P166 Working in partnership with the third sector to provide support for paediatric, adolescent patients and families throughout COVID-19 and beyond

Abstract

Background/AimsA youth work approach to the delivery of additional support for young people and families has been used for the past 2 years within the paediatric rheumatology service in Glasgow. The approach takes into consideration that young people choose to participate, it's person-centred and built from where the young people are, young people and staff are all part of the journey and learning process. During the COVID-19 pandemic the support for young people went virtual, linking young people with peer support and online support. Dedicated service and delivery model in partnership with pediatric clinical services, ensure specific support needs are met. The approach to working with young people is bespoke and delivered by teams that understand the needs of young people.MethodsThe youth work approach recognises that young people choose to participate, it's person-centred and bespoke to the specific needs of young people. Young people and specialist staff are equal parts of the journey. Listening to unmet needs of young people as well as sector best practice - from intense 121 support for families to digital tools to meet growing expectations post-COVID-19. Support in clinic is youth and family led: with unique peer model, youth empowerment, communities of support and co-production. With staff delivering 121 support, and peer volunteers delivering and leading group work out with clinical settings. Third sector staff are integrated with the paediatric rheumatology team, working together to support young people and families holistically.ResultsThe youth work approach best fits with the unmet needs of the young people within clinical settings. Young people are supported to feel more confident, less isolated and more hopeful about the future. They are encouraged to build positive peer-to-peer relationships and feel they are taken seriously and supported through their journey alongside partners. The approach to delivery is based on well-grounded practical and experiential knowledge. This is proven to enhance the lives of young people and offers them effective tools to use throughout their development. Our approach is based on best practice youth work.ConclusionEarly youth work intervention and integration is highly valued by young people and families, offers holistic, person-centred, and developmentally appropriate care with lifelong benefits. Integrated and localised delivery creates unique insight, offering bespoke support to young people within clinical settings and beyond. Quality relationships with youth workers and clinicians can lead to improvements in holistic care and support for young people. An effective way to reach young people at key points - diagnosis, treatment and transition to adult services. Integration ensures that there is an ‘in house' expertise in youth work and joined-up services and support for young people and families.Disclosure K. Connor: None.