Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of NOW Group, joined the Housing Executive’s Director of Corporate Services, David Moore, to launch the housing body’s commitment to becoming a JAM Card friendly organisation.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has announced its commitment to becoming JAM Card friendly, joining the growing network of organisations supporting people with learning difficulties, autism, or communication barriers.
The JAM (Just A Minute) Card allows people to discreetly indicate that they need a little extra time and patience in their daily interactions. This initiative will be rolled out across all Housing Executive offices and services, ensuring more inclusive and accessible housing services for all residents.
Housing Executive staff across Northern Ireland will receive specialised training to recognise and respond appropriately to JAM Card users, ensuring they can provide the additional time and support needed during interactions.
David Moore, Director of Corporate Services at the Housing Executive, said:
"We are proud to embrace the JAM Card initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to making our services accessible to everyone. Becoming JAM Card friendly demonstrates our commitment to ensuring everyone can access our services comfortably, whether they're reporting a repair, applying for housing benefit, or seeking housing advice.
“Our teams, from maintenance officers to housing advisors, will be fully trained to provide that extra time and understanding that can make all the difference to someone's experience."
Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of NOW Group, added:
“We are thrilled that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive have committed to becoming JAM Card Friendly. They have recognised the value of investing in training thousands of their staff to provide great customer service for people with both visible and invisible disabilities.
“Since launching the JAM Card initiative in 2012, this simple idea has become a resounding success with more than 3,000 businesses across the UK and Ireland participating in the eLearning training programme to become JAM Card Friendly.
“It may be ‘Just A Minute’ but that extra time and understanding can really support and comfort those with communications barriers. Whether the training benefits those internal or external to your organisation, helping to give others equal access to the services they need every day makes all the difference.”
The implementation of the JAM Card scheme will begin immediately, with staff training scheduled across all the Housing Executive’s offices. This will enhance accessibility across the organisation's entire service spectrum, from initial social housing applications to ongoing tenancy support.
This initiative forms part of the Housing Executive's broader strategy to enhance accessibility and promote inclusion across all its services.
To get a FREE JAM Card, users can request one directly by visiting the JAM Card website and filling out the request form - www.jamcard.org. For more information on the work and services of the NOW Group, visit www.nowgroup.org