Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey has reported a significant surge in the need for emotional and practical assistance, with a new annual review showing that demand for wellbeing support has reached record levels. The charity’s latest data indicates that the number of people accessing its services has grown steadily since 2021, reflecting a broader shift in how cancer care is delivered on the island.
Record growth in therapy and counselling
The annual report, which covers the period from 2021 to 2025, highlights a dramatic increase in the use of complementary therapies. Sessions for these treatments rose from 405 in 2021 to 965 in 2025, a jump of 138 percent. This growth suggests that patients are increasingly seeking additional forms of care to manage the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.
Counselling and higher-level emotional support sessions have also seen substantial growth. The number of these sessions more than doubled, climbing from 407 in 2021 to 835 in 2025. This 105 percent increase underscores the rising need for psychological care among those affected by the disease.
In total, the charity delivered 4,253 support sessions to Islanders in 2025 alone. Additionally, 308 individuals accessed the drop-in cancer support and wellbeing centre without needing a formal referral, indicating that the service is becoming a more accessible first point of contact for many.
Strategic shifts and financial investment
Steph Gibaut, chief executive officer of Macmillan Jersey, emphasized the human impact behind these statistics. She noted that each figure represents a person, a family, and a critical moment where support made a difference. Over the five-year strategy period, the charity has focused on identifying needs earlier and offering more personalised care plans.
A key development in this approach has been the introduction of holistic needs assessments. Following a successful pilot, this formal launch allows the charity to identify physical, emotional, practical, and financial needs at an earlier stage in a patient’s cancer journey. This early identification enables the creation of individual care plans tailored to specific requirements.
Financially, the charity generated £4.38 million in income over the five-year period and invested £3.44 million into developing and delivering services. In 2025 specifically, Macmillan Jersey raised £963,090 and invested £890,352 in its work. Fundraising efforts included the Tour des Pyrénées, where 52 cyclists completed a coast-to-coast challenge, raising a record-breaking £236,000.
Gibaut stated that while the charity is proud of its achievements, it recognizes that demand continues to grow and patient needs are evolving. The new 2026 to 2030 strategy will focus on expanding emotional, wellbeing, and group support, as well as extending services for people living with and beyond cancer.
Source: BBC
