1532 Virtual youth work: meeting the increased psychosocial needs of children and young people with a long term condition during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Studies show that young people (YP) aged 16–30 years with a long-term condition (LTC) do less well than their healthy peers in terms of their mental health and employability. 30% of YP with a LTC have mental health issues compared to 15% of the general population. They have higher rates of unemployment. Such adverse outcomes often originate in childhood as a result of depression, anxiety, educational difficulties, relationship issues, low self- esteem and social isolation. To address these issues a Childrens’ Hospital, in early 2019, developed a charity funded youth project, called PEEER, to improve Patient Empowerment, self Esteem, Employability and Resilience. PEEER youth workers bring Children and YP (CYP) with a LTC together to participate in activities to build self-esteem, build peer support, reduce isolation and help CYP gain accredited awards. Activities include rock climbing, cooking, football, Glow golf, art; ASDAN qualifications; Duke of Edinburgh Award. The current COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on the psycho-social wellbeing of CYP, especially those with a LTC. There has been an increase in demand for psychosocial support -posing the challenge how such needs might be met. To meet these increasing psychosocial needs during the pandemic the PEEER project was moved to zoom - a virtual platform, with modification of activities. <h3>Objectives</h3> To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering the PEEER youth Project virtually compared to face to face youth work. <h3>Methods</h3> From 1.1.20 – 31.7.20: CYP received PEEER youth worker support. Group 1: Pre-Covid-19 lockdown: (1.1.2020 – 23.3.2020). PEEER youth support delivered face to face (F2F). Group 2: Covid-19 lockdown: (23.3.2020 – 31.7.2020) PEEER youth support delivered virtually <h3>Both groups</h3> CYP received 1:1 sessions, group activities and workshops, Feedback was collected on the effectiveness of the sessions: enjoyment of activities, self-esteem, building friendship, improved mood, confidence and feeling good about themselves. <h3>Results</h3> Group 1 (N= 109); Group 2 (N= 236). Both Groups (table 1): 100% enjoyed the sessions, would like to attend future sessions, agreed with the statements: they felt part of a friendship group, the sessions allowed them to socialise with their peers, they felt more confident and more independent, the activities gave them the opportunity to learn or improve a skill and they felt good about themselves. <h3>Conclusions</h3> PEEER youth support delivered virtually on Zoom is effective in helping CYP build confidence and self -esteem, reduce sense of isolation, and develop independence. Restrictions imposed by the pandemic have helped drive the development of a more widely accessible resource for patient benefit.