10 January 2020
On Monday 20 January, Blue Monday, Closer to Home is hosting the first of 12 roadshow events, bringing free health checks, emotional wellbeing support, and a range of other activities to Le Squez Youth Centre in St Clement.
Local residents of all ages are invited to come and experience the services and activities on offer any time between 2 – 6.30pm.
The roadshows follow the launch of Closer to Home in 2019, heralding a new way of delivering activities and services in community locations to make it easier for Islanders of all ages to access them. The roadshows are providing a taster of what Closer to Home is looking to provide all year round, including:
- for children and young families, there will be everything from health checks, parenting support and story time with Jersey Library
- secondary school age children can find fitness testing, activities using virtual reality and a host of advice, support and information on health and wellbeing
- adults can have their heart health and blood pressure checked, try mood-boosting activities, join a sing-along and find out about the latest housing developments in the area, as well as a host of other activities.
There is no need to book for any of the activities, which will continue throughout the afternoon, and all the services on offer are free of charge.
Closer to Home is a partnership initiative developed collaboratively by the Government of Jersey, voluntary and community organisations and the Parishes, with 26 different partners offering their activities and services at the first event.
Malcolm Ferey, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Jersey, said: “Citizens Advice is proud to be working alongside the Government of Jersey, the parish of St Clement, and the voluntary sector to deliver this event.
“We know that even when individuals need advice or information, they may feel self-conscious about the prospect of seeking it out. By bringing services closer to them, we hope we can make it easier for them to get the support that they need and perhaps beat Blue Monday.”
Catriona McAllister, Chief Executive Officer at Jersey Sport, said: “Our Move More Officers will be available to discuss how you can make simple lifestyle choices in your everyday life to improve your fitness levels and to talk about the different programmes we offer.
“These include our referral programme, pay as you go classes as well as our free walking and cycling programmes – we want people to understand that moving more is important to your overall health but it doesn’t need to happen in a gym, or while you’re wearing lycra!”
Throughout the year, a Closer to Home roadshow will take place in each parish. Residents will find this month’s event at Le Squez Youth Centre, adjacent to Le Squez School in St Clement. The next event will take place at St Ouen’s Parish Hall on Tuesday 25 February and further dates will be announced throughout the year.
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