Charity Spotlight is a weekly series dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of Jersey’s charities – from grassroots initiatives to island-wide movements, we’ll be sharing the stories of the people working tirelessly to support those in need and the importance of leadership in guiding that work.
Each week, Express hears from a charity leader on their biggest challenges and successes, what leadership and wellbeing truly mean in the third sector, and their hopes for the future.
Next up is EYECAN – a charity dedicated to providing support to islanders affected by sight loss and sight impairment through activities, social events, or tailored support.
CEO Mark Coxshall shares what it’s like to lead EYECAN and the biggest lesson he’s learnt in his role…
The biggest challenge our charity faces right now is…
Beyond sustainable funding, understanding the true needs of our community is critical to reaching those who need us most.
For this, the charity sector must be regarded as an equal partner alongside the Government in delivering the best possible services to islanders.
The best way for people to support us (beyond donations) is…
Take time to understand what we do and help us connect with those who need our services most.
On a personal level, encourage others in your network to engage with us – together, we can make a bigger difference.
A common misconception about what we do is…
Using a white cane doesn’t always mean someone has no sight.
A cane may assist people with limited vision or simply signal their sight loss to others.
Sadly, some of our clients have faced abuse while using a cane because they are still able to see to some degree.
One thing I wish more people understood about our cause is…
Consider what daily life is like with sight loss – something as simple as navigating a street, paying for goods using a PIN reader or reading a menu can become a significant challenge.
Accessibility should never be an afterthought but a key part of designing streets, buildings, and everyday experiences.
Our charity wouldn’t exist without…
Volunteers. Their generosity of time and community spirit is incredible.
Without them, we’d struggle to provide the services that make such a vital difference.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a leader is…
Leadership is a privilege and never take that for granted.
It’s about empowering others, fostering their development, and never hesitating to roll up your sleeves.
There’s immense joy in seeing someone thrive under your encouragement and leadership.
A great leader in the charity sector needs to be…
Resilient, adaptable, and deeply passionate about helping people.
They must put the charity’s best interest at the core of everything they do, even when making tough decisions.
The best piece of leadership advice I ever received was…
Do things properly; don’t cut corners.
Build trust by making decisions and owning your mistakes – it’s all part of growing as a leader.
The most important quality in a team is…
Respect for each other.
A team should value everyone’s unique skills while staying mindful of their collective impact.
One thing I do to support my team’s wellbeing is…
I genuinely care, I am interested in each member of the team and always there in support, and I’ve even been known to cook them omelettes!
GET IN TOUCH…
If you know a charity you think should be featured, drop a message to editor@bailiwickexpress.com.