News

A
new shop will be popping-up in Paisley on the 28^th of November. The
shop is being run by a group of enterprising young people from Renfrewshire and
will be filled with fantastic products that they have designed and made
themselves. The team of young people
and two talented tutors have taken residency in the space for the Christmas
shopping period. The shop will be open Tues – Sat 12pm – 4pm.

The
unit, 34 Old Sneddon Street, was previously a disused Network Rail building
until Impact Arts teamed up with Renfrewshire Council with support from the
European Social Fund and Inspiring Scotland, to turn it into a hub of
creativity. This is the second group of young people to take part in the
programme. Of the young people who completed the last programme in July, 92% of
them went on to a positive destination in education, employment or further
training.

Impact
Arts has worked with thousands of people throughout Scotland through the Creative
Pathways programme, to give young people the skills they need to embark upon a
career in the creative industries. All of the young people involved were not in
employment, education or training when they started the programme. They’ve been
designing one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories, unique homeware, upcycled
furniture, and hand-made gifts in addition to gaining practical experience in
retail and customer service, commissioned projects and team building skills.
They’ve also received personal development support and are on the way to
gaining an accredited SQA qualification.

The
young people are looking forward to giving Paisley shoppers the opportunity to
buy Christmas presents that are unique, affordable and support young people and
the local economy.

Rob
Gallagher-Reilly, Programme Manager Impact Arts, said:

“Impact
Arts was delighted at the percentage of young people who went on to college,
training and employment the first time we ran this programme in Renfrewshire.
Across the board they told us that their involvement in the programme had
changed their lives for the better. We’re confident that the second programme
will be just as successful.

“We’re
encouraging Paisley shoppers to join us on the launch night and to come along
for free events such as the ‘Elf Workshop’ on Saturday the 13^th
where people will have a chance to make and take home their own Christmas
decorations!”

Ben,
16, a young person on the Creative Pathways Renfrewshire programme said:
“I
have found Creative Pathways really interesting. I enjoy the enterprise aspect
the most. I look forward to what’s to come on the programme. It helps you to
express yourself and not feel alone. It’s the highlight of my week.

“When
I left school I didn’t know what to do, but we visited the Careers Fayre at the
SECC and I’m looking to do a course at the Academy of Music and Sound in
Glasgow when I finish Creative Pathways.

Contacts

For more
information contact Katie on 0141 575 3001 or ksmith@impactarts.co.uk.

Details

Pop-up
shop launch: 34 Old Sneddon Street, Paisley, PA3 2AL. 28.11.14 4pm-6.30pm

Elf
Workshop:
Sat 13th Dec 12pm – 4pm

Shop opening
hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12pm-4pm

Thanks to
funders: Renfrewshire Council, Inspiring Scotland and the European Social fund.