Project Eileen Cio

Project Eileen helps young people in UK secondary state schools and the wider school community tackle the topics of death and grief by giving them the tools and life skills to help themselves and others now and in their future lives. The charity has developed a flexible multimedia programme with the aim of: RAISING AWARENESS. By normalising the topic of death, it is anticipated young people will find themselves in a better position to deal with any loss they will one day encounter, sometimes unexpectedly. ADDRESSING THE STIGMA. For those who have not yet encountered death in their lives, it is hoped they will discover ways to respond to their friends who have been bereaved. In the future, this knowledge will enable them to offer support to colleagues, friends and relatives. COMBATING ISOLATION. For young people who have been affected by death already in their lives, it hoped it will help to reduce loneliness and feelings of isolation. BUILDING RESILIENCE. By opening up the subject it seeks to help build resilience and prevent the development of mental health issues and complications which may result from bereavement and grief. Crucially it aims to encourage peer support. BOOSTING CREATIVITY. The decline of arts education in secondary schools with the loss of lesson time, staff and facilities denies young people the restorative qualities creativity can bring to mental and physical health. The Creative Version helps to address this by giving young people multiple creative opportunities including narration, singing, playing musical instruments and other opportunities such as design, lighting and technical. By giving young people the power to work and create something together a community spirit is encouraged.