Jack & Friends is entirely run by volunteers with no staff or founders receiving payments for the work they do on a daily basis to support families and their children.
The club is a non-government funded service and relies solely on fundraising and donations to remain open. We are one of many associated clubs under the umbrella of The National Arch Federation of Friendships Clubs for people with Special Needs. There are 50 volunteers who give their time freely to help run the club. All our volunteers are Garda vetted as part of our child protection policy, many who work in the field of supporting children with needs through schools and some have children with Autism or other additional needs.
Volunteers are certified in;
Social Skills and Autism training with Konfident Kidz/ AUsome Ireland
First Aid
Cara Centre Disability in Sport and Autism in Sport training In conjunction with Cork City Sports Partnership
We also use the services of qualified, trained professionals in the following areas,
Psychotherapists/ Counselling for Parents
Speech & Language Therapy for Children
Play Therapy for Children
Occupational Therapy for Children
At Jack & Friends, , we help and encourage the children develop their social skills and confidence using a wide range of activities such as
Social groups
Speech & Drama with Konfident Kidz
Athletics supported by Bandon Athletics Club
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu supported by Galera Studio
Soccer supported by Bandon AFC
Participation in Special Olympics supported by Bandon SO
Coderdojojo computer coding suppported by Bandon Grammar School
