Empowering families in Jersey, one child at a time

Every child deserves the chance to thrive. And in Jersey, families can navigate the joys and challenges of raising children in a vibrant and close-knit community.

From nurturing young minds to balancing work and family life, parents work hard to create opportunities for their children to succeed.

But sometimes, the path isn’t always straightforward. High living costs, limited childcare options and specialised support for children with additional needs can make parenting more complex.

Yet with the right support, every child can reach their full potential. That’s where organisations like Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT) play a vital role – working alongside families to build stronger foundations for growth.

Helping children when it matters most

At the heart of JCCT’s mission is a simple yet powerful idea: every child in Jersey deserves the best possible start in life. By promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for families, the charity is making a meaningful difference in communities across the island.

From helping children with disabilities access nurseries and supporting those who live in poverty, to training hundreds of childcare practitioners each year, JCCT is a lifeline for many.

Now, JCCT and RBC Wealth Management in Europe are partnering to support these vital programmes and bring the much-loved RBC Race for the Kids Jersey back to the island.

A vision for the future: The Early Years Centre of Excellence

Imagine a place where children of all backgrounds and abilities have access to high-quality early education. A place where parents can find the support they need under one roof, and where early-years professionals are trained to deliver exceptional care.

This is the vision behind JCCT’s Early Years Centre of Excellence.

“Eighty percent of our brain development occurs by the age of three,” explains Fiona Vacher, CEO of JCCT. “Early years are critical for a child’s development, and the Centre of Excellence will not only provide outstanding care and education but also serve as a hub for families and professionals to come together.”

The centre will address critical gaps in Jersey’s childcare system, particularly in areas where support is scarce. It will offer:

• High-quality childcare for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers
• A training academy to develop the skills of early-years professionals
• Integrated family support, bringing together health, education and social services

Through philanthropy, public interest and private support, the Centre of Excellence aims to create a sustainable model that reinvests in the community.

The power of partnership

Recognising the importance of JCCT’s work, RBC Wealth Management in Europe has partnered with the charity to help bring its vision to life. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the relaunch of RBC Race for the Kids Jersey , a family-friendly fun run that will form part of the Supertri triathlon event.

The goal of the run is to unite the island’s communities while raising essential funds for JCCT.

“We’re thrilled to relaunch RBC Race for the Kids Jersey in partnership with JCCT,” says David Bailey, chief operating officer of RBC Wealth Management in Europe. “At RBC, we’re helping to create positive social impact in the communities where we live and work. JCCT’s mission aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re proud to support their efforts to create happier, healthier children and families in Jersey.”

RBC Race for the Kids: A run for all

RBC Race for the Kids Jersey, which takes place on 21 Sept., promises to be a day of celebration, connection and community spirit. Participants can choose from a 2.5km, 5km or brand-new 10km distance – whether running, walking or wheeling, there’s an activity for people of all abilities.

This inclusive event is part of RBC’s global initiative , which has engaged over 470,000 participants worldwide and raised more than £50 million for youth-focused charities since its launch in 2009.

But it’s more than just a run.

For families like Maggie’s, whose son Ross has disabilities, the support from JCCT through its Special Needs Inclusion Programme has been life changing.

“Every day was a relief when the Jersey Child Care Trust stepped in and offered support for Ross,” says Maggie. “They have been an amazing help to Ross himself, but also to me and our family. They have reassured me on the worst days, and we’ve celebrated together on the good days with his development.”

Last year alone, JCCT directly supported more than 200 families. From enabling children with additional needs to thrive in nurturing environments to empowering parents to return to work, the charity’s impact is profound.

“We’re deeply honoured that the Jersey Child Care Trust has been chosen as the beneficiary of the RBC Race for the Kids Jersey,” says Vacher. “Events like these not only raise vital funds but also bring people together to show that we are a community that cares. We can’t wait to see everyone taking part, stepping up to their own physical challenge and raising money to help more children in Jersey.”

How you can get involved

There are many ways to support JCCT and their mission to transform early childhood in Jersey:

• Join the race: Sign up for RBC Race for the Kids Jersey or RBC Race for the Kids London (the London edition is in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital) and take part in a fun-filled day of activity and connection.
• Donate: Every contribution helps JCCT continue its life-changing work.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support JCCT’s initiatives.
• Advocate: Share JCCT’s vision with others and help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development.