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With her brother Richard, Sam O'Connor runs the BodyRox gym based in Seale Street. The duo is due to open new fitness and wellbeing centre at Liberty Wharf, above Marks & Spencer, later this year. Sam’s mission, as she describes it, is to provide a "full service, state of the art gym for all Islanders to enjoy and that retains the care and character of a family-run, local business."
Between the day-to-day running of the gym and walks with her beloved dog Honey, Sam's days are kept well busy. It didn't stop her from taking the time to write about the five things she would change about Jersey.
I really believe that all children should have greater access to sport. When I was a child, I was very fortunate to have a PE lesson every day. Once a week is not enough. Some children excel academically and others find confidence and success on the sport’s field.
Pictured: Regular exercise is beneficial on many levels and all children should have access to it.
As well as the health benefits associated with regular exercise, P.E also provides children with valuable skills such as teamwork and self-discipline, it strengthens peer relationships and can improve self-confidence and self-esteem. It is something all children should have access to at school, no matter their financial background.
There are very few places in Jersey for all the family. Yes, we have some great facilities: Tamba Park, the aMaizin! Maze, Millbrook Park, but it's just not enough.
Pictured: Jersey needs a place where all the family can get together and have fun, like Fort Regent in the old days.
As a child I had Fort Regent, which entertained tiny tots all the way to the older generations. There was something for everyone. Particularly lacking are places for teens to get together.
It is extremely hard to be a small family business in Jersey, constantly competing against the larger corporate franchises.
Pictured: It's hard for small businesses to compete against larger franchises.
Rents are forever increasing and pushing locals out.
Globally, more than 300 million people of ALL ages suffer from depression. One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime.
Pictured: Access to support, guidance and treatment for mental health should be immediate.
There should be immediate access to support, guidance and treatment for mental health.
Jersey is encouraging very wealthy people to come and reside here, but what about those who are born in Jersey but cannot afford to live here?
Pictured: More should be done to ensure everyone can afford to live in Jersey.
We should be providing people of all ages with homes they can afford.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not those of Bailiwick Express.
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