We were delighted to visit our Jack & Jill Galway families last Thursday, 23rd January. Thanks to everyone for attending and sharing their thoughts, suggestions and personal stories about their daily lives. We were reminded that families are willing to speak up about “Jack & Jill and Me” via their own social media and if/when we need local testimonials to raise awareness, funds and to win more corporate partners. Our county reach is so important to the whole Jack & Jill community and we are very proud to have supported 166 families in Galway over the years.
The conversation was robust in relation to more respite in the community, care, grants, In Loco Parentis and what Jack & Jill support means in the family home. This is reiterated in our Manifesto
Holidays was a shared topic amongst families and just how challenging it can be to take a family holiday at home, let alone abroad. Moving equipment around, accessing facilities or simply stocking up on formula or prescriptions. Just another example of a life event that most of us take for granted, but requires a lot of extra planning and organising for our Jack & Jill families. Something to think about.
Our Lego #Bricks4Care campaign was a big hit and we are very grateful to the parents and nurses who are talking to their local schools about collecting and donating Lego to Jack & Jill, with 33 drop off points across the country, including Claregalway.
Many thanks to all our families for sharing the morning with us and to the team at the Clayton Ballybrit for their help on the day. Also, a special thanks to our Liaison Nurse Cathy Keighery who brought everyone together for the day.
Jack & Jill CEO Carmel Doyle also spoke to Keith Finnegan in Galway Bay FM about the important ways Galwegians can help our 24 families throughout the county. Listen back here
