Belfast City’s Linen Quarter BID has launched a new partnership with leading social enterprise, JAM Card, to enhance inclusion and accessibility across the district. The collaboration comes after the launch of the organisation’s 2024 programme when proceeds from their Burns Night event was donated to the initiative.
JAM Card is a discrete way for people with learning difficulties and autism to indicate that they need ‘Just a Minute’ of patience when going about their daily business. It is a card that can be displayed in physical form or via the JAM Card App, and which is widely recognised by both the people and participating businesses around the world.
The partnership between JAM Card and Linen Quarter Bid will focus on increasing accessibility for people with learning difficulties, autism or any other communication barrier, so those individuals can be confident living, working and socialising in the area. Linen Quarter Bid has already provided diversity training for its team through JAM Card’s E-Learning programme and is encouraging its members to commit to the same standards of inclusion.
Speaking on the partnership, Nicola Tipping, JAM Card Business Development Manager said: “We are thrilled to have Linen Quarter Bid on board as our latest partner organisation. It is crucial that businesses with a significant influence and reach in our towns and cities demonstrate their support for people with both visible and hidden disabilities. Linen Quarter BID’s commitment to diversity and inclusion sets an important example of leadership in this area, so we look forward to continuing our work together over the coming years.”
The JAM Card App also enables users to leave reviews of JAM Card-friendly establishments and to rate the service they received. This allows business partners to be recognised for their support of the initiative and track their own progress in delivering an inclusive service to customers.
Lawrence Tingson, Sustainable District Manager at Linen Quarter Bid added:
“Enjoying our city should be a right given to everyone in our community, so we are determined to ensure those with a learning difficulty or communication barrier feel welcome and supported while in our district. Our team has completed JAM Card training and a number of organisations across the District, including the Ulster Hall, share our commitment and understand the importance and value of such an initiative. As a leading hospitality and entertainment district we hope even more follow suit.”
The JAM Card was developed by NOW Group participants in 2012 and is now used by over 161,000 users and 2,500 business partners worldwide. NOW Group is an award-winning social enterprise which supports people with learning difficulties and autism into jobs with a future, and is the business partner of choice for those committed to neuro-inclusion.