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Empowerment is at the centre of everything this special team do.
Cancer might make sufferers and their friends and families feel powerless, but the local Macmillan team work to combat that by helping islanders feel empowered emotionally and physically, whether through making decisions about treatment or living well with, and beyond, their diagnosis.
Having come into contact with people from all walks of life through the course of their work, they've a good grasp on what islanders feel could be improved on the Rock, particularly those who have been affected by life-limiting conditions. So what would they do to empower Jersey?
Each member of the team shared their thoughts with Express...
I feel passionate about the societal ideology of inclusion. I would ensure that Jersey was a place where there was representation from all backgrounds and ages included in shaping political and community-centric decisions.
Pictured: Macmillan's Chief Executive would like to see islanders of all backgrounds and ages helping make decisions about the island.
We all need to feel we have the right to be heard, hence why when being asked to write five things I would change about Jersey, it was important to me that I asked my team to share their ideas too...
We need the future of our health system to be more joined up - with GPs, the hospital, charities and the public working closely together.
Pictured: Patients would get the best possible help if all caring parties worked closely together.
This would ensure that patients and their families get the best possible care.
I would like to like to see an improvement to the welfare of people affected by cancer.
Pictured: Things like free childcare could make all the difference for those affected by cancer.
This could include free childcare during and shortly after treatment, free GP appointments and specific benefits from Social Security.
I would love to see more physical activity in schools, with the addition of 'The Daily Mile' added to the school day. This idea was initiated in the UK, whereby all children down tools for 15 minutes a day and go for a run on the playing fields, around the playground etc.
Pictured: There's nothing like fresh and and exercise for keeping young ones healthy, Macmillan's Communications and Events Manager says.
With the ever-growing worry of obesity in children it’s a great way to encourage children to be outdoors in the fresh air and doing exercise, something that’s also good for their mental health as well as physical health. PE lessons are great, but tend to focus on the skills needed for sports – throwing and catching, climbing, kicking a ball etc. Encouraging children from an early age to get out and about and enjoy being active will help ensure that the next generations are not staying indoors and fixated on a screen!
I recently discovered meditation and it has transformed my life. The simple art of meditation has allowed me to reduce my stress levels, improve my focus and general wellbeing. In some countries, meditation is being used to help students in schools balance their lives and improve their readiness to learn.
Pictured: The charity's Head of Fundraising thinks introducing meditation into schools could be enormously beneficial.
In some American schools, instead of detention students are taught meditation. How wonderful would it be if we could introduce meditation into Jersey schools? Investing in our future generations wellbeing by providing them the tools to help support their education and personal development would be transformational for Jersey.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the authors and not of Bailiwick Express.
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