P089 My Medicine and My Methotrexate: co-developing and delivering online art therapy groups for children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract Background/Aims Children and young people(CYP) living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and prescribed methotrexate(MTX) often experience anxiety, isolation, and emotional challenges related totheir treatment. The My Medicine (ages 8-11; 8 × 60 min sessions) and MyMethotrexate (ages 12-16; 6 × 80 min sessions) groups were co-created withCYP to provide developmentally responsive, creative psychosocial support. Thisinnovative programme, developed in partnership between Teapot Trust and theChildren’s Chronic Arthritis Association (CCAA), placed patient and public involvement (PPI) at its centre. CYP played a pivotal role in shaping the group structureand materials through early focus-group participation, ensuring the finalcontent was meaningful, age-appropriate, and reflective of their livedexperience. Methods Focus groups with CYP directly informed the design, themes, and creative activities used within the groups. Their contributions determined the language, topics, and delivery style, embedding their voices throughout the development process. The resulting manualised programme guided structured weekly sessions, delivered online and supported by a visual framework. Each session included a welcome and check-in, themed art activity, guided discussion, free art time, and reflection. Parents received a copy of the group materials and participants received bespoke art packs prior to starting to support full engagement. Recruitment combined invitations to focus group participants with open referrals through CCAA, clinical partners, and social media. Data collection included facilitator observations, session notes and artwork, and CYP and parent/carer feedback. Results Eleven CYP (10 girls, 1 boy) attended regularly across both groups. Thematic aggregation from both groups identified shared outcomes in the table below: Age-specific differences were observed: younger children used regulation tools including worry boxes and imaginative play, while older participants explored identity, relationships, and long-term illness impact. Parents reported reduced anxiety, improved self-expression, and reassurance gained through shared peer experiences. Conclusion Embedding CYP involvement from the outset was essential in developing a relevant and engaging support model. Co-designed online art therapy groups provide a feasible, replicable approach to psychosocial care for CYP with JIA on MTX. This project demonstrates the value of PPI in shaping therapeutic interventions that meet real needs and enhance emotional wellbeing and self-advocacy. Disclosure E. Farrugia: None. E. Earle: None. A. Lloyd: None. P. Watts: None.