Select a region
Islanders' "fantastic sense of community", volunteers and the outdoors are just some of the things Jo Nash, a "proud Jersey girl, who married the Jersey boy of her dreams", loves about the island she grew up in.
Jo founded Philip’s Footprints, a charity that supports parents who lose a baby or child, after the stillbirth of her second son, Philip.
Two years ago, Express asked her to write about five things she would change about the island, but this time around she is flipping the script in a bid to share some positivity.
"As we settle into our temporary change of lifestyle in Jersey, in the spirit of counting our blessings and being positive, I’m writing about five things I LOVE about Jersey!" Jo said.
Pictured: Jo loves the "amazing positive spirit" of islanders.
I LOVE the heartwarming and true “Jersey Way” that I see time and time again: our fantastic sense of community, doing something because it feels the right thing to do, to help a cause you believe in or because some lovely people are just life’s natural helpers.
I’ve watched this amazing positive spirit come together over the past weeks. To offer skills, donations, services and support, checking up on people, tradesmen running errands, lots volunteering.
So, I should add here that, like all charities, I LOVE volunteers! We couldn’t exist without your support and your passion. Just imagine what our little island could achieve if we all were able to do something - donating food, money or volunteering for our community! You can sign up to help at volunteer.je and select Covid 19 in the interests.
Pictured: "Like all charities, I LOVE volunteers!," Jo said.
And volunteers are not just helping in the community but also, crucially, to help and support those essential workers giving their all, some on the front line, to keep us safe, and healthy, or caring for us when we’re ill - to you all, we send our very heartfelt thanks for all you do, for us. WE LOVE YOU TOO!
I also LOVE that charities have adapted almost seamlessly to the situation, which seems to change daily, and have stepped up a gear to ensure everyone in our community is cared for. Supporting you all is what we do best.
Pictured: They are plenty of beautiful beaches to love.
Whilst many are voluntarily self-isolating, we are still be able to venture out for now and LOVE our beautiful island, particularly in this glorious sunshine! Play areas might be shut, but beaches, woods, walks and parks are all open and waiting to lift our moods.
I know those in true isolation can’t go out, but wherever possible, why not open a window, pull up a chair and let the fresh air and sunshine in.
Pictured: DJ Nelson's 'Dining Room Discos' will take place on Saturdays at 18:00 on his Facebook page.
If you live in St. Ouen you might have been able to catch DJ Nelson for his Doorstep Disco – being an Eastie, I never thought I’d want to be in St. Ouen eh! But it sounds like a great evening!
This fantastic man can’t do this for everyone but instead you can join him every Saturday as he livestreams Dining Room Discos so we can all join in the party - responsibly!
Pictured: "It is a rare opportunity to spend extra time with our children," Jo said.
This week, children have lost some big things in their lives - routine, school, being with friends, access to activities. Whilst this may not seem like ‘big things’ to us with worries overshadowing our adult world, to children this can be a huge change to their comfort zone, so please be patient with them.
Likewise, we can only do our best at home so don’t stress, there are lots of online resources but why not take the opportunity to do something else – teach a life skill like cooking or sewing, join an online yoga class, not to mention PE on Youtube with Joe Wicks (if your legs aren’t aching from the day before)!! It is a rare opportunity to spend extra time with our children.
Pictured: All over Jersey, children have been getting crafty and creating rainbows to hang in their windows.
All over Jersey, children have been getting crafty and creating rainbows to hang in their windows, on gates, pebbles, even painting patio doors! Inspired by the UK, Jersey Facebook group 'Chase The Rainbow – Jersey CI' has been filling my timeline with rainbows, I LOVE it!
A great way to engage little minds in so many ways – arts and crafts, colours, songs, but also a way for them to still feel connected to their little community and spread a little happiness all at the same time!
Anyone can go rainbow spotting – there is no age limit and one has even been spotted in the Air Traffic Control Tower!
Pictured: "Love it or hate it, on a personal level where would we be without it to keep us all in touch especially in times like these."
Being a local girl, my life revolves around Jersey. From a charity and personal perspective I LOVE what it can achieve – to share a message, a campaign, important information, to show support or sometimes, just posting a simple quote that really resonates with someone having a bad day.
I know from experience how big a deal it is that someone else truly understands how you feel.
Love it or hate it, on a personal level where would we be without it to keep us all in touch especially in times like these.
I can keep in touch with friends overseas, share a laugh with Jersey friends I won’t see for a while, but also allow my household to stay connected via webcam with family that we can no longer visit for now – hello Mum and Dad!!
Pictured: "Being negative weakens the immune system which is the last thing anyone needs right now!"
I confess! I’m totally cheating. I put this as my number 5 when I wrote 'Five Things I Would Change About Jersey' in 2018. But let’s update it for 2020, a positive message to “Be Kind” and that “We’re Stronger Together” which we will need more than ever in the coming weeks and months in our community as the virus spreads.
I LOVE all the positivity some people are putting out there, but don’t love the constant negativity and hate appearing daily on our social media – so much I could say about this, but I will just say that being negative weakens the immune system which is the last thing anyone needs right now!
Pictured: "Show some LOVE and lots of patience to the front line staff."
So as I sign off from Grouville, I am also asking that all of you show some LOVE and lots of patience to the front line staff on both social media and in person, whether that is in our shops, hospital or other services - they are there working really hard, long hours, not able to ‘stay home’, for the island’s benefit and it would seem for very little thanks at times.
Follow the rules, stay safe, stay home if you can, wash your hands!
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.