Organised by Slide AwayProject Eileen is a programme that supports schools to help all teenagers cope with bereavement and grief. The aim is that teens should be able to talk more openly about death and grief and take lessons learned from Project Eileen into the future.
Project Eileen supports schools to help teenagers cope with bereavement and grief by:
1. Raising awareness - By normalising the topic of death, it is anticipated young people will find themselves in a better position to deal with any loss they will one day encounter, sometimes unexpectedly.
2. Addressing the stigma - For those who have not yet encountered death in their lives, it is hoped they will discover ways to respond to their friends who have been bereaved. In the future, this knowledge will enable them to offer support to colleagues, friends and relatives.
3. Combating isolation, loneliness and encouraging peer support - For young people who have been affected by death already in their lives, it is hoped it will help to reduce loneliness and feelings of isolation.
4. Reduce the development of mental health issues and complications - By opening up discussion and giving young people the chance to talk and, importantly, letting them know where they can find help if they need it.
5. Building resilience - When faced with the challenges of bereavement or supporting a friend who has been bereaved, it is hoped to help increase young people’s capacity to adapt in challenging circumstances and help build emotional resilience.
6. Boosting creativity - With the decline of arts education in schools, the Creative Version gives young people the potential to benefit from the restorative qualities creativity can bring to mental and physical health. A community spirit is encouraged by giving young people the power to work and create something together.
“I am so excited to get started with these lessons. This package is a game-changer for opening up conversations about bereavement and for giving confidence to teachers who really must start to discuss these issues with our students. The resources are creative and provide ample opportunity for great PSHE in the form of discussion, debate, thoughtful reflection and signposting.” Secondary School Head of PSHE
I wish Project Eileen had been around when I was a teenager because I would have learnt far better ways of dealing with my grief after the death of my mother and my close friend than just getting on with my A-Levels. It wasn't until years later when I did get help with my grief that I realised quite how much it had affected me and the choices that I made in my life." Project Eileen Supporter
Project Eileen was founded by Louise Poffley in 2019 and became part of Slide Away in early 2025.
The work of Project Eileen, and the innovative and exciting resources they have created to enable secondary schools to add grief and bereavement to their teaching, and to pupils' learning in school, is a natural fit for us. We are grateful for the opportunity we have been given to continue their mission." Denise Ross, Founder of Slide Away
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