The Hope Service, which supports young people with complex mental needs, is celebrating its twentieth anniversary with a special art exhibition showcasing the creativity of those who it has supported.
It is delivered in partnership by our trust and Surrey County Council, and has supported over 1600 young people with mental health, emotional, social and behavioural challenges since it was launched in 2005.
It provides an innovative approach which combines education, creative therapy, psychology and activities. It also includes the Extended Hope Service, which offers support outside normal hours for those facing emotional and mental health crises.
The free, public exhibition is taking place at The Horton Centre, Epsom, from 1-4 October, 9.15am-4pm. It opened with a special celebration event, which was attended by young people who have been supported by the service, staff, and MP for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire.
One young person whose artwork is being exhibited said: "My artwork shows how before I joined Hope, I was having a tough time and was in hospital for a few months. I felt like I didn't have any options, but then I joined Hope, and the team helped me get back on my ladder and climb out of the darkness. Now, I'm at college studying sport management and really enjoying it.
"Creating the art helped me take all my emotions and make something cool."
Jo Lynch, Chief Nursing Officer at our trust said: “Over the years the Hope Service has been a turning point in so many young people’s lives, showing the power of partnership working and dedicated mental health support.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of the evolution of Hope, and it’s wonderful to see such creativity from those who it has supported.”
Helen Maguire, MP said: “It was inspiring to see the creativity of the young people and dedicated staff in celebrating 20 years of the Hope Service. This event highlighted just how vital it is to offer the right mental health support in a safe, caring environment.
“The Hope Service shows what is possible when professionals come together with a shared commitment to young people’s wellbeing. Every young person deserves that quality of care, and I’m so proud to have celebrated this milestone with the Hope Service community today.”
Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning said: “It is wonderful to see the Hope Service, and so many of the people it has supported over the years, come together to celebrate its twentieth anniversary.
“The provision it delivers is invaluable in ensuring the wellbeing of young people with complex mental health needs in Surrey. I want to personally express my thanks to everyone who has been involved in the Hope Service since its very beginning, and for the vital support you continue to provide to ensure these young people, and their families, feel cared for and supported.”