Herefordshire based charity Hope Support Services is celebrating one year of delivering the children and young people’s service at St Michael’s Hospice – called ‘Hope at St Michael’s’

Hope’s Youth Management Team (Y-Team) organised a lively event at the Courtyard in Hereford to celebrate the occasion. Young people told their stories through poetry, song and film.

Ben Ray, a former Y-Team member at Hope and Herefordshire’s Young Poet Laurate read some of his poetry. Ollie Jones had the courage to read a poem that helps him to come to terms with the death of his mother. Rhys Clarke premiered “Rhys Story” a film depicting the loss of his father at a very young age to dementia. To finish on a lively note the Y-Team were joined by younger children to sing the song ‘Good Grief’ – whose words resonate with their feelings and experiences.

Simon Lennane, GP spoke about the serious nature of mental health issues in children and talked about the importance of Hope at St Michael’s in preventing long term mental health problems.

The event was attended by the new High Sheriff of Herefordshire Nat Hone, together with the Mayor of Leominster and many other guests. They were all entertained on arrival by singer Amy Paiano.

In concluding words Clare Thomas CEO of Hope said: “We are now working with 100 children at Hope at St Michael’s offering after school and weekend sessions, holidays and one-to-one support. The partnership with the Hospice has enabled Hope to expand its reach across the County and offer a choice of service to children and their families. The first year of the service has gone extremely smoothly, which is testament to the all the hard work of the staff and volunteers involved”. She ended by saying “I look forward to the next twelve months of Hope at St Michael’s and being able to develop even more support for children who are experiencing a very traumatic period in their lives”

For more information about Hope at St Michael’s, ring the Hope office on 01989 566317.