Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed has visited Raploch’s Big Noise programme, run by Sistema Scotland which uses a high-quality, long-term approach to music education and activities, alongside a commitment to nurturing relationships, to support children, young people and families.
Based within the Raploch Community Campus, the Big Noise programme has played a pivotal role in developing an invaluable range of life skills in local children, including confidence, teamwork, resilience, pride and aspiration.
Ms Tweed met with Head of Centre Vicky Williams and CEO Nicola Killean to hear more on how the pandemic has shaped the charity’s work over the past 18 months, as well as plans for the pandemic recovery.
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed said:
‘Big Noise Raploch continues to play a key role in the economic and social development of the Raploch community, and I was very pleased to see they’ve maintained a spring in their step throughout these turbulent times.
‘Music unlocks huge potential in our young people, building confidence and skills. The Scottish Government recently announced £7 million in funding to abolish music tuition fees in our schools, which will only help further develop Scotland’s musical talent, as well as reduce economic disparities in access to the arts.
‘Stirling Council, the Scottish Government and a range of public sector and third-sector partners have invested heavily in the future of communities across Stirling, including Raploch. Economic and social redevelopment which places community needs and aspirations at its heart continues to be vitally important for the long term wellbeing of Stirling.’
‘I thank Vicky and Nicola for the excellent tour of Big Noise Raploch, and wish them and their team the very best of luck for the future. They can certainly count on my support.’
CEO Nicola Killean said:
‘Sistema Scotland is committed to supporting children, young people and families, through our Big Noise music and social change programmes, to becoming happy, healthy and confident adults and to strengthening the amazing communities we work alongside.
‘Independent evaluation by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health since 2013 has shown that taking part in Big Noise helps children to improve their self-esteem, enhance their academic skills and build vital social networks.
‘We are so proud that Big Noise Raploch is now celebrating its 13th year of working in the community and Stirling and we look forward to many more years of making a Big Noise together!’
Head of Centre Vicky Williams said:
‘It was lovely to welcome Evelyn to Big Noise Raploch to see our annual summer holiday club in action. It has been an incredibly challenging year for the children, young people and families, but throughout it all they have continued to practice their instruments and make a big noise – at home, in school, outdoors and online. Now we are together again, we are all really looking forward to performing for the community in the not-too-distant future.’
Notes:
Attached is a picture of Evelyn Tweed MSP with members of the Big Noise Raploch team.
