Good News Corner

Lidl to Recognise 'JAM' (Just a Minute) Cards In-Store

Lidl Ireland is expanding its Autism Aware Quiet Evenings offering to include recognition of the 'Just a Minute (JAM) card'. It's a token that anyone with a learning difficulty or communication barrier can use to signal that they're in need of a little extra time and patience from Lidl employees.  

Autism Aware Quiet Evenings have been offered at Lidl's 209 stores since 2018, occur on Tuesdays from 6-8 pm, and promise 'reduced lighting, no music or announcements, lower till scan sounds, and priority queuing' for customers. 

Meanwhile, the JAM card (developed by The Now Group charity and already recognised by dozens of businesses across Ireland & Britain) allows someone to non-verbally express that they are feeling overwhelmed and need additional time. Showing the card at the till to a trained employee, for example, means that those who are reluctant or unable to disclose their condition are met with understanding, patience, and empathy.

Immunotherapy Trial for Incurable Brain Tumours Shows Promising Results

A human trial of a vaccine that helps the body's immune system fight cancer has shown promising results. The trial was conducted on a group of 30 cancer patients battling diffuse gliomas, a particularly aggressive kind of tumour that can be difficult to operate on and shows resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

The physicians observed an immune response in 93% of patients who received the vaccine, which was designed to help the immune system identify and attack the specific gene mutation causing the cancer. They also did not note any patients suffer serious side effects of the vaccine. Significantly, the three-year survival rate for patients stands at 84%, with 63% of patients not seeing any tumour growth in that time. The trial now moves into Phase 2. 

World Bee Day Photography Competition for Kids

The Federation of Irish Beekeepers Association (FIBKA) is currently running a photography competition for kids in celebration of World Bee Day, May 20th. 

World Bee Day aims to acknowledge the role that bees and other pollinators play in our livelihoods. With 2 age categories and cash prizes up for grabs, FIBKA is encouraging children to snap pics of 'all types of Irish pollinators, from Honeybees and Hoverflies to Wasps and Butterflies.

Find out more about their application form, terms and conditions and closing date.