Strathcarron Hospice has launched its official TikTok channel, as part of its ongoing strategic initiative to engage with new and younger audiences and reduce stigma.

In collaboration with students from Larbert High School, the Hospice aims to utilise TikTok’s platform to share meaningful content, promote charity retail shops, advocate for sustainability, and dispel misconceptions, while promoting a greater understanding of the services Hospices provide within the communities of Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.

In addition, the TikTok channel will actively encourage community engagement. Followers will see behind-the-scenes glimpses into Strathcarron charity shops, highlighting unique finds and emphasising the importance of supporting causes through sustainable fashion choices. They can also participate in challenges and share their own stories, which will hopefully provide positivity and support for individuals and families navigating Hospice Care.

Fiona Hannah, Deputy Retail Area Manager at Strathcarron Hospice, said:

“We recognise the importance of meeting our audience where they are, and TikTok provides an ideal platform to engage with younger demographics in an authentic and meaningful way. The wonderful students of Larbert High School have been instrumental in creating content that resonates with TikTok’s audience.

“The benefits of working with the inspiring young people of Larbert High are mutual, as there is strength in gaining new ideas and insight from a generationally diverse team. Their skills, enthusiasm, and creativity on this, and all the other projects they’ve supported us on, have been inspiring.”

Strathcarron Hospice and Larbert High School students have worked in partnership for many years, and from 2021, as part of Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee. Over the years, Strathcarron has worked with dozens of S1 – S6 pupils and staff from departments including Art & Design, Community Arts, Hair and Beauty, The Diner, Food and Consumer Technology and Photography – from Fashion Show Extravaganzas where students transform preloved clothing, to upcycling furniture which can be re-sold.

Brigid Hames, a teacher at Larbert High School, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of the longstanding partnership we have with Strathcarron Hospice. Our students have been making these creative, exciting TikTok’s for Strathcarron and having a great time doing it. Every one they develop is linked to a class or theme they are studying, so is incorporated into their day to day.

“The students are also learning so much about what their local Hospice does and the impact Strathcarron is making across their local communities. They have been concentrating on their local charity shop on Hallam Road. The content is rich with sustainability, fashion, preloved, upcycling, recycling messages, and how by buying and donating your clothing and other items, it helps to fund Strathcarron Hospice services.”

Strathcarron has confirmed that there will be an opportunity for another school within the Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth areas to get involved with their TikTok channel and develop content for Strathcarron Hospice in the coming months.

All money raised across Strathcarron Hospice’s charity shops helps fund the £14,632 daily cost of specialist end of life and palliative care within the Hospice, and across local communities.

To view the content from Strathcarron and Larbert High students, or to follow, like and share the content, please visit Strathcarron Hospice’s new Tik Tok channel.