Children with cancer across the north-east are being given a new lifeline with the opening of a Jak’s Den charity base in Aberdeen.
For the last five years, organisation Team Jak has been supporting dozens of local families through their journeys with cancer and related illnesses.
It has now launched a base in East Tullos, offering a dedicated space for counselling, music workshops and other drop-in sessions for young people up to 25-years-old.
The ribbon was cut this afternoon by Lord Provost David Cameron, signalling the start of the next chapter in the charity’s story.
‘A safe place for warriors’
Team Jak was set up by the family of 15-year-old Jak Trueman, whose life was cut short following an aggressive battle with a rare form of blood cancer.
He wanted to make sure support would be available for other young people facing a similar situation to his.
His mum Allison Barr, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Jak wanted a den for children and young people to relax, chill and be themselves.
“A safe, sterile space for warriors – children fighting cancer – and their siblings to receive support and recognition of the impact of this journey.
“He wanted to leave a legacy to ensure this would be available for all.”
In recent years Team Jak has helped more than 360 families across Scotland, including scores in Aberdeen.
After starting in Livingston, it expanded to several children’s hospitals and pop-up activities around the country.
The charity had originally secured a premises in Aberdeen back in 2020, but put the project on hold amid the onset of Covid.
Then, when they were ready to resume, the original building identified was no longer available.
Allison added: “Today’s opening has been a long time coming – and we are very excited to be here at last.”
Dad’s praise for charity
The Aberdeen facility has a large area for meeting and playing, as well as several quieter private rooms.
These can be used for Team Jak’s Bag of Worries counselling programme, as well as get-togethers with relatives, music therapy and homework support, among many other activities.
Peterhead dad Joe Shepherd’s daughter Holly was supported by Team Jak when she was going through cancer treatment.
During Covid lockdowns, the charity offered a lot of online support and sent out regular activities parcels for her to enjoy with twin brother Jack.
Joe said: “During lockdown it was a really big thing for us, there was a lot of support on offer.
“We got a day in the cinema where they went in and sanitised the place before we went in – as the kids are more susceptible to bugs.
“The Aberdeen centre will be a fantastic, safe area for families to go.”
Emotional Lord Provost David Cameron praised everyone involved in the setting up of the new Jak’s Den in Aberdeen.
“I realised one of the reasons you came here was because of these good people,” he told the opening ceremony before cutting the ribbon to declare the centre officially open.
“Without them and your team, we wouldn’t have this.
“Children and families for the foreseeable future will get support – emotional and physical – that they wouldn’t otherwise have had, and that is just amazing.”
Conversation