All Islanders invited to join Jersey’s Big Health and Wellbeing Conversation

The Public Health Department within Government is launching Jersey’s first Big Health and Wellbeing Conversation and all Islanders are invited to join the conversation.

The conversation starts on Monday 10 October (World Mental Health Day), with Public Health colleagues visiting locations across the Island to engage Islanders in conversations about what works to protect and improve their health and wellbeing and what more they would like to see from Government. The feedback from Islanders will be used to shape the Public Health strategy for the Island. 

In addition to the in-person conversations an online conversation will take place at gov.je/healthconversation, discussions with select groups will also be undertaken by Public Health during the weeks following 10 October. 

The Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Rose Binet said: “Engaging our community and hearing their thoughts and feedback about health and wellbeing is hugely important and I’m delighted to be joining my Public Health colleagues on Monday as we start these conversations. 

“I really hope Islanders take up this opportunity, it doesn’t matter how long someone has lived here, how much they engage with health and wellbeing services, or where they see their place within our community, they all have valuable insights about how we can live healthier lives, and we want to hear from them.” 

Martin Knight, Head of Health Improvement for Public Health said: “There are so many elements that can contribute to overall wellbeing – physical, mental, emotional, social, economic. But really, it’s about feeling good about life – feeling good physically and mentally, relating well to other people and feeling satisfied with life. 

“To allow us to shape a Public Health strategy for the Island we need to centre it around the needs of our Islanders. I’m excited for my colleagues and myself to get out from behind our desks to meet with and engage in conversation with the people that our work will reach. 

“The decision to start the conversation on World Mental Health Day was made in recognition that our mental health is intrinsically linked to our overall wellbeing, we would encourage Islanders to also recognise this link when sharing their thoughts with us. 

“I really want to express that the invite is for absolutely all Islanders to contribute to the conversation, whether in-person or at gov.je/healthconversation please join the conversation and have your say.” 

On Monday 10 October, the Public Health department will be at the following locations: