Tullamore shop now 'JAM' friendly as staff complete disability support training

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has announced that its Tullamore Charity Boutique 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 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.

The Jack and Jill Foundation said that, by becoming JAM Card friendly, it was reinforcing its commitment to making its stores and the wider organisation "as inclusive and welcoming as possible" for everyone in the community.

"We’re really proud to have achieved JAM accreditation across all our Jack and Jill Charity Boutiques," said Stacey Bohanna, Head of Retail and Compliance at the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

"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."

The Tullamore branch 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 supports four children in Offaly and has supported 41 children in the county since the charity was founded in 1997.