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 Family First – a charity dedicated to supporting the families of local children who require off-island treatment for illnesses.
The charity’s mission is to support families with travel costs and arrangements, and provide emotional and practical support through difficult times when their child is ill.
Express caught up with Family First CEO Cheryl Dolbel about what it is like to lead the charity, and the best way to support their cause…
The most rewarding part of our work is…
Being able to support families when they’re away from home during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
When a child is in hospital off-island, families are often separated from their usual support network.
We’re there to bridge that gap – offering emotional support, a friendly voice at the end of the phone, help with finances so they can stay together, or even practical advice like where to do their laundry.
Whilst we can’t change what’s happening with their child, we can take away some of the additional stress and help them feel less alone.
A common misconception about what we do is…
That we provide direct financial support to families. In reality, we don’t fund families ourselves – instead, we work closely with other incredible charities such as The Grace Crocker Foundation, Friends of Jersey Neonatal Unit, and Jersey Children’s Charity to help source the financial support families need.
Our role is to be the main point of contact for the family, coordinating the right support at the right time.
None of this would be possible without the amazing collaborative work we do with statutory services and charities both in Jersey and across the UK.
Our charity wouldn’t exist without…
The incredible people who recognised there was a gap in support for families with children needing off-island treatment.
Our voluntary Board of Directors generously give their time and expertise to ensure the charity is run efficiently and sustainably, allowing us to focus on delivering the best possible service to families.
We’re also deeply grateful to our donors and grant givers – through their generosity, we’re able to employ three dedicated staff members who are here to support families when they need it most.
A special thank you goes to the Philip Gower Foundation, the Lloyds Bank Foundation, and the Jersey Community Foundation.
Without their support and generosity, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide this vital service.
The best way for people to support us (beyond donations) is…
To help spread the word about who we are and what we do.
As a small charity, we’re not as widely known as we’d like to be, and raising awareness is key to reaching more families who may need our support whilst their child receives treatment off-island.
Following us on social media, sharing our posts, and simply telling others about our work all make a big difference.
Every bit of awareness helps us connect with families at a time when they need it most.
In five years, I hope our charity will…
Be reaching every family who needs support whilst their child is receiving medical care off-island.
We hope to be in a more financially sustainable position, where we’re not relying on year-to-year funding just to keep the charity running.
One of our biggest aspirations is to add a dedicated counsellor to our team – someone who can provide professional emotional support to families who have been through the trauma and stress of serious childhood illness.
These are our silver-lining hopes for the future, and we’re committed to working towards them.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a leader is…
That collaboration is everything – no one achieves impact alone.
Working in partnership with other charities, funders, and families has taught me that shared goals and mutual respect go much further than working individually.
I’ve also learned the importance of flexibility; in this line of work, things rarely go exactly to plan and being able to adapt quickly and support others through uncertainty is essential.
And perhaps most importantly, I’ve realised it’s okay to ask for help. Leading a charity can sometimes feel isolating, but building a trusted network of peers, mentors, and collaborators has not only made me a stronger leader, but it’s also helped the charity grow in ways I couldn’t have done alone.
Special thanks go to Mike Palfreman, CEO of Jersey Hospice Care, whose support and guidance have been invaluable to me. His generosity with his time, insight, and encouragement has made a real difference in my leadership journey.
When it comes to motivating people, I believe…
In leading by example. I would never ask the team to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself.
Whether it’s rolling up my sleeves to support a family or navigating a challenge behind the scenes, I think showing commitment, empathy, and integrity in my actions helps to inspire the same in others.
One thing I do to support my team’s wellbeing is…
I recognise that this work can be emotionally challenging.
Supporting families with a seriously ill child– or in some heartbreaking cases, a child who may not survive – can take a real emotional toll.
I’m mindful that we all have our limits, and I work hard to foster a supportive and compassionate environment.
We offer monthly access to professional counselling, provide regular supervision, and I maintain an open-door policy, so team members feel heard and supported.
One of our team members also leads us in five-minute mindfulness meditations during the day. It’s a simple but powerful way to pause, reset, and stay grounded together.
The one skill I think every charity CEO or manager should develop is…
Emotional intelligence. Leading in the charity sector isn’t just about strategy or operations – it’s about people.
Whether it’s supporting your team, working with vulnerable families, or navigating partnerships, being able to listen, empathise, and respond with compassion is absolutely vital.
It helps build trust, manage challenges with care, and lead in a way that keeps people – both staff and those you support – at the heart of every decision.
The most unexpected thing about working in the charity sector is…
Just how many generous people are out there.
Whether it’s through giving their time, skills, or donations, I’ve been truly blown away by the kindness and willingness of others to help.
Since moving into the charity sector, I’ve come to realise that this generosity is what keeps so many vital services running.
Without it, the incredible charities across the island simply wouldn’t be able to do what they do.
GET IN TOUCH…
If you know a charity you think should be featured in our Charity Spotlight series, drop a message to editor@bailiwickexpress.com.
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