We’re extremely excited to have claimed a major accolade for the work of our incredible team to support children with disabilities and their families throughout the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
Alongside our UK distribution division, Jiraffe, we have been formally recognised by the British Chambers of Commerce and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce as a ‘UK Business Hero’, receiving an official letter of congratulations from HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO.
Our life-changing – and at times, life-saving – equipment and expertise has come to the aid of hundreds of vulnerable children and their families during the pandemic.
This has included the introduction of a number of schemes, initiatives and services which have resulted in reduced lead times, enhanced flexibility of service and enabled easy access to vital expert guidance and equipment for those who have needed it most.
Jiraffe’s initial response to the first Covid-19 lockdown in the UK and subsequent closure of schools was to hand-deliver equipment free of charge, nationwide to children and families who would ordinarily have accessed this in school.
This was closely followed by the launch of the company’s Emergency Posture Provision (EPP) scheme, which offered families a low-cost loan of essential postural support equipment for children during the first lockdown, along with access to guidance and advice on best use.
The EPP scheme been continued to enable the crucial support of Jiraffe’s team to continue during what UK health chiefs have predicted as being “a tough winter”.
Meanwhile, Jenx staff were all designated as ‘essential workers’ very early on in the pandemic, and Jiraffe’s network of therapists and product advisors were also able to attend – either virtually or in person – almost 400 assessments between April and August, to ensure that vital postural support reached those most in need.
And most recently, we proudly supported Jiraffe in the launch of its innovative Knowledge and Know How service as the latest part of its ‘Here to Help’ initiative. The scheme will enable the company to continue to provide vital services through a dedicated team, covering all products and clinical support needs.
Holly Jenkins, Divisional Director at Jiraffe, praised the Jenx and Jiraffe teams for the ‘crucial connection’ they have provided between therapists, advisors, carers and families during a period which postural equipment and advice has been made “all the more important”.
Holly said: “It’s difficult to put into words how proud I am of the work done by our team during what has been an unbelievably tough year for everybody, but particularly for the families and children whom we will continue to support this winter.
“Being recognised by the British Chambers of Commerce and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce as a UK Business Hero during such a tough year is a fantastic accolade, but is no more than the dedicated, committed, innovative and hard-working team deserves.
“Jiraffe’s ‘Here to Help’ initiative perfectly captures our company ethos to always be there to support those who need it most during the toughest of times. The vital connection between our network of families, therapists and advisors has been made even more crucial by the pandemic. Our team has more than stepped up to the plate.”
For more information on Jiraffe visit www.jiraffe.org.uk.
