Abstract
Background
Festivals play an important role in improving death and grief literacy, enabling members of the public to engage with these often-sensitive topics. Good Grief Weston festival was co-designed and delivered with the community in Weston-super-Mare, a coastal town in South West England with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage but rich community assets. It was held in person over 8 days in May 2023.
Objectives
To evaluate the reach and impact of Good Grief Weston festival and gather data to inform future festivals.
Design
Mixed methods evaluation (survey and focus groups).
Methods
Online and paper surveys assessing participants’ characteristics and experiences were administrated during and after the festival. Survey participants who indicated their willingness to participate were invited to attend a focus group. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Data were collected by trained community co-researchers.
Results
Approximately 3000 people attended the festival. Of 204 completed surveys, 64.5% were from women, age range ≤15 to ≥75 years; 88.2% identified as White; 14.9% deaf, disabled/with a chronic condition; 18.9% neurodivergent; 9.0% gay, bisexual or queer. Festival participants were entertained (70.9%), inspired (68.5%), felt part of a like-minded community (54.3%), talked to someone new (49.2%), learnt about grief/bereavement (34.3%), shared or expressed experiences (30.3%) and found out about local support (19.7%). 71.3% reported that they felt more confident talking about grief after attending. Median experience rating was 5 (IQR 0) (possible range 1=poor to 5=excellent). In free-text comments, participants expressed appreciation for the festival and described benefits in attending. Two focus groups were conducted (n=8 participants, all women), lasting c.1.5 hours. Focus groups added rich descriptions of the festival’s value, and data to inform the next festival.
Conclusion
Findings suggest festivals of this nature can play a central role within a public health approach.
Festivals play an important role in improving death and grief literacy, enabling members of the public to engage with these often-sensitive topics. Good Grief Weston festival was co-designed and delivered with the community in Weston-super-Mare, a coastal town in South West England with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage but rich community assets. It was held in person over 8 days in May 2023.
Objectives
To evaluate the reach and impact of Good Grief Weston festival and gather data to inform future festivals.
Design
Mixed methods evaluation (survey and focus groups).
Methods
Online and paper surveys assessing participants’ characteristics and experiences were administrated during and after the festival. Survey participants who indicated their willingness to participate were invited to attend a focus group. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Data were collected by trained community co-researchers.
Results
Approximately 3000 people attended the festival. Of 204 completed surveys, 64.5% were from women, age range ≤15 to ≥75 years; 88.2% identified as White; 14.9% deaf, disabled/with a chronic condition; 18.9% neurodivergent; 9.0% gay, bisexual or queer. Festival participants were entertained (70.9%), inspired (68.5%), felt part of a like-minded community (54.3%), talked to someone new (49.2%), learnt about grief/bereavement (34.3%), shared or expressed experiences (30.3%) and found out about local support (19.7%). 71.3% reported that they felt more confident talking about grief after attending. Median experience rating was 5 (IQR 0) (possible range 1=poor to 5=excellent). In free-text comments, participants expressed appreciation for the festival and described benefits in attending. Two focus groups were conducted (n=8 participants, all women), lasting c.1.5 hours. Focus groups added rich descriptions of the festival’s value, and data to inform the next festival.
Conclusion
Findings suggest festivals of this nature can play a central role within a public health approach.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Palliative Care and Social Practice |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 11 Jul 2024 |
Research Groups and Themes
- Palliative and End of Life Care
