Month: October 2023

More than half of all Childline counselling sessions focus on children struggling with mental health issues

  • Mental and emotional health and wellbeing is the top reason for children contacting the NSPCC service
  • Over the past year, more than 4.600 Childline counselling sessions were delivered on the issue to children in Scotland, with over 1,300 of these being related to stress and anxiety
  • This World Mental Health Day (October 10), Childline encourages children to speak out about any mental health concerns

More than half of all counselling sessions delivered by Childline in Scotland last year focused on young people struggling with mental health issues.

In 2022/23 the NSPCC service delivered at least 4,627 counselling sessions to children living in Scotland on mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Of these, 1,310 were specifically related to stress and anxiety. 

This World Mental Health Day (October 10), the charity is raising awareness of the mental and emotional health issues children and young people are facing, and to let them know they are never alone.

NSPCC Scotland says it is vital that children are able to access early intervention support, such as through school, which can prevent young people’s mental health problems from getting worse and potentially reaching crisis point.

The charity believes that a top priority for Scottish Government investment should be in better support for families during pregnancy and in the early years, which can lay the foundations for positive mental health and wellbeing in a person’s life. 

Childline continues to be a safe space for anyone under the age of 19 who is seeking help and support, with the option for them to speak to a counsellor either over the phone or online. Last year the service delivered more than 8,500 counselling sessions to children and young people in Scotland. 

The top five issues raised by children and young people when speaking to Childline about their emotional and mental wellbeing were:

  • Anxiety and stress – 1,310 counselling sessions
  • Low mood and unhappiness – 634 counselling sessions
  • Depression – 292 counselling sessions
  • Accessing support and services for mental health – 287 counselling sessions
  • Loneliness – 210 counselling sessions

A 15-year-old girl from Scotland told Childline*: “I’ve been struggling with even basic tasks lately because of anxiety. I get filled with panic, can’t function and then I get angry with myself, so it gets even worse.

“It’s really frustrating. I want to tell someone but I’m not sure if my problems are important to anyone.”

A 14-year-old boy from Scotland told Childline*: “School and my friends are really stressing me out. I want to focus in class but I can’t do it.

“I don’t want to tell my friends they’re making me feel stressed, I don’t want them to feel like I don’t want to hear their problems, but it is affecting me. Thanks for letting me offload to Childline.”

SUPPORT

It can be hard for parents to accept that their child may be struggling with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. However, it is crucial that young people feel supported, reassured and not judged by the adults in their lives.

World Mental Health Day has a focus on driving a positive change for everyone’s mental health. Adults can support young people’s wellbeing in a range of ways, including:

  • letting them know you’re there for them and are on their side
  • being patient and staying calm and approachable, even if their behaviour upsets you
  • recognising that their feelings are valid and letting them know it is okay for them to be open and honest about their emotions
  • thinking of healthy ways to cope together, like yoga, breathing exercises or mindfulness
  • encouraging them to talk to their GP, someone at their school or Childline. Especially if they’re finding it hard to talk at home.
  • taking care of yourself and getting support if you need to. Try not to blame yourself for what’s happening and stay hopeful for them.

Shaun Friel, director of Childline, said: “Young people may struggle with a range of mental health issues throughout their childhood and adolescence. This can be a time of turbulence, and so it’s important that children feel supported and uplifted.

“Ensuring that young people have a network of support, whether that’s in school, with their peers, at home or through organisations such as Childline, helps young people take the first step to tackling these struggles. Childline is here for any child that may be struggling with their mental and emotional wellbeing.”

All children can speak to a trained counsellor over the phone on 0800 1111, via email or on a 121 chat on the Childline website.

Children can also visit the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have about mental health struggles.

Saving Pride Bridge: Sustrans support gives hope to campaigners

Efforts to save Leith’s much-loved Lindsay Road Bridge (also known as Pride Bridge) have moved a step closer thanks to a funding award through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme.

The 1930’s bridge, originally built for vehicular traffic, was closed off to motor vehicles in 2008 and has since served as a key walking, wheeling, and cycling route over Hawthornvale Path. In 2021 community members painted the bridge in rainbow colours, leading to it being named locally as the ‘Rainbow’ or ‘Pride’ Bridge.

In December 2021 the bridge, which is at the end of its lifespan, was closed due to concerns around health and safety.

Council officers have since made a successful application for Transport Scotland funding through Sustrans for the design of a replacement bridge deck, with £232,700 awarded. A designer will now be appointed to progress the design, to be developed in consultation with stakeholders and the community.

This process is expected to last a year and, once it’s complete, officers intend to apply to Sustrans for 70% of the construction funding required to build the bridge.

The work will be delivered alongside the Leith Connections project which is making improvements to community spaces and providing better connections for anyone walking, wheeling or cycling through the streets of Leith.

The Leith Connections project was awarded funding through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: I’m delighted that this funding award gives new hope for the future of Pride Bridge.

“This structure is a local landmark, a link to Leith’s industrial past and a reminder of the pandemic, but above all else for me it is a celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride. It also provides a safe and convenient walking and cycling route between North Fort Street and Newhaven area.

“Thanks to all those involved who have campaigned for its preservation.”

Kasper Schwartz from Sustrans said: “The Pride Bridge serves as a vital walking, wheeling, and cycling connection for the people of Newhaven.

“It not only provides a direct and accessible link to local shops, businesses, and public transport in the area, but also stands as a vibrant symbol of community resilience.

“We’re excited to be able to support the design and development of a new bridge deck, and in due course, see this important link reinstated.”

Róisín Thérèse from the Save the Pride Bridge campaign said: “We are delighted to hear that Sustrans has agreed to fund a full design with community consultation.

“We believe the Pride Bridge to be a very important piece of local history and heritage, an essential safe and accessible active travel route, and a much loved community space.

“We also believe that, especially in light of rising hate crime statistics, it is really important for us to show both our solidarity with the LGBTQ community and our commitment to their safety and inclusion.

“The Save The Pride Bridge group is looking forward to working closely with the council to find a suitable solution to restore this important local landmark.” 

Members of the Transport and Environment Committee will receive an update on the funding award on Thursday (12 October). Watch committee live via webcast from 10am.

Tonic Arts marks World Mental Health Day with Our Common Humanity at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

Our Common Humanity by artist Juli Bolaños-Durman goes on permanent display at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital this week to mark World Mental Health Day today (Tuesday 10 October).

Our Common Humanity was commissioned by Tonic Arts, NHS Lothian Charity’s award-winning Arts in Health programme. It is one of over 60 major pieces of art and design commissioned by the charity for health care settings, across Edinburgh and Lothians, since the programme was first established in 2015.

These health care settings are often clinical environments, and Tonic Arts works with artists of all mediums, to create work that will soften these spaces and make them more welcoming and calming for visitors, staff and patients.

Our Common Humanity, which will be installed in the Reception Area of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital represents the community of the mental health hospital; tells a story and reflects a gathering of unique individuals; all with their own challenges and joyful quirks.

The piece will not only soften the environment around it, but it is hoped that it will also be a thought-provoking point of interest that will make people’s time in hospital better.

Juli Bolaños-Durman working on ‘Our Common Humanity’ , now on permanent display in the Royal Edinburgh Building reception area at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Photo Laura Meek

Our Common Humanity was developed from a series of art workshops run by Juli Bolaños-Durman and Tonic Arts’ partner organisation Artlink with psychiatric patients at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Here the patients’ need for connection in the everyday, and the importance of being held, supported, embraced and given a second chance were highlighted.

Juli Bolaños-Durman is an award-winning Costa Rican glass artist and designer based in Scotland. She is known for revitalising waste material by applying various heritage cold-working processes, and her practice is driven by her concern for sustainability and her desire to give both people and objects second chances through her work.

She was commissioned by Tonic Arts to create work for The Royal Edinburgh Hospital because her work is high quality and she places patient and staff involvement and representation at the very heart of the work.

Each element of Our Common Humanity is made from discarded glass which was collected and donated by The Royal Edinburgh Hospital community.

Using local heritage hand-cutting techniques, Juli has carefully deconstructed, embellished, and reused each piece in the making of this intricate work, breathing new life into these discarded objects. With the final display playfully lit to create magnificent shadows that bring the glass back to life.

Artist Juli Bolaños-Durman said: “I want the work to be testimony to our ever-changing journey: powered by trials and errors, vulnerability, and imperfection. Our daily interactions matter and each one of us has the power to make life better; with the support of the people around us and the community we foster.

“We are part of a great community that supports one another – no matter where we come from, no matter what we have been through, which is why engaging with psychiatric patients at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital to make this piece was such an important part of my process.”

Susan Grant, Manager of Tonic Arts said: “There is a wealth of evidence and research surrounding the benefits of arts in healthcare settings and how the arts makes people’s time in hospital better including; a reduction in the need for medication and length of stay, lessening anxiety and stress, and increasing patient and staff wellbeing.

“To have such a key piece installed in the reception at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital not only mirrors the quality of healthcare that you will receive in this building, but also provides a stunning focal point that speaks of our human need for connection and our willingness to give people a second chance.”

Our Common Humanity was commissioned by NHS Lothian Charity for The Royal Edinburgh Hospital. The work has been on temporary loan to the Scottish Parliament whilst The Royal Edinburgh Hospital underwent refurbishment.

It is now on permanent display in the Royal Edinburgh Building reception area at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

The lightboxes were designed by Scottish design studio GRAS Architects.

SHE Scotland: Let’s Celebrate!

STRATEGY LAUNCH and INTERNATIONAL DAY of the GIRL CELEBRATION

WEDNESDAY 11th OCTOBER from5.30 – 6.30pm

EDINBURGH COLLEGE GRANTON CAMPUS

SHE Scotland invite you to celebrate #dayofthegirl and the launch of our new strategy.

Sharing our aims and vision to support girls, young women and woman to be their own SHEroes.

#edinburghcommunity

#edinburghenterprise

#girlsempowerment

#dayofthegirl

Shelter Scotland take to Edinburgh’s streets to mark World Homeless Day

 Shelter Scotland staff and volunteers will take their campaign against the housing emergency to the streets of Edinburgh today to mark World Homeless Day. 

Campaigners will be out in force at the foot of Leith Walk issuing a Housing SOS. 

The charity will be highlighting the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness and asking the public to join in it in demanding urgent action to address the capital’s worsening housing emergency. 

At 12:00 activists in Edinburgh will be joining campaigners in Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow in a “minute of noise”, letting our politicians know loud and clear that they need to act now.  

World Homeless Day is marked each year on October 10th and unites activists working across the globe to end homelessness. 

The latest figures released by the Scottish Government showed a 25% increase in the number of people who became homeless in Edinburgh in 2022/23, while more than 2,700 children in the city are stuck in temporary accommodation. 

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: “Edinburgh’s housing emergency is getting worse; and across the country it is devastating lives so today we’re sending out a housing SOS. 

“A household becomes homeless every 16 minutes on average, while 45 kids each day lose their home in Scotland. 

“What’s so frustrating is that it doesn’t have to be like this, we know that by delivering social homes the government can end our housing emergency and give hope to the thousands of people across Scotland experiencing homelessness. 

“That’s why this World Homeless Day, we’re out on the streets of Edinburgh not only demanding urgent action from those in power but urging the public to join our fight as well. 

“At 12 o’clock we’ll join together to make a noise that politicians can’t ignore, to demand they make sure everyone in Edinburgh has somewhere to call home, and to remind them that none of us will be quiet until the job is done.” 

Western leaders issue joint statement on Israel

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America released the following joint statement following their call yesterday:

‘Today (Monday Ed.), we — President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States — express our steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism.

‘We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. There is never any justification for terrorism.  In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages. 

‘Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities. We further emphasise that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage.

‘All of us recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed.

‘Over the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, together as allies, and as common friends of Israel, to ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.’

World Homelessness Day: Charity warns of increase in rough sleeping in Scottish cities

SURGE IN DEMAND FOR SIMON COMMUNITY SCOTLAND’s SUPPORT SERVICES

On World Homeless Day (10 October), Simon Community Scotland, Scotland’s leading homeless charity, is warning of an unprecedented surge in demand for their services.

Over 100 people are estimated to be rough sleeping each night in Scotland’s two biggest cities. At a recent count, where Simon Community volunteers combed city centres late at night, they located and supported 80 people sleeping rough in Edinburgh, and 35 people in Glasgow, with this single evening snapshot reflecting the scale of the challenge faced by the charity.

This number also does not include those housed in emergency shelters or temporary accommodation. Driven by the cost of living crisis, the charity reports that the number of people rough sleeping in Scotland is continuing to spiral, with no end in sight.

Simon Community has witnessed a nearly 20% increase in people seeking their help, placing a huge demand on their frontline support team.

In September alone, at Simon Community Scotland’s Glasgow Access Hub – one of their two hubs across Scotland – the team handled over 2,000 support requests, including helping people with accommodation needs, benefits, legal and financial advice, and wellbeing challenges. 

Gillian Drysdale, Service Lead at the Edinburgh Support Hub, said: “Our team saved lives last winter. We got through some dark times. This winter is set to be even darker. It’s only October and our frontline teams are feeling it. We are seeing 100 people a day through the door of our Hub.”

To help cope with increased demand, the charity is today launching an emergency appeal titled ‘A Safe Place’, reflecting how the provision of safe places is crucial to helping people facing homelessness. 

The charity provides end-to-end support, including street teams on the front line, who build relationships and direct people to further support, right through to Simon Community owned properties, which give people a permanent tenancy. 

Simon Community Scotland are looking to raise £200,000 with this emergency appeal, with funds directed to their safe places, including community hubs, street teams and accommodation, as well as basic life essentials for people they support, including; warm winter clothing, food parcels and toiletries.

Lorraine McGrath, CEO for Simon Community Scotland, said: “The number of people our frontline teams are supporting is reaching record levels, again. Last year we helped over 8,000 people and this year we are set to support over 9,500.

“We’re doing our very best to provide people with a safe place to access support and keep people safe from harm. But we are very stretched and desperately need more help. Whether you can support us as an organisation or as an individual, please consider supporting Simon Community Scotland’s ‘A Safe Place’ appeal.”

Fiona Williamson, Head of Services in Edinburgh, said: “Safe places for people experiencing homelessness has never been more important.

“In our hubs, emergency accommodation service, our own SCS Homes and through outreach support we can provide a safe place for people to talk, to listen, to heal, to build trust, to be. Safe places for a few moments, or for years.”

The charity has support hubs, street teams, accommodation and helplines across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and North Lanarkshire, employing 275 staff and a team of 100 volunteers. 

This winter, Simon Community Scotland are increasing their efforts and are calling on the public to help prevent more casualties from homelessness. 

Lorraine McGrath, CEO, said: “If you see someone you are concerned about, please call our freephone in Edinburgh 0808 178 2323 & Glasgow 0800 027 7466.

“If you can, please consider making a donation to our ‘A Safe Place’ appeal by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/asafeplace” 

The latest warning from Simon Community Scotland follows the release of the Scottish Government 2022/23 Homelessness in Scotland statistics which highlighted that there were 39,006 applications for homelessness across the country, a 9% increase on the previous year.

Over 32,000 households were assessed as being homeless, including over 16,000 children. 

New Chief sets out her priorities for Police Scotland

Scotland’s new Chief Constable Jo Farrell promised to prioritise trust, confidence, high performance, and officer and staff wellbeing as she took command of the national police service today (Monday, 9 October).

Chief Constable Jo Farrell pictured smiling in front of a police vehicle outside Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

Chief Constable Farrell made a commitment to focus on threat, harm, and risk, and on prevention and problem solving, during a swearing in ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

She also committed to prioritising the wellbeing of Police Scotland’s officers and support staff.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “I believe passionately in the value policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.

“My operational focus is on threat, harm, and risk. Police Scotland will focus on prevention, problem solving and proactivity, and on looking after our hard-working officers and staff so our people can deliver our vital public service.

“Police Scotland is a highly credible public sector organisation known for its compassion and it attracts huge public support. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of so many talented, professional, and courageous police officers, staff, and volunteers.”

Chief Constable Farrell also underlined her determination to drive an anti-discriminatory agenda after former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone’s statement that Police Scotland was institutionally discriminatory.

She said: “I know the acknowledgement of institutional discrimination is a difficult message for many dedicated and honourable officers and staff.

“Having considered Sir Iain’s reasons, I agree Police Scotland is institutionally discriminatory. People with different backgrounds or experiences, including our officers and staff, have not always received the service that is their right.

“The onus is on us to challenge bad behaviour and prejudice, address gaps and eradicate bias, known or unwitting, at every level. Our Policing Together programme drives this moral, legal and operational imperative so that we maintain and build confidence with all communities.

“I will bring my support and leadership to this work and our success will be measured by the improved experiences of our officers and staff, and of the public.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “I am delighted that the new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been appointed to the role. It is very clear from the rigorous selection process, led by the Scottish Police Authority, that she has the leadership and skills that are essential to head our national police service and to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“There is much to be proud of within the UK’s second biggest police service – which is in a strong place as the new Chief takes up her role.

“Police Scotland’s officers and staff and their commitment to serving our communities are the bedrock of the service’s success. From crime, road policing, missing persons, prevention, partnership, dealing with increasing vulnerability in communities, and many other areas – their work should be a source of pride and confidence for our country.

“Both the First Minister and I look forward to formally welcoming the new Chief. I am sure we will forge a strong partnership, founded on a shared desire to continue the delivery of sustainable excellence within Scotland’s police service.”

Scottish Police Authority Chair Martyn Evans said: “The Authority is delighted the new Chief Constable is now in post and we look forward to working closely with her and the wider leadership team in the months ahead.”

Chief Constable Farrell led Durham Constabulary as Chief since 2019 having been Deputy since 2016 and having served in Northumbria Police since 2002. She started her career in Cambridgeshire Police in 1991.

Justice of the Peace Gillian Thomson accepted the Declaration of a Constable, an oath set out in law that every holder of the office of Constable in Scotland promises to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality, and to uphold human rights and accord equal respect to all people.

This morning, Chief Constable Farrell chaired a meeting with the Force Executive to set out her priorities and approach before meeting with probationary Constables and hosting a virtual session with Divisional Commanders in the afternoon.

Chief Constable Farrell’s leadership follows the retirement from policing of Sir Iain in August, following 31 years’ service, including six as Chief.

Pet Fostering Service Scotland calls for ban on restrictive housing policies 

Call comes as the charity struggles to find homes for all animal companions after record number of people look to put their pet up for fostering after being made homeless 

Animal care charity Pet Fostering Service Scotland is calling for an end to restrictive housing policies after its service has seen a record number of people looking to put their pets up for fostering.  

The charity has seen over 1,000 enquiries to use Pet Fostering Service Scotland’s aid this year, a rise in over 20% compared to last year, and is now unable to find a foster home for all pets of owners in need, which could result in pets not having a safe place to stay.  

With pets often abandoned by the people they depend on for care and support, Pet Fostering Service Scotland helps those in emergency situations who are eager to keep their furry companions. 

Due to a multitude of reasons, pet owners can experience serious disruption to their home lives, often resulting in the dilemma of how to survive whilst also keeping their beloved pet.  

Pet Fostering Service Scotland is a charity which has been supporting pet owners for 40 years. Now, the charity is calling for a ban on restrictive housing policies.

Those who have been evicted and made homeless can often feel there is no option other than to abandon their pets. According to the charity implementing less restrictive housing policies could avoid situations like these taking place. 

Often accommodation for those who have either been made homeless or require refuge has a no pet policy. There has also been a rise in pet owners looking for new accommodation that accepts pets, currently having to wait one year for suitable housing to become available.

As a result, Pet Fostering Service Scotland has had to put pets into fostering for a year or longer, which is detrimental to the animal’s health as it is too long a period. This can also be distressing for owners due to the loss of consistent and familiar companionship provided by pets.   

The cost-of-living increase has had a significant impact on finding temporary accommodation for those who have been made homeless, as most housing options exclude the homing of pets. 

Pet Fostering Service Scotland has processed over 1,000 enquiries for pet care across Scotland this year. 37% of those were from people in a homeless or re-housing situation and as a result could not care for their pets in the short term.  

Bob Sinclair Chair at Pet Fostering Service Scotland said: “For those who have been made homeless or are facing an emergency situation, being housed alongside their beloved pet is so important.

“The significance of the companionship between a pet and owner is important for wellbeing for both sides. Changing restrictive housing policies and allowing pets into temporary accommodation could be life changing for these individuals and result in far fewer abandonment scenarios.” 

The Pet Fostering Service is non-chargeable and relies solely on donations for the work they provide, and volunteers can apply to become pet fosterers.

Pet fostering gives volunteers the companionship of a pet without the long-term responsibility and can bring a sense of reward from helping those in need, both human and animal.  

The charity currently has over 300 volunteers. 

If you are interested in fostering a pet or want to hear more about the charity, please visit https://www.pfss.org.uk/

MGA Academy to run first Open Day in new campus

  • Top performing arts school opens doors to future stars 
  • MGA Academy welcomes future talent to new home in West Lothian 

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S leading performing arts schools is opening its doors to the public, encouraging future stars to remain in Scotland to study.  

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, Scotland’s only fully accredited performing art college, is holding its first open day at its new campus in West Lothian to showcase its state of the art facilities to those considering applying. 

The next generation of stars will be welcomed to the new multi-million-pound building in Livingston on 16th November, giving potential students a chance to learn more about the wide range of courses available.   

Marcella Macdonald, Principal of the Academy said: “We want to show people that MGA can provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges. 

“With the new campus now located almost exactly halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, we hope it will make studying here more accessible and convenient to more students.”

MGA recently made the transition to its West Lothian campus, allowing the school to triple its annual intake while increasing the number of courses it offers to 12 each year. 

Marcella added: “We would welcome anyone who is considering a career in acting, dance or musical theatre to come along to see what we do and how, with our fantastic teaching faculty and wonderful resources, we can develop their creativity and set them up to thrive in the industry.  

“Our experienced and knowledgeable teaching staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours of the campus where our current students will be performing and chatting to guests about their experiences.

“It’s a really great opportunity for those potential applicants to see all we can offer here at MGA” 

Those interested can register for the open day at https://bit.ly/MGAOpenDay  

The open day is a part of a series of outreach events the school plans to host at its new 30,000 sq ft campus, with an Industry teacher’s open evening, scheduled for October 11th with the aim of forging strong connections and lasting relationships with teachers across the country as part of the Academy’s commitment to nourishing Scottish talent here at home. 

Any Expressive Arts teachers wishing to learn more or express interest in the industry event should , contact: admissions@themgaacademy.com 

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. 

To read more about the talented students at the MGA academy of Performing Arts, please visit their website here: The MGA Academy of Performing Arts