The one day event gave the attendees a real taste of festival life with the conference room being transformed into a laid-back tent with beautiful drapes and colour lights complete with acoustic music from local musician Isabel Squirrel. Outside the garden was also a hive of activity with live Jazz music as well as an Indian Dohl drumming workshop, art activities, a juggler and an ice-cream van. The day was rounded off with mocktails from the Pyramid Pub with Muddy Puddles and Mosh Pit Mojitos just some of the tasty drinks on the menu.
The young people, who were all aged between 11 and 19 years old and use EACH’s services, travelled from Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to attend the event.
The festival was designed for young people with complex healthcare needs ensuring there was both stimulating and relaxing environments to suit all their needs.
Lucy Brumpton, EACH Care Manager, explained: “Our second EACHFest was a huge success, the live acts were outstanding and the energy of staff was breath taking. The majority of the young people we work with would not be able to attend a regular festival – it could be that they would have an issue with access, need frequent medication or would find the experience overwhelming. EACHFest gives them an opportunity to enjoy a festival setting with great music and activities in a safe environment where their conditions can be properly managed and there was space for them to relax when needed.
“We’re already looking forward to next year and would like to say a big thank you to all our staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make the day a success.”
The event was praised by all the young people who attended saying it was “great fun” and had “inspirational live music”.
Special thanks goes to pharmaceutical firm, Roche, who provided seven volunteers the day before the event to help set up and get the hospice ready to host the excited festival goers. Roche are supporting EACH as their charity of the year for 2016 and this is one of many offers of support and fundraising activities they have been involved in so far. Thank you to Roche employees for their continued support.
For more information on EACH visit www.each.org.uk
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