78% of 11 – 16 year olds have been bereaved of a close relative or friend. St Giles Hospice has recently widened access to its existing children and young person’s bereavement service, enabling wider access for all bereaved young people across our catchment area. We were keen to ensure development of our services were led and supported by young people.

The arts project was launched to support the expansion of the service and facilitate the development of peer support.

Our aim was to

• engage with current and potential service users on service development, including new branding for the service

• develop a range of media to represent and support service users

• develop a supportive environment

Our aim was toThe project was funded by the Arts Connect and offered participants an opportunity to gain an arts award as well as benefit from being part of the group. The group worked alongside a professional media company and creative development team.

Outcomes

• The group supported each other with their bereavements through peer support

• Phoenix – Stronger Together – brand developed and launched

• Development of a powerful film through which the young people built confidence and were empowered to voice their personal stories

• Film uploaded to YouTube – receiving over 500 views, now used as part of the support we offer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFEGD3hR7G0

• Enabled the group to develop skills in film making, design etc. and achieve a qualification

• is shaping future service development

Conclusion When creating services aimed at young people consultation and co-production is essential. The outcomes from the Phoenix project have been far greater than the provision of branding and development of material. It has significantly changed our thinking and leading to the development of our peer support programme designed to implement a community based engagement approach to the provision of services.