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Creating Pip: the ABSS Mascot

Written by Julia Davis, Parent Champion

Introduction

Co-production is a collaborative approach where professionals and community members work together as equal partners in the design and delivery of services. It values lived experience, creativity, and shared ownership, ensuring that the final outcomes reflect the true needs and identities of the people in their community.

 

The development of Pip, the ABSS mascot, stands as a vivid and playful example of co-production in action. Born from the ideas of over 70 local children and parents, this project was not just about creating a character—it was about empowering families, bridging community voices with service delivery, and using fun as a powerful tool for real engagement and connection.

What is the mascot?

The mascot for A Better Start Southend (ABSS) was named Pip, a colourful character created from the ideas of Southend's young children and designed through a parent-led process.  Pip was brought to life through a year-long creative process involving over 70 children and Southend residents, with the design created from their collective ideas.

Pip served as a friendly and engaging mascot for A Better Start Southend, helping to promote the benefits of the programme and engage with the community.  Pip has even appeared in a storybook that follows Pip on a fun-filled adventure during a little one's first day of school.

This storybook Pip and Me Go to School has been featured as part of the contents of the ABSS Let’s Get Ready for School Bags - created by ABSS to support children’s transition into school.

Learn more about the 'Let's Get Ready for School Bags'

Background

The mascot design initiative was a unique project that pushed the boundaries of professional and non-professional involvement, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their role, could contribute meaningfully.

 

The project involved a diverse group of participants, including mothers of young children, and aimed to break down traditional professional hierarchies.

 

The goal was to create a fun, engaging mascot that truly reflected the voices and creativity of the children and families it was meant to serve.

 

This initiative became a powerful example of co-design and co-production, where the design process was shaped collaboratively by people from all walks of life, ensuring the result was a genuine reflection of the community it represented.

Process and Involvement

The mascot project was approached with a shared sense of excitement and fun- whether a paid employee or volunteer, this common feeling of love for the project meant that all involved were willing to go that extra mile in order to make this a truly co-produced project.

 

The process included:

  • Initial Design Concept: The initial idea came from a fellow parent champion who identified that whilst there were campaign materials about A Better Start Southend- they were really aimed at adults and there was really nothing at the time that young children could recognise as associated with ABSS. An identifiable character that children could connect with ABSS- a mascot was seen as the way to go. From this initial idea, a task group was set up to drive this idea forward. The core principle of the approach was “Made by children, for children,” emphasising the importance of letting children’s creativity shape the design.
  • Workshops: Various workshops were held with children aged 9 months to 13 years, using diverse materials for them to create their own characters without adult interference or control. A range of art materials were employed- from sand, pipe cleaners, paints, googly eyes and felt tips in order to give children some freedom to choose the way they wished to express their character. ‘A Better Start Your Way’ was used as the strap line in the advertising for the workshops for children.
  • Collaboration and Categorisation: Once the artwork was collected, it was laid out to identify recurring themes, such as cylindrical shapes and rainbow-themed characters. We categorised the artwork into themes rather than which images were technically the strongest. We didn’t want to discriminate according to age, or ability, but rather in terms of a common theme. The next step involved creating some initial designs that combined these themes. These were drawn out simply and in black and white. At this stage we really wanted to focus on the character and not to become bogged down by colour choices.
  • Consultation and Engagement: The design was refined through consultations with children, families, and the wider community. A mascot voting session was held to gather feedback and further engage the public. This not only helped finalise the mascot but also raised awareness about local services and encouraged community conversation.
  • Final Steps: The final design was shaped through further consultation, which included decisions like mascot colours and even the mascot’s name. This process ensured the design felt authentic and fully connected to the community, especially to the children who had actively participated in the process.

Outcomes

  • Community Engagement: The process created excitement, conversation, and increased awareness about A Better Start Southend and its services.
  • Mascot Design: The mascot evolved into a beloved character that was recognised by children in the community. Its design was directly influenced by the input of children, making them feel involved and valued.
  • Empowerment: Children who were involved in the project walked away knowing they had contributed—whether by choosing a colour, shape, or even the position of the googly eyes. This was empowering, showing children that they could genuinely make an impact in their own community.
  • Cultural Impact: The mascot became a bridge for children to connect with the services and the larger community. It was unique and irreverent, resonating with children and departing from more typical "safe" mascot designs that often lack excitement.
  • Bridge for Engagement: Pip the mascot created a powerful way to engage with the ABSS audience. The character appeared on social media, in photos, leaflets and merchandise, and was even used in a book that was aimed at children starting school. Pip will be in the memories of children and families long after the project closes.

Learning and Recommendations

  • Value of Co-production: The mascot project demonstrated that when children and families are included in decision-making processes, the result is more engaging and meaningful. This co-production process went beyond tokenism, offering genuine involvement and ownership.
  • Breaking Barriers: The project overcame the traditional divide between professionals and non-professionals. A shared excitement for the project helped break down those invisible barriers, allowing for more creative and authentic outcomes.
  • Fun as a Tool for Engagement: Fun and excitement are not just "fluff." They are vital for creating real engagement, building relationships, and encouraging community involvement, especially when children are involved in the process.
  • Empowerment and Community Building: The project highlighted the importance of empowering children and families, showing them that they do have a voice and can influence change. This fosters connection and combats feelings of isolation or disempowerment that can negatively affect mental health.
Julia and Pip
Working Towards
Pip and research (1)
© Film Free Photography. www.filmfreephotography.co.uk
IMG_0896
© Film Free Photography. www.filmfreephotography.co.uk
The A Better Start Southend team
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