Essential reading for Scotland’s children’s sector August – September 2019 Issue 193

art changes lives

SCOTLAND’S MAKAR JACKIE KAY ON THE POWER OF POETRY

Change the Tune’s fight to keep music education alive

Community arts in action with Karen McGrady-Parker

Authors Sophie Cameron and Chris McQueer on creativity and representation

Magic Torch light up comics for schools

… and much more Children in Scotland Annual Conference Children in Scotland Level 1, Rosebery House Welcome... 9 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ ...to a creative arts vital refuge in the face of difficult experiences. T: 0131 313 2322 special edition of We’re also delighted to reproduce a poem, ‘The Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 November 2019 E: info@childreninscotland. org.uk Children in Scotland Kindness of Trees’ (page 9), written by Jackie Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh childreninscotland.org.uk Magazine alongside a group of schoolchildren. Issue 193 Join your peers from across the children’s sector to August - September 2019 This edition marks Our feature on the power of comics shares a Editorial my final magazine as vibrant comic strip from Gourock High School Editor: Caitlin Logan Acting Editor of the and Magic Torch Comics. We also hear from discuss, learn and plan around the challenges and Managing editors: Lisa Clark & Chris Small magazine, as the team leading creative practitioners and artists including Contributing editor (equalities Caitlin Logan welcomes back Jennifer Karen McGrady-Parker, who has recently been an opportunities facing the sector. and participation): Lynn Gilmour @cisweb Drummond from her artist in residence in the East End of Glasgow. Advertising #CiSMagazine time on maternity leave. And we highlight the work of innovative projects Key event themes are: Tracy Hope T: 0131 313 8829 From 25 Calls to the working in communities across the country – from E: thope@childreninscotland. Year of Young People and Early Years, it’s been hip hop song writing, to aerial performance to art Early years and education org.uk great to work on so many interesting special therapy, there’s something for everyone! Design editions over my time here. While I’m sad to be Supporting families and communities Template: Alan Tait alanjtait.co.uk leaving, I’m excited to be sharing this edition Thank you to everyone who completed our Cover, typography, Tea Break: which focuses on all things creative! recent online magazine survey. The feedback has Tackling inequalities Lauren Carter Allan sagalauren.com shown how much you value the magazine as part Inspired by Starcatchers’ contribution to our of our membership offer and given us a helpful Participation, engagement and rights Photography 25 Calls campaign, this edition explores the steer on improvements we could make. For more Cover image: Matthew Kay importance and centrality of art in everyone’s on the results, see page five. Organisational development Head of Engagement & lives – from birth onwards. Learning: Simon Massey As everyone heads back to work and the new Chief Executive: In our lead interview with Scotland’s Makar school term starts, I hope you enjoy this special Two-day member tickets from £169 and non-members from £199. Jackie Brock (National Poet) Jackie Kay, Ruby from our Young issue. Happy reading! We acknowledge the support Media Voices project asks for advice for young of the Scottish Government poets like herself, and we learn how poetry can through a CYPFEIF and ALEC For bookings and more information visit childreninscotland.org.uk Fund Grant. open up inspirational new worlds and provide a

Our vision is that all children in Scotland have an equal chance to flourish.

The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the opinions of the Join us in membership and help change editor or Children in Scotland. Contents To contribute to Children in Scotland Magazine contact Jennifer Drummond, Editor: children’s lives for the better T: 0131 313 8823 / E: jdrummond@ childreninscotland.org.uk

Membership Members of Children in Access free training, Scotland receive discounts on publications, training and PAGE 06 PAGE 24 PAGE 36 exclusive content, and the conferences, plus a range of digital communications. chance to influence policy For information on FEATURES | PAGES 06-15 REGULARS | PAGES 04,18,35 joining contact: T:0131 313 8829 E: membership@ Scotland’s Makar, Jackie Kay, Catch up on the latest news from the childreninscotland.org.uk discusses the power of words (page W:childreninscotland.org.uk/ sector (page 04), enjoy our new photo join. 06), find out what makes a successful story highlighting a programme which Children in Scotland is the largest multi- participative arts project (page 12), supports young people with a disability Subscriptions and hear how cuts in music provision to engage with various art forms (page disciplinary network in Scotland dedicated to Children in Scotland Magazine are undermining Scotland’s education is published bi-monthly and is 20) and get to know our staff on the Tea improving children’s lives. free for members. If you would system (page 14) Break page (38). like to subscribe, contact jdrummond@ Our members span policy, practice and childreninscotland.org.uk AGENDA | PAGES 16-25 VOICES | PAGES 26-37

Registered charity in Scotland research in all areas relating to children, young SCO03527 Our Young Media voices participants Learn about the work of Drake Music people and families. tell us more about the multi-media Scotland (Members’ Spotlight, page 26), Registered company number project (page 16), Amy Woodhouse find out more about a new book written 83383 argues we should all appreciate the by young mothers (page 28), hear how Each contributes uniquely valuable knowledge, impact of culture on wellbeing (page comics are encouraging reading and Shortlisted in 18), and Sophie Cameron discusses the writing for pleasure (page 30), read skills, experience, passion and dedication. the 2018 PPA importance of ensuring young people about how art therapy works in practice Scotland Awards can relate to characters (page 22). We (page 32) and check in on a series of – Best Member also feature responses to our 25 Calls projects engaging with young people Magazine campaign call for more access to the and providing support through the arts Find out more: childreninscotland.org.uk/join arts from the earlies age (page 24) (pages 34-37)

August - September 2019 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 3 FEATURES Change the Tune: children need music!

Be in no doubt that involvement in music is life- Cuts to music education contradict the aims of affirming and life-changing for young people. One Curriculum for Excellence and the life-affirming impact local authority recently surveyed young people who took part in a residential rehearsal weekend which music has on all of us. Jenny Kemp tells us more for young musicians. The results both surprised about the campaign to give music its rightful place and inspired the instrumental music teachers taking part and the teachers and parents who had organised the survey. an you imagine a life without music? Imagine charging regimes which deter pupils from taking getting on the bus to school or work and part in instrumental music lessons, cuts to C At a time when there is increased concern for popping your headphones on but hearing only IMT numbers, diminishing stocks of resources children’s mental health, over a fifth of the white noise. All your favourite music streaming (including instruments, past exam papers and responses referred directly to mental health services become obsolete, and CDs and vinyl sheet music), and, crucially, instrumental music issues; words like “calm”, “relax” and “chill” came don’t work anymore. You never again go to a gig, being perceived as ‘extra-curricular’ rather than a up repeatedly. Other common themes included a concert or a festival. Adverts, films and TV core aspect of children’s education which should “increased confidence”, “skills for life” and “a shows no longer invoke laughter, terror or tears be provided free of charge. creative outlet”. Children talked about “meeting with stirring soundtracks, and no one picks up a like-minded people and wanting to spend more guitar at parties or plays with a band. A recent Improvement Service report time with these types”, “limitless creativity”, and a highlighted that there was “a sharp increase in “sense of purpose”. It’s a pretty dystopian thought, and one fees compared to previous years” in 2018-19. “The average that those of us who enjoy music on a daily It found that 38 per cent of local authorities On their experience of making music, the young group lesson basis find hard to imagine. But there is a raised tuition rates in 2018-19, including several people reported: “it makes me happy”, “it gives paradox at play: the value that the Scottish authorities which introduced charges where me confidence and makes me happy”, “it calms me fee now education system places on music seems tuition used to be free. The average group down”, “it keeps me sane”, and “I meet new people to be diminishing, while our exposure to lesson fee now stands at £234.76, up 10.6 per through music, form connections”. One child said stands at music, enjoyment of it, and realisation of cent from the previous year. In some areas the simply: “It’s my life.” Another captured the joy to £234.76, up its centrality to human life increases. This fees are much higher – as much as £430 per be derived from music, saying “I feel free when I paradox must be challenged. child per instrument. In EIS’s view, that creates play”. In a stressful and fast-evolving world, how 10.6% from a culture where ‘who pays, plays’. We find this wonderful, and how important, for children to feel the previous Leading the challenge is the Educational unacceptable. happy and free. That is the power of music! Institute of Scotland (EIS), Scotland’s largest year” teaching union, which represents 80 per Although there were still 60,326 pupils receiving An Instrumental Music Teacher recently cent of teachers in Scotland, including a instrumental music lessons from their local shared with us that a parent had thanked large body of Instrumental Music Teachers authority service in 2017-18, this was the first her for the difference music had made to her (IMTs). EIS has been running the ‘Change school year in which overall pupil numbers fell. severely autistic child whose fine motor skills the Tune’ campaign over the last year, urging We believe that these developments sit in direct had significantly improved because of playing both local and national government to change opposition to other education policies. the cello, reminding us that music has the power direction on music education. We are urging the to enrich the lives of children who face other Scottish Government to protect and expand The Curriculum for Excellence has creativity challenges in our education system. instrumental music in schools. In parallel, we urge and self-expression at its heart. It is rooted in a local authorities to reject further cuts to music deep appreciation of children and young people’s For all these reasons and more, EIS will be services and recognise the inequity of current participation in arts and culture. The aspiration continuing our efforts to defend music education approaches. to excellence and equity for all children is over the new school session. If you feel strongly undermined by a postcode lottery of access to about music education being freely available In case anyone is in doubt that the current music lessons, which we know boost confidence, to all, please write to your local councillors and situation is unsustainable, let us set out some mental health, organisational skills, teamwork MSPs to let them know, and please support local of the challenges facing music education. skills, literacy and numeracy. These benefits demonstrations in defence of music services. We They include: cuts to music service budgets, should be equally accessible to all, free of charge. can’t let the world fall silent. It’s time to Change the Tune.

Subscribe to Children in Scotland Jenny Kemp is National Officer (Education and Magazine today - 6 issues for just £20! Equality) at Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) To subscribe email Jennifer Drummond: [email protected] > Find out more about the campaign at eis.org. uk/Campaigns/Music or visit childreninscotland.org.uk/cismagazine

14 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE August - September 2019 Picture: Ceranna Photography the future of instrumental music to have visited arts venues. There AGENDA tuition in schools. They found are multiple reasons for this. Policy & Participation variable practice across Scotland Cost is obviously a consideration By Elaine Kerridge, and revealed alarming evidence (not just for entry, but to cover round-up Policy Manager (Participation) of a drop in participation in music transport). But wider accessibility

tuition when fees were introduced. is also important: how friendly The P&E team have had a great summer, An appreciation of the true impact of culture on and welcoming venues are; where working directly with lots of young people The Committee concluded that all they are located; and whether from across Scotland. wellbeing and learning should be embedded at all children in receipt of free school the focus of exhibitions relate to levels of policy, writes Amy Woodhouse meals should be exempt from people’s lives. All these factors can tuition fees, and that this should encourage or deter engagement. ou may or may not be aware that Scotland young people. At the more specialist end of ideally extend even further. For me, Yhas a National Outcome for Culture: mental health support, art therapy can be this might look something like the Arts organisations can do a lot to “We are creative and our vibrant and diverse used to support some of the most vulnerable Finnish model. Their National Youth make their spaces more welcoming cultures are expressed and enjoyed widely.” children and young people to communicate Work and Youth Policy Programme for children and young people, and recover. It is a particularly helpful sets out five objectives, the first of particularly those experiencing The more I think about what this might mean approach when children have communication which is that “every child and young additional barriers to access. We for children and young people, the wider needs or don’t speak English. person will be given a possibility were pleased, therefore, that the subject matter becomes. I started by to engage in at least one free-time through Heritage Hunters we were hobby of their choice”. Imagine able to support Edinburgh Young Amy Woodhouse is re-reading Call 24 of our #25Calls campaign, This work requires skilled professionals and a Children in Scotland’s Head if we had a similar commitment Carers to co-curate a display for where Rhona Matheson of Starcatchers calls commitment within statutory services to see of Policy, Projects and in Scotland which meant that the People’s Story in Edinburgh. Participation for all children to have the opportunity to art therapy and the wider creative arts as part Young people at the UNCRC action day every child could take part in an Visible representation will hopefully participate in high-quality, innovative arts of holistic mental health provision. With that @amywoodhoose extracurricular arts activity of their support further inclusion. experiences from the earliest age. in mind, the importance of ensuring that the choice, without cost. Conventional wisdom arts feature within the Children and Young The Scottish Government has In July we held a UNCRC action day with There is evidence that participatory arts, People’s Mental Health Taskforce, for example, Children and young people are committed to producing a Culture 20 children and young people. The aim of where professional artists collaborate with becomes clear. an audience for the arts as well as Strategy, setting out a vision the day was to discuss the United Nations children to create original art works, can have Convention on the Rights of the Child creators. We should celebrate the supported by a series of ambitions, all sorts of positive impacts on children’s Seeing the arts as a valid and realistic career as the Scottish Government prepares > Read increase in festivals, programming aims and actions to deliver the lives. According to an Inquiry by the All-Party pathway is something that Tony Reekie, to incorporate it into Scots law. It was Starcatcher’s Call at and events targeted at children and national outcome. The consultation Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Arts, Health former director of the Edinburgh International a fantastic and creative day with lots childreninscotland.org. young people that has blossomed on this took place last year, but it of engaging and thoughtful discussions and Wellbeing, this includes improved self- Children’s Festival, talks about in his recent uk/main-25-calls in recent years. The Year of Young has all gone a bit quiet since then. about how children’s rights can be better esteem, wellbeing, confidence and coping response to Starcatchers’ call. He highlights People 2018 offered fantastic Perhaps it’s time the children’s protected in Scotland. skills. Participatory arts are also a great way how music, dance and other arts qualifications > And see Tony opportunities for young people sector collectively pushed the to break down generational barriers between are often sidelined within schools in favour Reekie’s response at to engage with arts in a variety of government to get on with it? Busting the jargon children and older adults. of other more traditional academic subjects. childreninscotland.org. ways and opened up traditionally Over the summer we also delivered two Is this something that the emphasis on uk/news/ adult-orientated venues and events At Children in Scotland we will work focus groups on the EU Settlement Scheme Ensuring adequate funding for participatory attainment in Scotland will improve or worsen? for younger ages. For example, the to ensure we recognise how the arts for the Home Office and the University of arts in a harsh funding climate, therefore, feels Sometimes arts subjects can be viewed as Young and the Wild programme in fit within our wider work. So, when Liverpool to help ensure information for necessary, not just because the arts are good ‘soft’ qualifications – but what about the Image: iStockphoto.com ©FatCamera the Edinburgh International Film we respond to the consultation children and families is accessible. things in and of themselves, but also because evidence that participating in the arts can Festival, Glasgow International on incorporation of the United of their potential contribution to improving actually improve attainment? Comedy Festival’s School of Stand- Nations Convention on the Rights Getting it right wellbeing in ways that are truly engaging and Up Comedy performances, and the of the Child (UNCRC), for example, My Rights, My Say has started working with child-led. See Me’s success with FeelsFM, “the This connection was recently highlighted ‘Beginnings’ theme of the Scottish we should think about Article 31 – a group of students and staff at Bell Baxter world’s first emoji-powered jukebox for mental by the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Mental Health Arts Festival. the right to leisure, play and culture. High School in Fife to ensure children know health”, highlights the role of listening to music Skills Committee in its investigation, along Or, in our response to what Public about their rights to support at school and as a self-help strategy for many children and with the Scottish Youth Parliament, into However, these positive examples Health Scotland’s priorities should support Bell Baxter to develop their practice. are no cause for complacency. One be, we should encourage this new of the main reasons Children in body to view itself as a promoter of Expanding our world Scotland developed our Heritage the arts for health improvement. We are pleased to say our children and Hunters project was that access young people’s advisory group, Changing to the arts and heritage is not We could, legitimately, arts-proof Our World, has expanded. We now have 15 equally distributed, and that the all of our policy work. We could members from across Scotland, aged 8-21. socio-economic status of parents ask ourselves, can we make a case Over the summer we have been able to hold is one of the strongest predictors for the arts here? What role could a number of meetings focusing on what the current ‘hot topics’ are for children and of arts engagement. If you are they have? The case feels pretty young people and developing our thoughts from a wealthy family, you are strong to me. The arts are health- and plans for the coming months. much more likely to go to art promoting, inspiring, participative, galleries, museums and theatres rights-supporting. We’re convinced > For more information on our policy, than if your family experiences it’s worth investing in the arts for projects and participation work, visit poverty. Children with disabilities, children and young people – will you childreninscotland.org.uk or from black and minority ethnic join us? backgrounds are also less likely

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VOICES

VOICES “I love working with people to hear their story and then finding a way of telling it in their own Letters to the future words. This group of young mothers gave me an insight into their daily lives; the things they love and the struggles they have. They also Jane Miller explains how the art of storytelling has told me the characteristics they have that help them get through. Hopefully this book allowed a group of young mums to create a powerful will now let other people hear their story.” piece of heritage to pass on to their children — Writer Mike Nicholson

"The book has been a fantastic and exciting opportunity for all the mums involved. Together as a group they shared “It’s our everyday life. This is us, this is who we are. their experiences, and from this they have Take it or leave it.” — Young mum created an emotional and inspiring story that is a true reflection of their day to The most powerful part of this experience was watching the young mums perform the book day lives. The group wanted to highlight reading at the launch event. It was inspiring to the challenges and achievements of being see young women taking up space and feeling a young mum as a way to reach out to empowered to share their stories on their own other young mums, and for it to be used terms. The young mums embodied the qualities as a resource for young people. But mostly of the young mum in the book: being brave and importantly they wanted a real story that confident, and standing strong with their children in they can read to their children when they their arms. are older about what it was like for them being a young parent."

— The Citadel Youth Centre

“Every Day is a New Day is an emotional insight into the hardships young mums

Illustrations by Anders Frang for Every Day is a New Day storybook face, and the resilience that this group of young women have shown. It was a pleasure to work with them and their children and If you’re old enough to read this, then you and don’t often have opportunities to engage with

Every day storybook Launch of Photo: with young Nicholson and partners Mike mums group, to discuss how parenthood has and hasn’t I will have been through a lot together.” the sector, using a co-produced and youth-led is a new day “ changed over the years.” approach. “I wouldn’t change being a mum for the world.” A story by young mums for their bairns — to be read — when they are older. These powerful words are spoken directly from Encouraging creative expression is a key element Young mum — Museums and Galleries Edinburgh young mums to their children as part of a book, of participation, and storytelling is often used Every Day is a New Day, which they created to to help young people express their views and The story reflects on the past and present and highlight their lived experience of being a young experiences safely. With this project the young leaves a legacy for children and families in the

parent. mums were able to use the medium of heritage future. The book is now its own piece of heritage, Jane Miller is Policy and Participation Officer at to share their unique voices. The group explored ensuring that the voices of the young mums will Children in Scotland I was lucky enough to work alongside the young different options and soon settled on creating continue to be heard. mum groups from The Citadel Youth Centre a children’s book, as they felt that this would be > The book currently features as part of the in Edinburgh to help them create a beautiful something their children would engage with. “You and me... I wouldn’t have it any other Bringing up Baby exhibition at the Museum and emotive storybook for their children when way. So lucky you! of Childhood and will become part of the they grow up. Working alongside Museums and The story itself brings to life different permanent collection at Edinburgh’s Museums Galleries Edinburgh and children’s writer Mike experiences and explores themes of friendship, “You have a mum who loves you and wants Collection Centre Nicholson, the mums were able to create a story learning new skills, feeling supported by other the best for you... and she is brave, resilient, that captures the challenges and joys of being a young mums, and the special bond they have sensible, confident and has lots of energy! > Every Day is a New Day can be downloaded at young mum. with their child. However, the story doesn’t shy bit.ly/2LYRIbh away from some of the more negative aspects For the past year, Children in Scotland has of being a young mum, including judgement, “Did you know that?” > Find out more about our Heritage Hunters been delivering the Heritage Hunters project. stigma, stress and money worries. At its core, the projects at childreninscotland.org.uk/heritage- The aim of the project was to connect heritage story highlights the need to respect these young — Extract from Every Day is a New Day hunters organisations with groups of young people who women and their courage.

28 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE August - September 2019 August - September 2019 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 29 Photograph: Impact Arts alcohol and drugs problems in the UK – with North Ayrshire VOICES an estimated 5,283 children directly affected by parental addictions – Impact Arts received North Ayrshire has some of the most highly 50 referrals to our Art Therapy Programme concentrated areas of deprivation in Scotland. in 2018-19. An evaluation of the programme Impact Arts has worked in North Ayrshire for found that 100 per cent of children improved in many years, embedded in the community with communication and were more willing to try new our permanent base, and we have developed an tasks; 100 per cent were able to set their own understanding of local people and communities. goals and were actively involved in creating their Through our consultations with social workers, own art work; and 100 per cent increased their teachers, community development workers and coping skills and self-awareness. children and young people we have learned that there is a high demand for a therapeutic arts project to support children and families in the “I like coming to art therapy because it’s a area. As a result of all our findings we launched place where I get to be myself.” our North Ayrshire Art Therapy service on 1 May 2019. “It helped me relax and focus.” A pilot project with Cornerstone in North “It keeps me calm.” Ayrshire highlighted the value of providing wider family support. Statutory partners reported — Children who attended art therapy that there are 310 children in kinship care as a result of parental substance misuse. Feedback from Health Visiting teams reinforces the need for family approaches, expressing that the “It’s a place where Dyadic Art Therapy model (supporting parent/ “My daughter and I were put in touch with Impact Arts after having a couple carers and children in joint therapy) would be extremely welcome and that they could “fill the of difficult years. We didn’t really enjoy spaces over twice tomorrow’’. In light of this gap, spending time together. From the I get to be myself” the strong focus of the programme on improving outset Alison was very approachable, life chances for children, and the partnerships understanding and non-judgemental. that are currently being developed in North Impact Arts recently expanded its Glasgow art therapy Gradually over a number of sessions my Ayrshire, we envision continual growth in our daughter and I found it much easier being pool of art therapists, enabling us to reach even programme into North Ayrshire. The success of the together, whether it’s doing art projects more children and families. > Impact Arts won the project demonstrates the potential of art to change (sometimes messy!) or more imaginative Scottish Government’s play. Our relationship is much better We are proud to have representatives from award for Improving Quality: Measuring lives for the better, as art therapists Danielle Devin and now and our time together is much more North Ayrshire on Impact Arts’ Youth Steering and Demonstrating relaxed and fun for both of us.” Group, who are regularly consulted on the Alison Peebles explain Impact at the structure of new and existing projects, and on the strategic direction of our organisation. Their Advancing Healthcare — Parent who attended art therapy “Our work t Impact Arts our mission is to help people enhance communication. input – and that of the children and young people Awards 2018. Aand communities transform their lives we engage with in North Ayrshire – is invaluable can mitigate through creativity and the arts, focusing in The impact of the work itself is intended to act to how the project will continue to develop. > The North the effects particular on children, young people, older as an early intervention where adverse childhood “Two pupils have received one-to- Ayrshire Art Therapy of ACEs at an people and communities. experiences (ACEs) could otherwise have a one support on a weekly basis. Within Programme is lasting and, often increasingly, negative effect the school setting, we have noticed a Looking to the future funded by the Rayne early stage, Our Art Therapy Programmes in Glasgow and on the future progression and outcomes of difference in the participation of the Foundation, Scottish enabling North Ayrshire provide a creative therapeutic individuals. Our work can mitigate the effects children in their own classes and their The Art Therapy Programme has become Children’s Lottery, intervention to primary school-age children and of ACEs at an early stage, enabling children and interactions with other pupils. In addition one of Impact Arts’ flagship programmes. The Robertson Trust, children families who are experiencing adversity in their young people to “get back on track’’ towards to the children really enjoying the sessions We are undergoing a process of review and The Volant Trust and and young lives, particularly those affected by familial drug achieving their full potential. in school, the feedback from our families redesign that will inform future iterations of Bank of Scotland the programme, supported by our co-design, Foundation - Mental people to or alcohol use. This includes one-to-one therapy has also been positive. The families who for children aged five to 12, Dyadic Art Therapy Persistent poverty and parental addiction has Youth Steering Group, and Listening Project Health Fund. have been engaging in the work have ‘get back (supporting parent and carers and children in significant effects on children’s social, emotional initiatives. Furthermore, we are in discussions been more supportive within the school, joint therapy), and Therapeutic Group Work for and behavioural development. The issues with partners and funders across multiple >The Glasgow Art on track’” attending sessions more regularly than children and young people aged five to 15. experienced by the children we work with, which geographical areas about the potential to bring Therapy Programme had been the case. Our families speak of also include loss, bereavement and poor mental this intervention model to more children and is funded by the the relationships being more positive at Through these sessions we aim to develop a co- health, can lead to lack of engagement with families across Scotland. Corra Foundation and home, with the children better able to operative and trusting therapeutic relationship. education, poor attainment, poor transitions, the Scottish Whisky We offer a safe space where the arts can be anti-social behaviour, poor interpersonal share what has been taking place, both in Action Fund. used as a tool for the expression of feelings relationships and substance misuse. Our school and to an extent, in the sessions.” > Find out more about and thoughts, to develop emotional resilience, experience tells us that creative interventions can Danielle Devin is an art therapist for Impact Arts in North Ayrshire and Alison Peebles is an Impact Arts’ projects self-esteem, coping skills, confidence and have a significant and positive impact. — Head Teacher art therapist and coordinator in Glasgow at impactarts.co.uk self-awareness, and to build on strengths and In Glasgow, which has some of the worst

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