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A financially-hit local cancer charity will now be able to provide emotional support to islanders bereaved due to covid-19, thanks to emergency funding of more than £37,000.
The money from the Lloyds Bank Foundation will not only allow Macmillan Jersey to continue giving emotional and practical help to islanders affected by cancer, but will also allow it to provide specific help to those suffering losses due to the pandemic, working alongside Jersey Hospice Care's bereavement service and the Health Department's Patient Advisory Liaison Services (PALS) team.
Despite only expecting to make around 35% of its usual income, the charity says it is experiencing more demand for its services than ever.
Since the beginning of the covid-19 outbreak, demand for its phone and virtual support sessions has risen significantly, and more staff are now needed to answer the phones.
Pictured: The team at Macmillan are providing support to all islanders affected by cancer.
Running alongside the emotional support service is a ‘weekly check-in’ service.
Introduced early in the pandemic, it aims to ensure no islander feels alone at this difficult time, as some cancer patients fall into the ‘severely vulnerable’ category and have therefore been spending most of their time at home in isolation.
Steph Gibaut, Head of Operations and Fundraising, said the charity was extremely grateful to Lloyds for stepping in with a significant donation at such a "difficult time".
"We, like many other charities and businesses, have been struggling with a forecasted 65% drop in income due to cancelled events and community fundraising," she explained.
"Cancer existed before covid-19 and people were already struggling emotionally, our services are needed more than ever now, and we must ensure that as many people as possible can access our services."
"We are encouraging anyone affected by cancer at this time to please pick up the phone and call 498 188 between 10:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday, you will be greeted by our amazing cancer support team."
The grant funding came as a result of an application by Macmillan via the Jersey Funders Group - a forum currently working to support charities struggling financially due to the virus crisis.
Explaining why the Foundation was so "keen to support" the charity, Executive Director Jo Le Poidevin explained: “Macmillan Jersey is working hard to ensure those affected by cancer are receiving the support they need during what is already a difficult time.
"Many islanders will be requiring additional support that family and friends cannot provide due to lockdown restrictions."
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