The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow is highlighting the impact its work has on young people in the region in a new, emotionally charged film.
The film features five young people involved with the hospice in different ways, and shows how the charity is helping them gain life skills and work experience, whatever their circumstances.
The first person featured is 17-year-old Azeem along with his mother Shabana. Azeem and his family are currently supported by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). However, both CHAS and The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice work together to support a person-centred transition for Azeem from paediatric to adult hospice care, while his mum is also accessing support services at the hospice.
Shabana comments: “The first time we came to the hospice, we were instantly put at ease. Azeem expresses himself through art and after a day in the art room he goes home happy. The hospice is like a safe haven and sometimes parents need that too.”
Jeni Pearson, a member of the hospice’s art room staff, says: “I think Azeem is amazing because he’s really able to position his hands and his body in particular ways to create a really precise mark. It’s actually really impressive, and it’s lovely to watch him create those beautiful, precise lines.”
Another story showcases the partnership between the hospice and Project Search, a year-long supported employment programme for young people with autism and learning difficulties, of which The Prince & Princess of Wales was the first hospice in Scotland to be involved with.
Two young interns, Taylor Graham and Jordan Lee Grant, feature in the film and speak about the impact this supported employment has had. “It’s so nice to come along and make someone’s day, just by cleaning their room” Taylor says.
Jordan has enjoyed meeting people and welcoming them to the hospice, and has since graduated from Project Search. He’s now in full-time employment with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
The hospice supports young people with autism and learning difficulties through volunteering opportunities too. Lauren McGinn and Leanne McConnell have both been volunteering at the hospice for more than a year now. Lauren’s mother Marie highlights the difference it has made to Lauren, saying: “The opportunities which volunteering at the hospice have given Lauren has been amazing and she gets to give something back to the community too.”
Fiona Wyllie, the hospice’s lead nurse for strategy implementation, also appears in the film. She comments: “Whatever route young people come through here, our ambition is to make sure they can take hope from the hospice.”
For more information visit The Prince & Princess of Wales
Leave a Reply