Newsfeed

What's On - November 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.

Training Sessions & Courses

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.

Contact sarah.vivian@sja.org.je

What's on this November

Community Events

Why not get involved in a local event to support a Jersey charity, or just have fun and meet new people. 

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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.

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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 next year!

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.

5 October 2024 - 14 December 2024

Listening Lounge Menopause Group

The Listening Lounge's group continues and offers a safe space to discuss all things relating to menopause.

6 weeks starting Tuesday 24^th September

6 - 7.30pm at The Listening Lounge, 9 Ingouville Pl, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GD

No cost involved | Booking necessary by emailing menopausesupport@listeninglounge.care. To find out more you can call on 01534 866793.

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

In the month of November we are asked to consider whether we can take the 'Veg Pledge' for Cancer Research UK, becoming vegetarian for the month and raising money by doing so. 

Men are also asked to grow their facial hair - for Movember, this raises money for men's health charities and projects all around the world, raising awareness at the same time. The money goes to fund research into different health issues, including prostate cancer.

November is also Men's mental health awareness month, Poor mental health can affect people of any gender, but mental health outcomes for men and women aren’t equal. Due to societal expectations of masculinity, men are less likely to talk to others about their feelings, so they suffer in silence. This month it's good to look at some of the facts about men’s mental health, and what we can do to change the conversation. For more information about this please follow this link

5 November - Bonfire night! There are a couple of  bonfire/firework parties organised -  watch out on social media for any changes 

6 November - National Stress Awareness Day, observed annually on the first Wednesday in November, is dedicated to raising awareness about stress, its impact on mental and physical health, and ways to manage it effectively. Stress is a common part of modern life, affecting millions of people worldwide due to work pressures, personal challenges, financial concerns, and more. While some stress is normal, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, and sleep disorders.

This day aims to encourage individuals to recognise the signs of stress in their lives and to adopt healthier coping strategies. It also highlights the importance of mental health support in the workplace, advocating for more open conversations about stress and its effects. Employers are encouraged to create supportive environments where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health and accessing resources when needed.

The day serves as a reminder that stress is manageable, and taking proactive steps to address it can lead to a healthier, happier life.

12 November is Odd Socks Day - wear odd socks proudly today to promote anti-bullying, celebrate diversity and individuality. 

13 November - World Kindness Day is an international holiday first introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. The holiday is devoted to promoting kindness throughout the world, understanding the positive potential of large and small acts of kindness, and unifying together as human beings. The smallest act of kindness can often make such a difference to people and their lives. On this day we are asked to think about others before ourselves - being kind!

21 November is Use Less Stuff Day - we are always encouraged to think about the material goods that we actually need rather than spend on extra goods that we want! Recycle, reuse, go to a charity shop and buy what you need from there!

30 November is St Andrew's Day - congratulations to all our Scottish client, employers, colleagues and friends!

General Information

If you have any questions about this scheme please speak to your EC

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

You can apply for the 2024 / 25 Community Cost Bonus from Monday 15 July 2024, 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 from then 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.

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)

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 programme will run from April till November and will visit four parishes in total:

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)

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.”​

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.

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.