, which should only take a few minutes to complete, is available on the States Assembly website, and paper copies will be available from all Parish Halls. Feedback can also be provided by emailing statesgreffe@gov.je.

All responses will be anonymous, and the survey is open to all Islanders whether they have engaged with the petition system or not.

The survey deadline has been extended until Sunday 20 April.

 

Fort Regent

The Government of Jersey, through its Regeneration Steering Group, has unveiled ambitious proposals to redevelop Fort Regent, restoring its status as the Island’s premier leisure and entertainment hub. 

The transformation will create a vibrant, modern destination for socialising, entertainment, and recreation, with a strong emphasis on facilities for children and young adults. 

In collaboration with the Jersey Development Company, JDC, the Government’s property development arm, practical and sustainable plans have been developed that balance heritage with state-of-the art leisure and entertainment facilities. 

Key Features of the proposed redevelopment: 

Internal transformations 

• Gloucester Hall redeveloped into a flexible 2,500 seat acoustic theatre, enhancing Jersey’s ability to attract larger live performances and events, and provide flexibility for DJ events, conferences, conventions and/or a show court for sporting events. 
• Queens Hall (the Rotunda) converted into a multi-functional entertainment complex over two floors, incorporating: A 12-lane ten-pin bowling facility; Arcade and battle café style games space; A six-screen cinema (relocated from the Waterfront) 
• The Piazza and adjacent perimeter Garrison Rooms redesigned as an arts and culture hub, providing spaces for performing arts, music and artist studios surrounding a large, covered space for hosting exhibitions, events and live performances, and serving as the home of Jersey’s winter ice rink. 
• The former Active Gym space repurposed as a multi-activity facility for all ages, featuring: A ‘Ninja Warrior’-style active play zone; Sky Trail; Climbing and bouldering activities.
• Additionally, some of the remaining perimeter rooms and Don Theatre are proposed to become gaming zones, virtual golf, cafés and a bar. 

New outdoor amenities 

• A destination skatepark catering to all ages 
• A pump track for BMXers and Mountain Bikers 
• A play and heritage trail
• A 500m running track 
• A teenage zone with a 3x3 ball court and a dedicated social space for older children and teenagers. 

External enhancements 

• Improved accessibility and a new entrance building 
• A cable car link to the Fort 
• A hotel (on the site of the former swimming pool) 
• A relocated children’s nursery 
• A rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views over St Helier 
• Landscaped gardens 
• Uplighting of the Fort’s external walls Cost and funding strategy 

You can read more about this here.

 

Get Ahead - Career and skills help for people receiving Income Support

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​

 

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. 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cgWUcAUpHUWx7otX5gR8r7SzAiIeJttFn5QzOQu-3qRUMEQxSDJVVzhJVlJCWkVTR05OTVZOMEY0Ni4u

 

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.

 

Community Cost Bonus claims 2024/2025

You can still apply for the 2024 / 2025 Community Cost Bonus. If you have previously received the Community Cost Bonus, check you have not already received the bonus before applying.

Community Costs Bonus

The Community Costs Bonus is an annual payment to help households that are just above the Income Support level with the cost of GST on food. This used to be called the Food Cost Bonus.

The Community Cost Bonus for 2024 is £516.50.

Who can claim the Community Cost Bonus

A household can claim the bonus when all of the following apply:

• at least 1 adult member has been resident in Jersey for the last 5 years
• the household had a combined tax liability of less than £2,735 for 2023
• The household is not receiving Income Support

Who is included in a household

A household is defined in the same way as it is for Income Support purposes. A household can be any of the following:

• a person living alone
• a couple (married or not married)
• a family living together at the same address with children under school leaving age or still in full time education or job-seeking.

Your application may take up to four weeks to be processed. Please do not apply until you have received your 2023 tax assessment notice. Islanders who qualify can apply until 30 June 2025.

You can visit the following website to apply and for more information; gov.je/CCB

 

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.

 

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.