Farewell to Our ‘Fairy Godmother’

When the role of Family Liaison Officer was introduced in April 2024, Lin stepped in with her expertise as a qualified social worker, quickly making the role her own. Lin brought with her a wealth of knowledge in palliative care, disability support, and social work. But more than that, she brought a heart full of empathy and a determination to make life better for the families we support. In the last year, she worked tirelessly to support our families, ensuring they felt heard, supported, and empowered during some of the most difficult times in their lives. 

Lin’s role at Jessie May has been as much about emotional support as it has been about navigating complex systems on behalf of families. From securing financial grants and housing applications to liaising with external organisations, she has been a lifeline for so many parents facing overwhelming challenges. 

Sometimes, her impact was as simple as sitting with a mother who was too exhausted to speak, offering quiet comfort when words weren’t enough. Other times, it was making the right phone call at the right time to ensure a family got the support they so desperately needed. As Lin put it: 

“Sometimes, just a single letter or phone call can make all the difference for a family.” 

Lin was also dedicated to creating meaningful connections within the Jessie May community. She attended family events and worked closely with the Family Engagement Officer to foster a sense of belonging among families. These events were important for families to meet, share experiences, and feel less isolated. Lin actively listened to families, gathering feedback and suggestions to improve future events, always striving to ensure families had access to helpful resources, information, and experiences. 

Lin also forged connections with charities like the Rainbow Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer, expanding the support available to families. She understood that a child’s illness affects everyone, ensuring siblings also had access to guidance and support.

Reflecting on her year with Jessie May, Lin was proud of what she had achieved, but she also recognised that the role was one that could evolve further. She strengthened communication with the nursing team to better support families after assessments and during hospital stays. She believes the role has the potential to reach even more families in the future.

Though Lin is retiring, her work isn’t stopping completely. She plans to continue her bereavement support work in Glastonbury, ensuring that families who have lost a child still have someone to turn to. She’s also looking forward to returning to her creative passions, including stained glass making.