Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Big Noise to host Easter activities
A community music and social change program in Dundee is to provide activities for children during the Easter holidays.
Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programme, which operates nationwide in disadvantaged areas, will offer residentials and provide a healthy breakfast and lunch.
Children and young people from Big Noise Douglas will attend a free residential at Lathallan School in Angus, engaging in outdoor activities alongside music lessons.
The initiative hopes to give youngsters a social space while enabling parents to work or study.
Big Noise Douglas works with more than 550 children and their families. It is one of six centres in Scotland which help children develop life skills while also strengthening community ties through music.
Paul Sullivan, director of children, young people and communities at Sistema Scotland, said: “We know the school holidays are a difficult time for families.
“High-quality and free activities mean that parents and carers are able to work, train, and study without the worry of paying for someone to look after their children or taking time off work.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for children and young people who take part in our programmes to have fun, make friends, and try new things, further boosting their confidence and happiness.
“We are all looking forward to seeing what they achieve next.”
Dean Fisher, who is 10 and autistic, has been participating in Big Noise Raploch for three years, attending its after-school and holiday programmes.
His mother, Colleen Fisher, 32, who works as a dinner lady and also a kinship carer, said: “Big Noise has been a lifeline for me, my family and getting back to work.
“I helped as a volunteer with the toddlers’ group, which helped me secure a job.
“It’s amazing what they do with the kids. I feel really lucky to have the after-school and holiday activities.
“Many other areas don’t have that, and people have to pay for things like music lessons.
“If I didn’t have this, the holidays would be challenging for us. Dean struggles without being in a team.
“It gives him respite, structure, and routine to have people he recognises, plus he loves music. I love that he can have this free rein just to be who he can be.”