Maya finds the key to a new life following bereavement of parents

Maya Mason was left alone in her childhood home after losing both her parents. With support from Bridges Project’s Homemaker Programme, she is enjoying life again in her own flat.

It was about a year ago that the then 23-year-old’s father sadly passed away. Having already lost her mother and experiencing her brother moving out, Maya was left in her family’s three-bedroom house in Aberlady all by herself.

“It was a stressful time,” Maya recalls.

“I was in the house all alone and was supposed to be moving into a new tenancy. However, this got delayed and I had to maintain a three-bedroom house by myself. It didn’t exactly do wonders for my mental health.”

That was when she reached out to Bridges Project for help. Having already accessed some of the charity’s services before the Covid-19 pandemic, the previous North Berwick High School student was aware of the range of support available.

Maya was soon matched up with the Homemaker Programme and started working with Independent Living Support Worker Stevie in June 2023.

Working closely with East Lothian Council’s Housing Department, Stevie helped Maya with the process of moving into a new tenancy. While waiting for her new home, Stevie also supported Maya with improving her independent living skills in areas such as cooking and money management.

Stevie was impressed by Maya’s patience while waiting for her new tenancy.

“She is very mature and resilient and persevered through such a long wait for her tenancy. Throughout the whole process, Maya always chose to focus on the positives,” says the Independent Living Support Worker.

Just before Christmas, the wait was finally over. Maya got the best Christmas present she could wish for as she was able to move into her new home. Located in a quiet but central part of Haddington, the flat felt like a perfect place for a new start.

“It was a sigh of relief when I was finally able to move in after waiting for so long. It felt good to get a place on my own and it felt like a fresh start,” says Maya.

Stevie continued to help Maya with settling into her new flat. He supported her with everything from viewing and signing tenancy agreements to helping her obtain a laptop and SIM card.

“I don’t know where I would have been without the support I have received from Stevie and East Lothian Works and East Lothian Council’s Tenancy Support. Stevie has provided me with great support and guidance. I can speak to Stevie about whatever I am worried about,” says Maya. 

After receiving support to start her new life, the 24-year-old now wants to give back through volunteering. She has started volunteering with Oxfam and has signed up to volunteer as a Peer Mentor with Bridges Project’s Listening Peers Programme and a Bridges Project Young Ambassador.

“I want to be able to speak to other young people about things I have experienced, give them advice and help them out,” says Maya.

The new Haddington resident says she is very proud of what she has overcome and achieved.

“I didn’t think I would have been able to come this far. It is great to know that I have come through things and that everything has worked out,” says Maya.

Stevie also praises Maya for what she has achieved.

“I have seen a massive difference in her confidence and self-esteem,” he says.

“It is great to see her development. She is more settled and confident. Maya is a real credit to herself.”