The respite facility in Livingston has benefitted from three new pods which will give young people and their families a place to relax
A charity that offers respite for families struck by illness is set to help more people thanks to three new dens.
Team Jak Foundation aims to create a purpose built facility where young cancer patients and those with other related illnesses and their families and friends can go to escape from the traumas of treatment or chill with their friends in a clean and safe environment.
The charity was set-up by the late Jak Trueman and has family, who have been fundraising to create Jak’s Den in Livingston.
And now the charity will benefit from three new urbanpods which will give children who are ill a special place to play and relax.
The dens are part of Team Jak’s commitment to securing a larger Jak’s Den in Livingston, and providing more opportunity for music therapy, counselling, drop-in sessions, and fun activities.
The new Jak’s Den will be 3.5 times larger than the existing facility and will be more accessible. Currently helping 140 families in Scotland, the charity’s ambitious plans also include further, more permanent, Jak’s Dens in other parts of the country.
urbanpod owner Ross Iwaniec said the Livingston-based business was delighted to be able to be able to work with a local charity.
He said: “I can’t think of a more valuable way that our pods can help people in their journey after diagnosis which is why we decided to gift one of them as part of our contribution to their wonderful plans for development.
“Our pods, will surround the fantastic new Jak’s Den garden play area and be used for relaxation and pampering for the whole family, adult counselling and children’s counselling which often incorporates music or art. ”
Hazel McLinden, fundraising and volunteer co-ordinator at Team Jak, said: “The charity has achieved so much in such a short time since Jak’s death in 2015. He was just 15 years old when he died and an inspiration to us all.
“We have worked tirelessly since to give hope, support and beautiful new moments to children and young people and their families through diagnosis and treatment as well as help our families during and after bereavement. Our work with urbanpods will allow us to offer so much more and is the start of a beautiful new friendship”
