Sheffield organisations unite to support children with additional needs

5th March 2025

Sheffield-based postural support products manufacturer, Jenx and Jiraffe, has announced its Charity of the Year for 2025 - the Sheffield Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SHASBAH) charity.

Staff at Sheffield-based postural support products manufacturer, Jenx and Jiraffe, have set their sights on supporting another local organisation this year in a united effort to help children with additional needs.

The company, which is based in Wadsley Bridge, has named the Sheffield Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SHASBAH) charity, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, as its Charity of the Year.

Every year, Jenx and Jiraffe invites organisations to apply to become its Charity of the Year, and every year its Charity Committee is overwhelmed with the scale and calibre of the applications it receives.

“Where possible, we always strive to contribute to causes dedicated to helping children and families living with additional needs, just as we do," explains Holly Jenkins, Managing Director of Jenx and Jiraffe.

“After much deliberation, we chose SHASBAH due to the unparalleled alignment between our organisations. Their dedication to empowering disabled people in our shared local community reflects our vision of a bright and inclusive future for all children.

“We focus our support where we can make the biggest impact, particularly in areas that align with our mission to enable every child to have the best possible opportunity for a functional, pain-free future. We know that small, local charities, like SHASBAH, face unique challenges and we’re confident that our partnership will create meaningful, long-term change.”

Based in Hillsborough, SHASBAH is the only organisation in South Yorkshire that provides support for people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus within the Sheffield district postcode.

Jenx’s and Jiraffe’s Charity Committee has developed a 12-month programme of fundraising activities, ranging from quiz nights and cake bake sales to some top secret events, all aimed at raising as much money as possible.

Nina Rose, Director of Services at SHASBAH, said:

“We’re extremely grateful and honoured that Jenx and Jiraffe has chosen us as their Charity of the Year.

“We provide activities and services to support our members’ mental health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve their independence and future employment opportunities. All of our work is done through our team, most of whom have lived experience with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus, and our invaluable volunteers.

“The extra support means we can expand our reach to more members and enrich our existing work, including a peer mentorship programme aimed at empowering our teen members.”

All of the proceeds from this year’s jam-packed programme of fundraising activities will be donated to SHASBAH.

Jenx and Jiraffe has been running its Charity of the Year initiative for the last seven years. So far, it has supported four charities - Newlife, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Paces and CP Teens UK - and raised £50,000 in total.