Reported by: Stephanie Gibaut
Macmillan Jersey were thrilled to receive a £10k grant from the wonderful Association of Jersey Charities as part of their 50th Celebration in 2021.
During extremely unpredictable times, this £10k grant allowed us some security in ensuring various service provisions could go ahead. In 2021, we provided over 3000 support sessions. This was delivered at The Oasis, our cancer support and wellbeing centre, in the community and over the phone. This Grant contributed in allowing us the flexibility to extend our resources in order to make our services more accessible to those affected by cancer here in Jersey.
Here is a ‘share your story’ from a service user who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
"Having to seek support is not something I do!! In fact, it is me who gives support to others, it’s what I have always done. So it took a lot for me to go to The Oasis, the home of Macmillan at the Lido and actually walk through the door. But I did and I am so glad that I did.
I went along during a drop-in session and there was somebody to talk to. The feeling as I walked through the door was that it is ok to be here, it’s a safe place where I can talk about how I am feeling and coping, in fact where I can talk about anything and everything.
I was also offered some complementary therapy sessions to help with my anxiety. I have had reflexology, which has been wonderful, I have come out feeling that I am walking on air.
After each session there is always someone there to offer a cup of tea and to ask how I am.
The Oasis is a great name for this very special place. It is a place where I can get support and advice, a place where I can share my concerns and ask a hundred questions, a place where I get spoilt and enjoy wonderful complementary therapies, a place where I can enjoy group support activities and a place where there is always a smiley face to welcome me.”
You can see from this story, just how vital our services are and without grant providers such as the AJC, this would not be possible. We are so grateful for their incredible support.
We know one in two people will hear the words ‘You have Cancer’ and Together, we can make such a difference.
Thank you from Everyone at Macmillan Jersey.