Newsfeed

What's On - April 2024

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.

 

Service Update

In line with Government updates, there are some changes to our Service.  To see these, please click HERE to visit our Covid-19 & Service Updates page.

 

Training Sessions & Courses

Spring term - Jersey Recovery College

The Jersey Recovery College Spring prospectus is now out and includes a variety of courses and activities.  To find out more and book your place on a course, please click here for their prospectus or complete the application form below.

Care Academy 

Access a range of free and low cost online courses through the Care Academy.  Subjects include from Care, First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Safety, Fire Safety and Manual Handling.  Click HERE to visit their website and find out more. 

 

Prince's Trust

A number of exciting courses are on offer for 16 - 25 year olds.  To find out more, contact Florrie Copley at Jersey Youth Service on florriecopley@jys.je 

 

Carers' Support Programme - St John's Ambulance

St John's provide a free programme for people who care for others. Check out this link to see more information and how to book.

Their free Carers' Support Programme is for informal carers who are caring for a friend or relative in their own home. They also welcome volunteers who care for people within the voluntary sector.

Some Topics covered:

Session 1 - Useful information on the difficulties carers may have , resources and services available on island , nutrition , pressure area care etc 

Session 2 - Dementia Jersey , safety in the home and equipment that may be helpful 

Session 3 - Social security presentation on Long Term Care , carers benefits and other related benefits. Social worker assessments 

Session 4 - First Aid Training 

This course is free to attend.

Later dates for these courses this year are May 14^th , 21st, 28^th and June 4^th  and Sept 12^th , 19^th , 26^th and Oct 3^rd .  Evening courses could be run on request for 6 or more . 

Parking is available. 

Contact sarah.vivian@sja.org.je

 

What's on this April

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.

 

Acorn Fundraiser

Michael Hampshire and Tony Osborne from Reuse at Acorn are taking part in the Virtual London Marathon to raise money for the charity. They have to cover 26.2 miles on foot.

It’s on Sunday 21 April. It’ll be in the morning, from 6 or 7 am but it will take seven hours or so, so there is plenty time to pop along and cheer them on. Route to be finalised…. But possibly Quennevais cycle track. Any supporters welcome.

Michael is celebrating being pain-free for the first time in five years after having spinal fusion surgery this year. He completed the Virtual London Marathon last year by doing laps of Queens Valley.

Since his 45^th birthday, Tony has been doing the Island Walk every fifth ‘big’ birthday and celebrated his 60^th in 2023 by completing all 48 miles.

They would love to raise enough money to clear our Amazon Wishlist.

www.justgiving.com/page/acornvirtualmarathon 

Please share the link far and wide, and if you can spare a few pounds to spur them on, thank you.

There are buckets at the tills at Reuse too.

 

24 April - Family Nursing and Home Care are holding a Community Healthcare feedback about Diabetes. You are invited to have your say about any treatment or issues you have had regarding diabetic care. There is no booking required and it is free to attend. This will be at the Town Hall from 5.30 to 7.30pm.

 

26 - 27 April - Guide Dogs for the Blind are holding a paperback book sale at St Ouen's Parish Hall, 6-8pm on the Friday night and 9-4pm on Saturday. All welcome!

 

30 April - Pain Support Jersey are holding a special talk at the Town Hall from 5.30 to 6.30pm looking at the Wim Hof Breathing technique for pain control. It is being taken by Russ Allchin of Evolved Human. Learn about simple breathing patterns that can boost energy, sharpen focus, and bring a sense of calm. Whether you're new to breathwork or have some experience, this talk aims to inspire and improve your well-being. Wim Hof Breathing isn't just for pain sufferers; it offers benefits for everyone, promoting overall health and wellbeing. After the talk, join Russ for a relaxed 15-minute Q&A. Discuss the details of Wim Hof Breathing, ask about personal wellness, and benefit from Russ's expertise. This session is your chance to learn more and get answers to your questions.

Come and meet some of the friendly Pain Support Jersey team and find out about the help we provide to our community. We offer gentle exercise, recreational and vocational activities, social events, and educational talks to improve the lives of our members. This is your chance to connect with us and learn more about how Pain Support Jersey can support you, or to find out how you can get involved and support us in making a difference in the lives of those living with pain. Refreshments will be provided. Limited spaces available, so early booking is advised

 

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

The Club meets every Tuesday from 7pm – 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

April is Stress Awareness month - It has been discovered that 65% of people in the UK have felt more stressed since the start of Covid restrictions in March 2020. You are being challenged to take a 30 day challenge in April, picking one action a day for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

What else could you do for Stress Awareness Month?

• Talk about Stress and it’s effects – lets work together to reduce the stigma that is associated with stress by talking about the topic openly and freely with friends, family and colleagues.
• Share your coping mechanisms – if something has worked for you why not share it. It might benefit someone you care about and in the meantime, it might help you take your focus off your own challenges.
• Be nice to those who are stressed and anxious – we are all undoubtedly going to experience stress and anxiety in our lifetime so treat others going through it with compassion and empathy.
• Look after yourself – we all need to think more about self–care. Take time out of your day to relax or do something that you enjoy. Don’t forget to exercise and eat well, even when you feel too stressed.

The most crucial thing you can do when you are stressed or anxious is to make sure you are continuing to look after yourself. Make time to relax when you need to and learn to say no to requests that are too much for you.

For ideas and more information look at www.stress.org.uk/stressawarenessmonth/

 

1st April - April Fools Day Pranking only allowed until 12pm!!

 

2nd April is World Autism Acceptance Day.  Contact Autism Jersey for more information about the celebrations and the support offered. 

 

11 April is World Parkinson's Day. For more information on local support follow the link

 

23 April is St George's Day - congratulations to all our English colleagues and clients and enjoy the celebrations!!

 

22 - 28 April is MS Awareness week. For more information on local support follow the link

 

26 April is Stop Food Waste Day - so important to remember in these times when so many of us are finding it hard to live on the money we receive with the cost of living being so high. Think about using Olio to find food that would otherwise be thrown away - follow this link to find out more.   

 

 

General Information

 

Income Support benefit and other services provided by Customer and Local Services

Income Support provides financial assistance to over 8,500 Islanders. To find out if you could benefit, call the Income Support team on 01534 444444 or visit Customer and Local Services, at La Motte Street.

Please also see the following link which will give you further information; Income Support (gov.je)

A team of advisors at Customer and Local Services at Phillip Le Feuvre House, La Motte Street, St Helier are passionate about helping customers. The team are available to help you in person or over the phone, Monday to Friday, 08:30-17:00 (tel 01534 444444)

Our services can be accessed by:

• Drop-in

We can support with queries in-person. Visit us and one of our team will be happy to help. 

• Appointments

Book an appointment to see the right person at a time that works for you. You will see the right person for your query, avoid waiting, and receive guidance before your appointment to make sure you bring everything we need. Book online at www.gov.je/cls or call 444444.

business hub (starting or ending a business, running a business or staff recruitment)

pensions and care hub  (age related benefits, long term care and income support)

work and family hub  (income support, student finance, health benefits, impairments and contributions)

service hub (new resident registration and registration cards) 

• Online
• Many of our services can be accessed online, including registration cards, updating contact details and income support change of circumstances. To view the full range of our online services, visit www.gov.je/cls

You can access their services:

• by calling on +44 (0)1534 444444
• by emailing customerservice@gov.je 
• in person during opening hours
• Visit Customer and Local Services (CLS)

 

Fees reduced for Health Access Scheme (HAS) members

Nearly 10,000 Islanders will benefit from improvements to the Health Access Scheme (HAS) through a £2 reduction to adult patient fees in GP surgeries. The Minister for Social Security has agreed a revised scheme from 2 April 2024. 

HAS covers all members of an Income Support household and people receiving Pension Plus. The reduction will apply to face-to-face adult consultations in GP surgeries and remote consultations provided by General Practitioners, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and health care assistants.

The new fees are; £10 for a GP, £7 for a nurse, paramedic, or pharmacist and £4 for health care assistants. There are no charges for children.

All other fees for out of hours and home visits remain the same as the 2020 rates for another 12 months.

 

Closer to Home event

The next event will be on Friday 26 April at Trinity Parish Hall from 10am to 12.30pm.

This event is focussing on carers and the over 55s community. The event will include free blood pressure checks and access to the mobile library. You'll be able to talk to community and charitable organisations in attendance which include:

• ​Shopmobility Jersey 
• Jersey Library
• Headway Jersey
• Viberts: Estate planning, capacity and elderly client advice 
• Dementia Jersey
• Maison des Landes- Accessible Hotel and Community Hub
• Meals on Wheels Service
• St John Ambulance – Carers Support and Companion Scheme 
• Carers Jersey
• 1:2:1 Care
• Public Health Jersey
• Disability and Inclusion Team 
• Parkinsons Jersey
• Pensions and Care Hub – Customer and Local Services
• Adult Social Care Team
• EYECAN
• Stroke Association Jersey
• Jersey Cancer Relief 
• Oxygen Therapy Centre  

 

2024 Personal Tax Community Helpdesks

Revenue Jersey is launching the next series of Community Helpdesks. Anyone who has had a change of circumstance or is filling out a tax return for the first time in a while, can get help from the Community Helpdesk.

Customers can;

• talk to a Revenue Jersey officer, who will have access to the tax system, confidentially about your personal tax affairs (you'll need your photo ID)
• ask general tax questions
• ask about recent and forthcoming changes to the tax law
• find out about online services like the tax calculator, enquiry form and tax return
• get help setting up your digital ID or your onegov account, you will need a valid passport if you want to set up your digital ID
• ask about online data security

The first Community Helpdesk will be taking place at St Martin Parish Hall on April 10.  The programme will run from April till November and will visit four parishes in total:

April 10 - St Martin Parish Hall

July 03 - St Clement Parish Hall

October 15 - St John Parish Hall

November 22 - St Ouen Parish Hall

The programme is meant to support Islanders who find it difficult to travel to the La Motte Street helpdesk.  Customers can visit the Community Helpdesk for a confidential chat and get face-to-face support.  They can also find out more about planned changes to the law, and how they might be affected. Educational resources will be provided for visitors to take home with them.

You can also find more information on the following link; Personal tax community helpdesk (gov.je)

 

Women’s health and wellbeing survey

The Government is conducting a review of the health and wellbeing needs of women and girls in Jersey, to help inform the development of services that support women to live longer and healthier lives.

What do you think about women and girls’ health and wellbeing services? Do they meet your needs or the needs of the women and girls in your life?

Share your views and help make a difference by completing the women’s health and wellbeing survey by 21^st May: gov.je/womenshealth ”

Please note - the survey seeks the views of those aged 13+, as different methods will be used to gather the views of younger girls.

 

Minister defers payment scheme for former “Prior Year Basis” taxpayers

To help support Islanders with the cost of living, the Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Elaine Millar, has announced that she will defer the start of the statutory payment scheme for those former ‘Prior Year Basis’ taxpayers with a 2019 frozen tax liability.

Background

In 2020, as part of a package of measures to help people during the Covid lockdown, the States Assembly abolished the Prior Year Basis of paying taxes. This kept money in the pockets of most self-employed people and a large proportion of employed people.

Approximately £330 million in 2019 tax liabilities were frozen for future repayment, affecting approximately 31,300 taxpayers. Since then, over 5,000 taxpayers have settled the outstanding bill.

Payment Scheme

• The States passed regulations in 2021 creating a payment scheme which would commence in 2025. 
• Taxpayers would have started paying one seventeenth of their 2019 frozen liability annually, starting from 31 December 2025, until 31 December 2041. 
• For most taxpayers, this would equate to less than £35 monthly. 
• Subject to States approval, the first instalment will now become due by 31 December 2027 and the last by 31 December 2043. 
• Taxpayers could elect to pay the entire sum within 12 months of reaching pensionable age. Subject to States approval, the new deadline for making such an election would be 30 September 2026.

Former PYB taxpayers can pay the whole sum or make part payments at any time. Further information is available at Prior Year Basis (PYB) 2019 tax payment​​​.

Deputy Millar said: "I am pleased to announce the deferral of the payment scheme to help Islanders with the ongoing concerns surrounding the cost of living. By extending the deadline until 2027, this decision provides affected Islanders with more breathing room to navigate their financial commitments effectively.”​

 

£10m scheme to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder

A new £10 million shared equity scheme to help Jersey’s first-time buyers into home ownership has been announced by the Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr. Under the First Step scheme, eligible Islanders will be able to access a Government contribution of up to 40% towards the purchase of an open-market property. The buyer will need to provide a 5% deposit towards the purchase. The funding, which was allocated in a previous Government Plan, will be available as soon as final policy development is completed in partnership with local banks. This is expected to be by spring 2024. From today, Islanders already registered on the Assisted Purchase Pathway are being invited to register their interest by contacting Andium and ensuring their details are up-to-date. Islanders not already registered on the Pathway but wishing to put themselves forward for the new scheme are being encouraged to register their details and interest now. It is anticipated that up to 60 households will be able to benefit from the initial £10 million investment, which the Government will consider extending should the scheme prove successful.

Access to First Step funding will be available to those who have a household income within the Minister for Housing and Communities’ existing assisted purchase eligibility criteria. The allocation of funding will be prioritised towards the lowest-income households, taking into account how long they have been registered on the Pathway. The First Step scheme will also be limited to true first-time buyers, who have never owned property in Jersey or overseas. Islanders wishing to join the Assisted Purchase Pathway, or those wanting to update their details, can do so via the Andium Homes website.

 

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.

 

Minister widens access to Jersey's Social Housing

More Islanders will be eligible to access social rented homes, following changes to the Affordable Housing Gateway criteria, announced today by the Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr.

The Minister has published his "Roadmap for improving access to social housing in Jersey", which outlines a detailed series of steps to widen access, and to improve the way it is managed and promoted.The changes, which include reducing the minimum age of eligibility in a phased way over the next 15 months, reflect a long-standing commitment to continually widen access to social housing as the supply of social rented homes increases.

The eligibility updates mapped out today include:

• Reducing the age of eligibility for people without children gradually, from 40 down to 25. From September 2023, Islanders aged over 35 will be eligible to apply for social housing. This will be widened to age 30 in March 2024 and age 25 in October 2024. Eligibility to access social housing begins at age 18 for households with children, but for households with no children, the age of eligibility has traditionally been much higher.
• Further increasing income thresholds. The maximum income thresholds for social housing will be gradually increased to better reflect the needs of Islanders who may need help with their housing costs. These changes will be implemented in stages, with those who qualify for two-, three- and four-bedroom homes eligible from September 2023. The new limits will range from £61,956 per year (single applicant and one child) up to £92,079 per year (joint applicant and three children or more).
• From September 2023, in the case of separated families, the second household will become eligible to apply for a home with one additional bedroom, to accommodate child stays. At present, only the first household is eligible to access additional bedrooms for children.
• From September 2023, grandparents who provide care for their grandchild(ren) with additional needs will be eligible to request a transfer to a two-bedroom home. This will enable family support networks to provide care and respite.

The Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr, said: "I'm pleased to be making these changes, which mean more Islanders will be able to access affordable, good-standard and secure homes. This reflects my commitment of supporting Islanders who continue to experience housing and cost of living pressures, as well as thinking towards the long-term and achieving a housing market that meets the needs of everyone in our community.  

 

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.

 

The Community Cost Bonus (CCB) is doubling from £258.25 to £516.50 and extending eligibility for claimants. 

You can receive this payment for your household if:

• One adult has lived in Jersey for at least 5 years

• The combined household tax bill was less than £2,735 in 2021

• The household is not receiving Income Support

Other measures in the budget include

 - A temporary reduction of 2% in Social Security contributions from 1 October to 31 December 2022: 

 - Class 1 employee paid contributions decreasing from 6% to 4% 

 - Class 2 self employed or unemployed paid contributions decreasing from 12.5% to 10.5%

If you have questions about any of these please check in with your EC and they can help with any enquiries you may have. Otherwise contact CLS on 444444.

 

Gov.je has a new 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.

 

Support available from Housing Advice Service

The Government’s Housing Advice Service has now been set up to provide a wide range of information, advice and practical support around all aspects of housing in Jersey. This ranges from providing help to property owners, landlords, tenants, those looking to buy or sell a property, those at risk of becoming homeless, or those with housing-related concerns or complaints. 

The specialist team, based at Philip Le Feuvre House, La Motte Street, work in partnership with agencies, organisations and other government departments to ensure that the appropriate wrap around support is provided, tailored to the needs of each individual.

Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr, said: “We want to make sure that Islanders are aware of the support that’s available to them and how they can access it. By working with a range of organisations, we are committed to raising the visibility of the network of agencies that are working together to deliver this service. 

“I would encourage those that need it to access the services that we have available, and to contact the team who are in a prime position to support Islanders and provide their expertise.” 

Find out more

Online here

Email: housingadvice@gov.je 

Phone: 01534 444 444 

Address: Customer and Local Services PO Box 55, La Motte Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PE

 

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 Government of Jersey recently announced that following the recent increase in the price of gas in Jersey, extra support is being made available for vulnerable customers and those on low income who use gas to heat their homes. Support includes Jersey Gas’ “Priority Customer Care” scheme, which can provide assistance with spreading out bill payments, home comfort checks and a range of other measures. There is also a financial support scheme for customers who are worried about being able to pay their gas heating bills.

Jersey Gas are encouraging any customer who is concerned about paying their bills to contact them on 01534 755577 to find out more about the various support options available.

 

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.