Our Aims

The Maypole Project provides services aimed at safeguarding and improving the mental and physical well-being of children and young people who have complex medical needs and disabilities and to support their family members as well as others who are affected by their condition and, in some cases, bereavement.

We aim to educate, support and preserve the mental and physical well-being of carers and professionals working with such families and help them with issues of loss and bereavement.

We educate the general public about emotional support available and how it can be provided to families.

Our History

The Maypole Project was established in 2003 through the vision and dedication of our founder Sally Flatteau-Taylor, whose commitment to supporting children and families continues to guide our mission. Her leadership laid the foundation for the values, compassion and service that continue to define our work today. The Maypole Project and our services are founded on the research conducted by Sally Flatteau-Taylor with ongoing feedback from families through evaluation.

Our purpose

Recent research highlights a significant increase in the prevalence of life-limiting conditions among children and young people in the UK, rising from 52,633 to 86,625 over the past decade. This growth is attributed, in part, to medical advancements allowing more children to survive into adolescence and adulthood. Approximately 2,000 children with these conditions die each year, necessitating extensive support from a variety of professionals and agencies, including specialist palliative care and hospice services, both of which are facing growing pressure on resources and staffing. (Source: Fraser, L.K. et al. (2020) Make Every Child Count: Prevalence of Life‑Limiting Conditions in the UK. University of York.)

The Maypole Project’s services play a crucial role in complementing the existing support provided to children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families. We help fill vital gaps by offering tailored emotional and practical support throughout the family’s journey.

We deliver personalised emotional support packages that help ensure families receive assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances, alleviating some of the stress and anxiety associated with complex medical diagnoses. This holistic approach not only supports the child but extends to parents, siblings, and others affected, including during times of bereavement.

Our commitment to providing ongoing support for as long as needed means that families are not left to navigate challenging periods alone, particularly as medical advancements enable more children to live longer with complex conditions. Our vision to ensure every family has access to Maypole support services during times of greatest need aligns with the need for a multi-disciplinary approach, complementing medical and palliative services by bridging gaps in support for emotional wellbeing and continuity of care.