Yo-Yo Project summer art workshops

The Yo-Yo Project is our community bereavement service for children and young people aged 4 to 18 run by Farleigh.

In summer 2024 the Project held art workshops for young people to have the opportunity to meet with other bereaved children and to take part in art activities - trying some exciting YouTube painting trends, experimenting with materials and different techniques. 12 children attended the workshops ages varying from 7-17 years.

The workshop gave them an opportunity to meet with other children who have also experienced the death of a loved one. It’s also an chance for young people to get involved in art activities which have therapeutic benefits for young people. The artwork was then displayed in the Yo-Yo Project gallery in the hospice building in Broomfield. The children and their families were invited to visit the gallery, view the display and meet other bereaved families in the hospice café.

Lincoln, aged 13 (pictured) was one child whose artwork formed part of the exhibition. He brought along his sister Lili (20) and mum Leila.

Lincoln said, ‘I come to Yo-Yo because my dad died. My painting is about space, and I was inspired to paint it by a YouTube video. I really like painting. I would say to anyone who likes art that the more you practice the better you will be. Sister Lili said “I think he’s very talented, I have some of his canvasses up in my bedroom. I love this big one and I think he’s going to go far in his art journey.”

Lincoln’s mum says “My husband was a patient at Broomfield Hospital and Farleigh’s Circle bereavement team have been supporting me with adult bereavement counselling. Lincoln is now receiving bereavement support from Farleigh. I did A level art but I think Lincoln is a far more talented artist than me. I was pleased that he came to Farleigh to do something he really enjoys.”

Also pictured are Scarlett (8) with her mum and Maddie (right) from the Yo-Yo Project.