Community engagement in a seaside town: evaluation of Good Grief Weston festival

James Robb, Olly Clabburn, Alison Bamford, Fiona Matthews, Karen Lee, Lin Toulcher, Polly Maxwell, Nina Thomas-Bennett, Rachel Hare, Lesel Dawson, Alice Malpass, Lucy E. Selman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 socioeconomic 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 h. 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 in a public health approach.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPalliative Care and Social Practice
Volume18
Early online date6 Sept 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 6 Sept 2024

Data Availability Statement

Availability of data and materials Study data will be deposited at the University of Bristol Research Data Repository (data.bris.ac.uk/data) from 1 January 2025, stating how data can be accessed by bona fide researchers. After this date, requests for access should be directed to the Research Data team at Bristol, who will assess requests before granting access. No authentic request for access will be refused and re-users will not be charged for any part of this process.

Keywords

  • bereavement
  • death literacy
  • evaluation
  • grief literacy
  • public engagement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Advanced and Specialised Nursing

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