Create, grow & connect with Impactful Parents
Are you a parent or caregiver experiencing unemployment?
Do you want to get creative, learn new skills, and find a new job, course, or training opportunity? Join Impactful Parents in West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian or the Borders!
Impactful Parents is a free stage 1, non-traditional creative employability project.
Discover your creative side with art workshops, build your confidence, connect with other parents, and gain qualifications including a SQA Communications Unit. You’ll get to work with an Artist, Wellbeing Support Worker, and Opportunities Co-ordinator providing 1:1 and group support.Â
And we’ll cover your bus or train travel expenses to the programme!
Explore art and get 1:1 and group support in core employability skills like CV and application writing, interview prep, and sourcing opportunities
A place for you to build your confidence and boost your wellbeing
West Lothian
Programme details
Impactful Parents West Lothian is open to unemployed or underemployed parents. Underemployed refers to people who are doing casual work, part-time work, zero hour contracts, or working in a sector they’re not satisfied in.
Eligibility:
- Lone Parents
- Disabled Parents
- Parents with 3+ children
- Parents from an Ethnic Minority
- Parents with youngest child under 12 months
- Parents under 25
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, email: fin.russell@impactarts.co.uk
All travel expenses will be covered and participants will receive a light refreshments at every session.
When: Wednesdays 9:30am-2:30pm, starting 26th August
Venue: Almondbank Library,
When:Â Thursdays 9:30am-2:30p, starting 27th August
Where: Uphall South Church of Scotland,
Midlothian
Programme details
Impactful Parents Midlothian is open to unemployed or underemployed lone (single) parents and ethnic minority parents. Underemployed refers to people who are doing casual work, part-time work, zero hour contracts, or working in a sector they’re not satisfied in. Ethnic minority refers to any individuals who do not identify as white British.
Eligibility:
- Lone Parents
- Disabled Parents
- Parents with 3+ children
- Parents from an Ethnic Minority
- Parents with youngest child under 12 months
- Parents under 25
- Parents with children in receipt of Early Years and funded childcare places
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, email: fin.russell@impactarts.co.uk
All travel expenses will be covered and participants will receive a light refreshments at every session.
Dalkeith
When: Wednesdays 10:00am-1:00pm, starting 23rd September – 16th Dec 2026.
Venue: One Dalkeith, 21 Eskdaill Ct, Dalkeith, EH22 1AG.
Wonderful recipe book from our West Lothian participants. Sharing family traditions, celebratory foods and cultures.
East Lothian
Programme details
Impactful Parents East Lothian is open to unemployed or underemployed parents. Underemployed refers to people who are doing casual work, part-time work, zero hour contracts, or working in a sector they’re not satisfied in.
Eligibility:
- Lone Parents
- Disabled Parents
- Parents with 3+ children
- Parents from an Ethnic Minority
- Parents with youngest child under 12 months
- Parents under 25
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, email: fin.russell@impactarts.co.uk
All travel expenses will be covered and participants will receive a light refreshments at every session.
Tranent
When:Â Â Thursdays, 10am-1pm, starting Thurs 17th Sept – 10th December 2026
Venue: The Fraser Centre, 3a Winton Place, Tranent, EH33 1AF
Scottish Borders
Programme details
Impactful Parents Scottish Borders is open to all unemployed, underemployed or economically inactive parents. Underemployed refers to people who are doing casual work, part-time work, zero hour contracts, or working in a sector they’re not satisfied in. Â Must live within the Scottish Borders local authority area.
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, email: fin.russell@impactarts.co.uk
All travel expenses will be covered and participants will receive a light refreshments at every session.
Galashiels
When:Â Mondays & Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting Monday 28th Sept – Tues 15th December 2026
Venue: Langlee Community Centre, Galashiels, TD1 2LP
What to expect
On our Impactful Parents programme, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in creative activities such as painting, sculpture, animation, music making, or creative writing.
We’ll also help you prepare to progress into work, further education, or training, establish a routine, create a CV, prepare for interviews, and look for opportunities.
There will be a focus on mental health and wellbeing where you can learn about mindfulness and good eating, get outside and visit community projects, and take part in confidence-building creative workshops.
We work with some incredible partners
See them all
