Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey has reported a significant rise in demand for wellbeing support over the past five years, with complementary therapy sessions increasing from 405 in 2021 to 965 in 2025. The charity's annual report, published following its five-year strategy period, reveals that counselling and emotional-support sessions more than doubled during the same timeframe, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of holistic care for people affected by cancer.
According to BBC News, the charity delivered 4,253 support sessions to islanders affected by cancer in 2025, with 308 people accessing its drop-in cancer support and wellbeing centre without requiring a referral. Over its five-year strategy period from 2021 to 2025, Macmillan Jersey generated £4.38 million in income and invested £3.44 million in developing and delivering services for those affected by cancer.
How has counselling support expanded?
Counselling and higher-level emotional-support sessions experienced the most dramatic growth, rising from 407 sessions in 2021 to 835 in 2025—an increase of 105 percent. Complementary therapy sessions grew even more sharply, climbing 138 percent over the same period. These figures demonstrate a substantial shift in how the charity is meeting the evolving needs of cancer patients and their families across Jersey.
What role do holistic needs assessments play?
A major development in the charity's approach has been the introduction of holistic needs assessments, which were formally launched after a pilot phase. These assessments help identify a person's physical, emotional, practical and financial needs earlier in their cancer experience, enabling the creation of individualised care plans. Bailiwick Express reported that Macmillan Jersey and Citizens Advice Jersey have launched a six-month pilot placing a dedicated advice caseworker at The Oasis three days a week to help with issues including benefits, employment and housing, with the pilot running until December 2026. The caseworker can receive direct referrals through Macmillan Jersey's Holistic Needs Assessment service, introduced two years ago in partnership with Health and Community Services.
What did the charity's leadership say about progress?
Steph Gibaut, chief executive officer of Macmillan Jersey, reflected on the charity's transformation:
Behind every figure in this report is a person, a family and a moment when support mattered.She continued:
Over the past five years, we have transformed the way we support people affected by cancer. We are identifying needs earlier, offering more personalised care and providing a wider range of emotional, practical and wellbeing support.Gibaut also acknowledged the ongoing challenge ahead, stating:
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved, but we also know that demand continues to grow and people's needs are changing.
How is the charity funded?
In 2025, Macmillan Jersey raised £963,090 and invested £890,352 in its work. Fundraising highlights included the Tour des Pyrénées, a coast-to-coast cycling challenge completed by 52 cyclists that raised a record-breaking £236,000 for the charity. Bailiwick Express noted that Macmillan Jersey is independent of Macmillan UK and receives no government funding, meaning locally raised money stays in Jersey to support islanders directly.
What are the charity's plans for the next five years?
The charity's new 2026 to 2030 strategy will focus on expanding emotional, wellbeing and group support services while broadening offerings for people living with and beyond cancer. Upcoming fundraising events include the White Collar DJ Event scheduled for 14 November 2026 at the Royal Yacht Hotel, which will provide further opportunities for the community to support the charity's expanded mission.
Key Facts
- Complementary therapy sessions increased 138 percent from 405 in 2021 to 965 in 2025
- Counselling and emotional-support sessions rose 105 percent from 407 to 835 over the same period
- The charity delivered 4,253 support sessions in 2025 and invested £3.44 million across its five-year strategy period
- A new integrated advice service pilot with Citizens Advice Jersey began in 2026 to help cancer patients with financial, employment and housing issues
- Macmillan Jersey operates independently with no government funding, ensuring all locally raised money supports islanders affected by cancer
