Team Jak (scio) was created by inspirational teenager Jak Trueman beofre he died of a rare cancer age just 15.
Jak and his family felt that whilst the medical care was outstanding there was a real need for emotional and social support.
Jak saw the need for a safe and sterile place for children and their families to go when home from hospital away from the public and risk of infection where they could "chill" and be "normal" for a while.
Jak’s Den is that haven in West Lothian which has everything within it that Jak requested before he died including a Family Chillout Zone, Activity Zone, Under 5s Soft Play Zone, Media/Sensory Room, Teen Zone, Kitchen, 3 Bespoke counselling pods including a Pamper Pod and Kids Pod for Kids Counselling, Play Therapy and Music Therapy and a gorgeous garden area with musical instruments, pirate ship football goal and the potential for more.
Within Jak’s Den we have a full programme of activities and events which cater for all the family including warrior days (warriors are children fighting cancer), sibling days (as often siblings are even more isolated), parent and grandparent support sessions, Angel family sessions (for those who have lost a child or sibling or cousin), Teen lunch and activities, Under 5s Mini Denners with music storytime and crafts, Lego Club, Fun Days, baking arts crafts, drop ins, counselling, music and play therapy and 1:1 befriending.
Team Jak also support the childrens cancer wards in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Aberdeen providing snacks and goodies and music therapy in Glasgow and pop Up Jaks Dens in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and Glasgow CLIC House.
We also support children and families at home and also in school.
Our BAg of Worries is one of our most popular groups. Here's what M had to say about it-
M to sibling E-
"So E- do you have any worries you'd like to chat about?"
"No- why?"
"Cos I'm part of the Worry Group now and I know how to deal with them!"
Please help us continue to create smiles and ease the journey for our inspirational young people.