Macmillan Jersey originally known as Cancer BackUp started in 1980 when Bryan Skinner, a Jersey resident and cancer patient, wrote an article concerning the lack of information and support available to patients.
He linked up with Vicky Clement-Jones, a research doctor and fellow cancer patient, to form B.A.C.U.P (later Cancerbackup) in the UK. She produced information booklets specifically written for cancer patients, and the charity grew into the UK’s leading cancer information charity, providing over 70 publications and a helpline staffed by cancer specialist nurses. Viewed as a lifeline by hundreds of thousands of cancer patients each year, Cancer BACKUP prided itself on being able to answer any question on any cancer.
After Bryan’s death, his widow Celia was instrumental in establishing Cancerbackup in Jersey. Nationally, Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancerbackup merged in 2008, and Cancerbackup Jersey subsequently transferred all its activity to a new Jersey charity, namely Macmillan Cancer Support (Jersey) Limited, a name by which we are still known today.
Our Mission is to play a key role in supporting people affected by cancer and their loved ones, whilst helping to shape the island’s strategy for cancer care. We are part of the cancer cluster contributing to the cancer strategy in Jersey.
On average Macmillan Jersey provides around 3000 support session a year and these are delivered at The Oasis, our cancer support and wellbeing centre, in the community and over the phone.
We provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by cancer in Jersey to ensure they have all the information they need and have someone to talk to outside their own network. We provide wellbeing services such as massage, reiki, reflexology, relaxation, and mindfulness to allow individuals to time to relax. We also provide wellbeing courses to help individuals during and after their cancer experience.
Our team is split into departments. We have our service team based at The Oasis, our cancer support and wellbeing centre and our Income and Operations Team, based at our charity book café The Lounge.
A standard day for the service team starts at 9am when they arrive to check phones and get the centre ready for opening at 10am. We have complementary therapies from 10am – 4pm each day. Our drop in support service is available 10am – 1pm and is facilitated by our amazing cancer support volunteers. Our Cancer support practitioner (trained counsellor) is available for drop in and appointments from 10am – 4pm each day. Our phone support is available from 10am – 4pm each day and facilitated by our amazing volunteers and service manager.
We don’t receive funding from Macmillan UK or the Government of Jersey. Our funding comes from grants, private funders and the amazing general public here in Jersey via events, fundraisers and our charity book café.
We are always on the look for volunteers to expand our amazing Macmillan Jersey family. Our volunteering opportunities include:
- Cancer support volunteers
- Event volunteers
- Fundraising volunteers
- Café volunteers
- Operational volunteers
- All our volunteers receive thorough training when joining the team
There are so many different ways to show your support to Macmillan Jersey. For some, it is ‘time’ – in the sense of volunteering and for others it is a financial donation. Donations can be made as a ‘one off’ donations or becoming a regular giver and making a donation monthly.
Although not an instant donation, considering Macmillan Jersey in your will can have a huge legacy on the charity in years to come.
You may also like to consider donating via ‘gifts in lieu’ – perhaps at your wedding or in replacement of birthday gifts.
Click here to find out more about Macmillan Jersey.
Click here to view the Macmillan Jersey Cycle Challenge page
