Physiotherapist Janet Jeffrey, the founder of a physiotherapy outreach programme that provides services to children with disabilities in Lesotho, an independent state in Southern Africa, has been awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours list.

According to a statement on the POP website, Jan’s personal motto is ‘Be the change you want to see’. Holding an MSc in pain management, Jan worked for more than 20 years in the NHS in Wales. After spells in in orthopaedics and outpatients she worked for the paediatric service in Powys.

Jan began helping children in Lesotho in 2016 and decided to retire from the NHS at the end of 2021 to become a full-time physiotherapy volunteer. A former Outward Bound instructor, Jan is a keen mountaineer and water sports enthusiast. 

‘Be the change you want to see’ [Jan’s motto]

In 2020, Jan approached Glasswaters Foundation Canada as a funding partner to support a physiotherapy community initiative. The aim was to bring much needed physiotherapy and health education to children with disabilities and their families living in rural poverty. Thato Kalebe was an original co-director and Joel Ndonde and Nelson Mensah-Aborampah are now co-directors.

Physiotherapy and outreach
POP Lesotho provides assessment, advice and support for children attending cerebral palsy workshops in Maseru, Leribe and Butha-Buthe. POP has visited more than 500 families in the community across these three districts to assess children’s physiotherapy needs, provide education and training for caregivers and supply assistive devices for children. 

Training caregivers in physiotherapy exercises means they can be their child’s daily therapist at home.

According to its website, POP adopts a holistic approach and is concerned with the physical, emotional, and social welfare of children with disabilities.

It advocates for children’s rights through awareness raising and supports inclusive education through enabling environments and promoting positive attitudes and behaviours. 

Image: POP website