About Jen's Special Place
We're dedicated to supporting families and young people through life's most challenging times, providing compassionate care and practical guidance.
Our Mission
What drives everything we do
To provide compassionate, confidential support to families and young people struggling in grief, helping them build resilience and find hope for the future.
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality support when they need it most. Our approach combines professional expertise with genuine care and understanding.
Compassion
We meet everyone with empathy and understanding
Community
We build supportive networks and connections
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in our work
Respect
We honour dignity and confidentiality
Jen's Story
The inspiration behind our work
Who is Jen and why was the support group set up?
Jennie Akers sadly died in 2009 after a short battle with cancer at the age of 25, after being diagnosed when she was pregnant with her 3rd child. On the day she died she had three young children, Taya (6 months), George (2) and Ella (5).
'After the death of my sister Jen things were tough for all of us; while we tried to deal with our own loss we were left to manage the kids heartbreak and the reality that we couldn't do anything to bring their mum back. As adults we were offered lots of support but little advice or help was found for the kids and what services we did find was either too far away and not accessible or not the direct support we needed. There was no where to turn in our moment of need. I knew this wasn't right and had to do something to fill this gap, this is where Jen's Special Place was born'
- Jemma Akers-Jacklin, Jen's Sister
Jemma along with Jen's mother Pauline set up Jen's Special Place in 2014, with the support from family and friends, aiming to provide better access to the help, advice and support that children and their families need in such dark days. Since then Jen's Special Place has supported over 300 bereaved children and young people (statistic from September 2024).
'We have been blown away by the generosity of people, businesses and the community. Without this we would not be able to keep running and we can not thank everyone enough.'
We are proud to announce we won the BBC RADIO HUMBERSIDE 'MAKE A DIFFERENCE' AWARD 2024 in the community Category ! Thank you Emily who nominated us and for the judges who picked our charity out of so many good causes in the Humberside region
Watch our promo video and why we were set up. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos.
“Jen's special place has provided valuable help and support for my daughter through very difficult times and everyone there has been amazing. Huge thank you to JSP”
- Paula
Our Impact
The difference we're making in our community
Meet Our Team
The people behind Jen's Special Place
The Full Team
Behind JSP is an invaluable wider team of volunteers who help deliver sessions, events, fundraising and support for families.
Our Journey
Key moments that shaped Jen's Special Place
Group established at Cafe Indie
Jen's Special Place began as a supportive community group, bringing families together in a welcoming space.
Group established at Cafe Indie
Jen's Special Place began as a supportive community group, bringing families together in a welcoming space.
Moved to Ashby Children's Centre
The group grew and moved into a new venue to support more families.
First trip: Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A milestone year with the first big trip, creating memorable experiences for children and families.
Moved to Bottesford Baptist Church
The community continued to expand, needing a larger, more suitable space.
New group formed due to increase in demand
Demand grew and JSP responded by expanding capacity through an additional group.
Registered as a charity
A major step forward, formalising JSP's mission and enabling bigger impact.
Started counselling and 1:1 support
JSP began offering counselling and one-to-one support alongside group sessions.
New group formed for 11-17 year olds
Support broadened to include a dedicated group for young people aged 11-17.
First charity ball
A huge fundraising milestone, bringing the community together for a special event.
Won BBC Humberside Make a Difference Award
Community Category, recognition for the difference JSP makes to families.
New SEND group formed
JSP expanded again with a dedicated SEND group to support more families.
Moved into our own premises
A new chapter, moving into our own premises at Central Community Centre.
Join Our Mission
Help us continue supporting families in need. Your involvement makes a real difference.