A GROUP of young people involved with a charity which supported them after a close family member was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness have held a special barbecue to say thank you and farewell to their inspirational social worker Emma Speedy who has been working with young people at St Michael's Hospice since 2014.

In 2017, the charity Hope Support Services began working with St Michael's to deliver 'Hope at St Michael's', a service which provides support for children and young people. Emma played an essential part in developing and initiating ways to give young people a voice after their lives had been turned upside down by a loved one's illness.

Fifteen-year-old Morgan Price first met Emma four years ago after her dad was diagnosed with cancer.

'As a group, we wanted to do something special to show our appreciation for all Emma has done. She has been amazing. She genuinely cares and having someone who will listen when you feel very alone is something that I have appreciated. She has been there every step of the way for me, through some very dark and traumatic times and her support has helped me to grow as a person. I will miss her very much and wish her every success in the future job working as a supervising social worker.'

The Hope at St Michael's service is available to anyone aged 25 and under who has a close family member diagnosed with a serious illness. The services provided by Hope, which is based in Ross-on-Wye, include age-appropriate clubs, school holiday activities and one-to-one support.

Hope at St Michael's Youth Worker, Sammy Jay Powell, said, 'Emma has had a positive influence on the lives of many children and it's been wonderful to see them come together and help organise a barbecue in her honour. Hope is all about supporting young people through very tough times and helping them to move forward with their lives, so it's been especially rewarding that some of the young people Hope has supported in the past have come back to help organise the farewell barbecue.'

Emma said, 'It's been good to hear about the impact Hope has had on so many people's lives and proves that giving young people the right opportunity does make a huge difference to their future. I would like to thank everyone for all they have done and I know that Hope Support Services will continue to provide young people with all the support they need during the tough times in their lives.'

To find out more about Hope Support Services, or the ways in which you can support the work they do, call 01989 566 317 or visit hopesupport.org.uk