Information

The Maypole Project can provide information on services such as specialist advisors, grants, holidays and special wishes via its family support worker and/or directly from charity’s office. Providing a link for the family to other services is often just what they need.

The case study below highlights how different aspects of support from the same service can enhance the overall “package” of emotional support care provided:

When a nurse recommended The Maypole Project to the Zammitt family they found it was just what they needed. Their second eldest son, Jamie, had just been diagnosed with a very rare form of leukaemia – Fanconi Anaemia – and they needed all the help they could find. All aspects of their life had been affected.

‘Our key worker came to the house and helped us fill in both the Disability Living Allowance and the Carer’s Allowance forms. I knew we were entitled, but had previously been turned down. Thanks to the help with the forms, we were given the allowances.’

The Project continued to support the family as they searched for a bone marrow donor who matched Jamie’s needs. It also helped support them with the other issues that they faced; the nightmare rollercoaster of hospitalisation and treatments.

But it wasn’t just with the practical side of things that The Maypole Project was able to help. Donna found the counselling she received invaluable. ‘It was like a tonic for me. My key worker was very professional and friendly. She let me speak, without interrupting, and then gave good impartial responses. It made a big difference to know she was there if I needed to talk.’

Sadly, Jamie’s health continued to deteriorate until his death in December 2010. At this time, the family needed financial help to get through the most difficult Christmas they had ever faced. Alongside the ongoing emotional support, The Maypole Project made several contacts to help them buy toys for Jamie’s siblings, helping the family to get through this tremendously difficult time as “normally” as possible.

Since Jamie’s death the family has moved to a different country. However, The Maypole Project will continue to provide bereavement support by phone and e-mail contact until such time as the family decides to close the connection.