Jack and Jill charity shop goes JAM friendly
A charity boutique in Youghal is now JAM friendly!
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation boutique in the coastal town is now officially JAM friendly, following the successful completion of JAM (Just A Minute) training by all staff members across the organisation, including shop managers, nurses, office staff and the family support team.
The JAM Card initiative, developed by the social enterprise NOW Group, allows people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier to discreetly and easily communicate their need for ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and understanding when in a public setting.
By becoming JAM Card friendly, Jack and Jill is reinforcing its commitment to making its stores and the wider organisation as inclusive and welcoming as possible for everyone in the community.
Stacey Bohanna, Head of Retail and Compliance at the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, said: “We’re really proud to have achieved JAM accreditation across all our Jack and Jill Charity Boutiques. This training helps ensure our shops are safe, supportive spaces where all customers feel understood and valued. It’s a small step that makes a big difference and it reflects our wider commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community care.”
Commenting on Jack and Jill’s accreditation Maeve Monaghan, CEO at NOW Group said, “It’s fantastic to see the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation become JAM Card friendly across all of its Charity Boutiques.
“JAM Card awareness plays a key role in fostering inclusion and understanding for people with communication barriers. We’re proud to work with an organisation that truly values accessibility and dignity for every customer.”
The Youghal boutique is part of a nationwide network of Jack and Jill Charity Boutiques that help fund vital in-home nursing care and respite support for children with complex medical needs.
Currently, Jack and Jill support 55 children in Cork and has supported 382 children in the county since the charity was founded in 1997.
Jack and Jill relies on public support, including funds raised through its charity boutiques to deliver this critical care model which is often described as a lifeline for the families its supports.