Danske Bank was today confirmed as the first bank in Northern Ireland to become ‘JAM Card Friendly’.

The Just A Minute (JAM) Card is an initiative by the NOW Group, a social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism. It provides people with communication barriers with a discreet, non-verbal way of asking for a minute of patience when they need it.

JAM Card users will be able to show their JAM Card or app in any Danske Bank branch across Northern Ireland. Branch staff have received training to recognise the card and know how to provide the best customer service for users.

There are more than 12,000 JAM Cards users in Northern Ireland.

Diane Hill, Director of Business Development at NOW Group, said: “Carrying out everyday activities like visiting a bank branch can be a daunting prospect for some people.  We’ve worked with Danske Bank to develop bespoke training to suit their business and sector, and help improve understanding of some of the challenges their customers may have when they come in to do their banking.

“Danske is the latest in a number of local businesses we have been working with to become JAM Card Friendly, including NIE Networks, SSE Arena, George Best Belfast City Airport, local Councils and many others. It’s great to see Danske Bank leading the way in the banking sector as we continue to try to create a society that meets the needs of everyone.”

Aisling Press, Head of Branch Banking at Danske Bank, said: “A fundamental part of our role in society is to make everyday banking accessible to everyone – but it’s also about ensuring we provide the same excellent customer service to all our customers.

“The NOW Group is doing fantastic work to support people with learning difficulties and autism to realise their full potential – and are making a tangible social impact. The JAM Card is an important part of this work and we’re delighted to be working with the NOW Group on this initiative.”

The JAM Card is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by Danske Bank to make finance more accessible for every customer, which has recently included working with the Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland to become ‘dementia friendly.’