Money seized from the proceeds of crime is allowing Paisley youngsters to get new creative skills.
Creative Scotland’s CashBack for Creativity Strategic Fund recently awarded nearly £50,000 to Kibble Education and Care Centre to help fund classes in DJ skills, dance, ceramic making, beat boxing and more.
The money has been helping run an arts programme called Care2Create between April and December this year and is aimed at young people who are either carers or who have experience of the care system.
Gavin Sinclair, Arts Development Officer at Kibble said: “It is amazing to see the enthusiasm of the young people taking part. For some, it is the first time that they have participated in the types of activities on offer.
“We work with some of the most vulnerable groups of young people and we can already see improvements in their confidence, focus and communication abilities.
“Everyone is now working hard towards a show-piece event in Paisley Town Hall this December where the general public will get a chance to see what we have learnt. From what I have seen so far, you won’t want to miss it!”
Partners from Renfrewshire Carers Centre and Who Cares? Scotland have teamed up with Kibble to offer evening art classes for young carers and care experienced young people at locations across Renfrewshire.
Christine Melville, Development Manager at Renfrewshire Carers Centre said: “This programme has been a wonderful opportunity for our young carers. It is hard to imagine the responsibilities that they have in their everyday lives so to be able to take part in something fun and meet new people has been great.”
All classes are free and are available to any young people who have caring responsibilities. To find out more, call Renfrewshire Carers Centre on 0141 8873643 or visit www.renfrewshirecarers.co.uk.