The AJC wants to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful Jersey volunteers who help so many charities to do so much and to reach so many people.

Our thanks also go to the volunteers who have shared their stories with us in this newsletter below.

This National Volunteer Week will be in King Street (1,2,3 & 6,7 June) between 10am and 2pm, giving out gold stars to islanders who volunteer. We will also be encouraging people who don’t yet volunteer, to think about doing so.
Charity vacancies will be advertised in The Co-op Grande Marche stores, Checkers Xpress, Bath Street, Holme Grown Farm Shop and Ransoms. And if you have positions you need volunteers for, please contact Lyn.

Keep posted to FB over the course of the week and visit volunteersweek.org to find out what’s happening in the UK where volunteering is being celebrated for 12 days.

Interested to know what kind of volunteering best fits your personality and interests? Why not check out this BBC online quiz too.  

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Adelina d’Orleans from Jersey’s Youth Service wants to thank all her volunteers who she says are: “pretty amazing!”

“We have some brilliant volunteers within the Inclusion Project, many of whom have a disability and attended the project as youngsters themselves, who have then gone on to volunteer for us.”
 

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Sarah Jordan
Project Linus UK
Channel Islands
Co-ordinator
 

I first started knitting for Project Linus UK about 18 years ago. I found a leaflet in a local (now closed down) wool shop and I used (and still use) knitting as therapy.

I used to knit blankets for children of friends, and inbetween I knitted for Project Linus, mailing my creations to a UK address.

About seven or eight years ago, Project Linus UK suggested I may like to take on the mantle of the Channel Island
co-ordinator, as there was a vacant role.

After some serious consideration (my main concern being that I live with depression, which can be very debilitating on a cyclical basis, and that I may not be able to fulfil the role adequately as a result, and being re-assured that this would not be a problem), I decided to proceed and the Jersey charity was born in early 2009.

As most of the co-ordinators in the UK have usually taken over an existing role, I was groping in the dark somewhat as to the first place to recruit ‘blanketeers.’ 

After a slow start, I now have lots of blanketeers, including quilters, knitters and those who crochet or fringe and decorate fleeces, from all walks of life and some with various disabilities. 

Some work in groups, some work alone and some are in nursing homes. I often hear how the blanket making has had a therapeutic effect, most particularly in the realm of increasing confidence or helping them through a difficult time themselves.

Having recruited a band of helpers, I then had to research agencies through which the blankets could be distributed. I now regularly donate to the Special Care Baby Unit and Robin Ward at the General Hospital; NSPCC – baby steps parenting programme; Brighter Futures (for the Inbetweenies programme) Jersey Womens Refuge, The Causeway Association and  to counsellors who help children with emotional issues.

We have also donated to Oakwell Respite Home, Maison Allo Respite Home, Children’s Bereavement via Hospice, various Schools, La Preference Children’s Home, Brig-y-Don Children’s Home, The White House, The Grace Crocker Foundation, and to various children which come to our attention from time to time.

Until I started this work, I had no idea of what I call “the secret underbelly of society” which no-one talks about. I have met some amazing, truly inspirational people who donate their time, abilities and money to supporting this worthwhile project.

I have also met some absolutely gorgeous children, heard some heart-rending stories of physical and emotional need and read some beautiful and heartfelt thank yous which, in addition to bringing a tear to my eye, have made this job so rewarding.

I am now supported by a team who help with administration, blanket labelling, deliveries and collections and since May 2015 there has been a Guernsey co-ordinator, Debbie Baker, so the Channel Islands are covered for the most part. I am now unable to carry out paid work, but I can still do something towards this great cause when I am able.

T: 07797 763 776
E: jordansarah@hotmail.com
W: www.projectlinusuk.org.uk
FB: www.facebook.com/
ProjectLinusUKChannelIslands
 

We are in need of some up to date pictures! Pease send us your favourites for our website and FB.

And don’t forget to give us your events for the diary, especially with summer activities on their way – it can really help avoid clashes and double bookings which is better for everyone!
 

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