Impact Arts

Over
the last 5 weeks, Impact Arts has been working with a talented team of young
people in Renfrewshire. We’ve taken our life changing employability programme,
Creative Pathways to an empty shop unit in Paisley and turned it into a hub of
creativity!

Impact
Arts has worked with thousands of people throughout Scotland through Creative
Pathways, to give young people the skills they need to forge a career in the
creative industries.

Kirsty
Gallacher, Programme Manager Impact Arts said:

“This
is the first time the programme has been available in Renfrewshire, thanks to an
exciting partnership with Renfrewshire Council. The team at the Youth
Employability Hub have been absolutely brilliant and we’re looking forward to
seeing how the partnership develops.

“The
young people on the Creative Pathways programme have exceeded all expectations
with their creativity and dedication – the tutors have been singing their
praises. I know they’ve all got a bright future ahead of them.”

Thirteen
young people aged 16-19 and not currently in employment, have immersed
themselves in an inspiring programme, learning skills such as designing for
retail, furniture upcycling, crafts for the home and fashion accessories. Their
creative learning is strengthened by 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.

Councillor
Roy Glen, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Jobs Policy Board,
said:

“Renfrewshire
Council is delighted to be working with Impact Arts and to support the Creative
Pathways project in Renfrewshire.

“Through
our Invest in Renfrewshire programme to tackle unemployment, we have already
helped hundreds of local young people into work.

“We
welcome programmes like Creative Pathways which engage and support young people
in their quest for employment. The programme has been well received by young
people themselves and promises excellent results.”

The
young people are celebrating their success on the programme so far, by hosting
a pop-up shop selling items that they have designed and manufactured. Themes
include Paisley’s rich heritage and shoppers can expect a range of unique designs
at affordable price that celebrate the town. The shop will be open for a
month.

Kirsty,
19, a participant on the Creative Pathways Renfrewshire programme said:

“Creative
Pathways has changed my life. It’s given me something to do – I used to just go
out drinking before but all that’s stopped. I’ve never done anything creative
but I’m hooked on sewing now – I love it!

“When
the programme is finished me and one of the other girls are starting our own
clothing business, we’re going to Business Gateway to get advice. This wouldn’t
have happened if it wasn’t for Creative Pathways.”

-Ends-

Contacts

For more
information contact Katie on 0141 575 3001 or [email protected].

Details

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

Shop
opening hours: Tuesday –Friday 11am-4pm 03.06.14 – 04.07.14

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