During the summer holidays, I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with the wonderful families at Team Jak’s Mini Denners in Livingston as part of their summer programme.
The theme that week was a journey around the world through the World Cup, and our destination was Nigeria. Through music, movement, imaginative play, exotic animals and, of course, plenty of parachute fun, the children spent the afternoon singing, laughing and simply enjoying being children.
Watching those smiles reminded me exactly why Team Jak is Boogie Beat’s chosen Charity of the Year.
This is now our second year supporting Team Jak, and something has become really clear to me: consistency matters.
As a small business, I know I can’t solve every problem or make huge donations overnight. But I can commit to supporting a cause year after year, and I can encourage my community to come alongside me. Every Boogie Beat ticket contributes 20p towards Team Jak, and last year, thanks to the incredible support of our families, we were able to donate more than £1,500.
Team Jak is incredibly close to my heart because they supported my nephew and our family during his treatment for aplastic anaemia. During one of the most difficult periods of our lives, they provided kindness, understanding and moments of joy that made an enormous difference.
That personal connection is what first drew me to Team Jak.
Looking back on that visit, I was reminded why I continue to support them.
While I was at the centre, I met families who had travelled from Ayr because they value what Team Jak offers. That says so much about the impact this charity has.
The centre is far more than a building.
It is a safe place where children can play freely, explore, make choices and simply have fun. At the same time, parents and carers are surrounded by people who genuinely understand the challenges they are facing. Friendships are formed, experiences are shared, and support happens naturally.
The atmosphere created by Allison and her incredible team is something really special. The warmth, compassion and genuine care for every family is evident from the moment you walk through the door.
The Boogie Beat session welcomed children ranging from around three to eight years old. Like many of Team Jak’s activities, families can choose to attend when it suits them, so you never quite know who will meet you through the door.
What you do know is that every child will be welcomed.
Within minutes there were songs, dancing, games, laughter and huge excitement whenever the parachute came out. Every child joined in in their own way, and every smile felt like a little victory.
What struck me most was seeing the children completely immersed in the moment.
For a short while, there were no hospital appointments to think about. No treatment schedules. No difficult conversations. No worries.
There were just children being children.
To be able to contribute to those moments, however small my role, means more to me than I can put into words.
People often ask me what inclusion means, and that visit reminded me that inclusion is much broader than many people realise.
Of course, inclusion means ensuring children with additional support needs, hearing impairments, visual impairments and other differences can fully participate.
But inclusion also means making space for children whose lives look different because of illness.
It means recognising that some children cannot attend mainstream school because they are receiving treatment. It means understanding that some families cannot safely attend busy community classes because infection control has to come first. It means adapting opportunities so that every child has the chance to experience joy, friendship, music and play.
That, to me, is true inclusion.
It wasn’t just about delivering a Boogie Beat session. It was about seeing first-hand how important charities like Team Jak are. They provide laughter on difficult days, friendship when families feel isolated, and a community that understands without explanation.
I am incredibly proud that Boogie Beat can support Team Jak, not only through fundraising throughout the year but also by bringing music, movement and moments of happiness into such a special place.
Thank you to Allison and every member of the Team Jak family for the remarkable work you do. Your dedication creates a place where children can simply be children, where families feel supported, and where joy still finds a way to shine through the hardest of circumstances.
It is an honour to play even the smallest part in supporting your incredible mission, and I hope to visit Team Jak’s Mini Denners again very soon.
Written by Mairi Curle Franchisee of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian