Housing Executive reaffirms JAM Card commitment as part of JAMuary campaign

Claire McCleery, JAM Card Director (centre) at the Housing Centre customer reception with Rosanna McSorley (left) and June McGrath from the Housing Executive’s Tenancy Support and Sustainment team

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has reaffirmed its commitment to being a JAM Card-friendly organisation as part of the NOW Group’s JAMuary awareness campaign this month, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion for customers across its services.

The JAM Card – which stands for Just A Minute – allows individuals to discreetly signal that they may need extra time, patience or understanding during everyday interactions. It is particularly beneficial for people with hidden disabilities or those who find social situations, phone calls or routine administrative tasks challenging.

Over the past year, significant progress has been made within the Housing Executive to embed JAM Card awareness into frontline services.

More than 2,000 staff have completed online JAM Card training, while a further 400 colleagues have taken part in face-to-face sessions. The training is designed to boost staff confidence and improve communication, helping to remove barriers that some customers may encounter when accessing housing support.

Tara Kelly, the Housing Executive’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Manager, said the initiative has a tangible impact on customer experience.

She said:

“Small adjustments can mean a lot to people, so when a member of the public shows their JAM Card or says they are a JAM Card member, we can reassure them that we have time to listen and may be able to offer somewhere more private to talk.”

She added:

“Taking the steps to become a JAM Card–friendly organisation has helped us enhance accessibility and promote inclusion for our customers. Our staff are now more aware of potential difficulties anyone could face when dealing with us in our offices or on the phone.”

The JAM Card scheme continues to grow in reach and impact, with more than 195,000 users now registered across Northern Ireland. The card has become a widely recognised tool for fostering more understanding, welcoming environments in public services, retail settings and workplaces.

The JAMuary campaign, led by the NOW Group, aims to raise awareness each January of the small but meaningful adjustments that can transform everyday interactions for people with hidden disabilities or additional needs.

Claire McCleery, JAM Card Business Director from the NOW Group, said the campaign is an important reminder of how inclusive practices can be embedded into daily life.

She said:

“The JAMuary campaign is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the simple adjustments that can make everyday interactions more accessible for people with hidden disabilities or requirements, whether in or outside of work!

“The JAM Card gives individuals a clear, discreet way to say they need a just a little extra time or understanding, and it’s encouraging to see organisations like the Housing Executive continuing to champion and embed this approach through staff training and awareness.

“We couldn’t prouder of the impact that this initiative is continuing to have on our society especially when considering the amount of people that the Housing Executive help regionally throughout Northern Ireland.”

Members of the public can request a free JAM Card by visiting the JAM Card website at www.jamcard.org and completing the online request form.

Further information about the work and services of the NOW Group is available at www.nowgroup.org.