Published: 19 Dec 2016
Over 180 young people who have care experience or caring responsibilities took part in a Christmas artistic extravaganza in Paisley Town Hall last week (Tuesday, 13 December).
The creative youngsters were taking part in Care2Create, a showcase including an art exhibition, live music, jewellery making, Christmas decoration workshops, and even a chance to try “Free Running” also known as Parkour.
Care2Create was organised jointly by Kibble, Who Cares? Scotland and Renfrewshire Carers Centre with funding support from Creative Scotland’s CashBack for Creativity programme. Many of the young people had spent the previous few months at weekly workshops to prepare arts and crafts for display as well as rehearsing performances for the evening.
These workshops have given more than 70 young people the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their confidence and engage in the arts.
Chief Executive of Kibble Education and Care Centre Graham Bell, said: “At Kibble, we know the importance of using expressive arts to help with the rehabilitation and educational opportunities of the young people that we care for. Whether it is the live performance of the Kibble Band, the amazing watercolours from our art class or the skill of the free runners, the ability and standards of our students never ceases to impress me.
“I have watched our young performer’s confidence flourish and they have relished the opportunity to perform in front of so many of their peers. I would like to thank Creative Scotland for their support for such an important project.”
Duncan Dunlop, Chief Executive of Who Cares? Scotland, said: “Care experienced young people have so much to offer. Care2Create shows us just how talented and passionate young people in care.
“We know that too often, young people in care feel judged and don't have a voice. Society misunderstands their lives and labels them as bad. In reality, they have all the potential in the world and just need support to unlock it.
“When everyone gets behind care experienced people and celebrates their success, events like this happen. We're looking forward to seeing how else Paisley, and the rest of Scotland, starts to champion our care experienced people.”
Laura Black, Arts Officer - Cashback for Creativity, Creative Scotland: “The achievements of all the young people who have taken part in Care2Create, witnessed through the creative feast they provided at the Christmas Showcase event, highlights the power of arts and creativity in raising a young person’s aspirations and helping them realise their full potential.
“Taking part in artistic and creative experiences fosters a whole range of life skills, building communication, confidence and self-esteem. It’s inspiring to watch these young people, from often challenging life experiences, learn and grow through creative experiences. Well done to all those who took part, and to all those who facilitated their creative learning.”
ENDS
Kibble is Scotland’s specialist provider of services for young people at risk. Kibble is one of Scotland’s oldest charities, and today a leading social enterprise. Kibble works with young people from 5 to 25, offering a uniquely integrated array of services including Emergency and Respite, Residential and Throughcare, Secure and Close Support, Day and Community, Education and Youth Training, Intensive Fostering, Young Adult and Youth Employment and Training. Kibble provides a place of safety, structure and stability, opening up new possibilities for young people to play a useful part in society and prepare them for a happy and fulfilled adult life. For further information please visit: www.kibble.org
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