We had an inspiring evening at Eden Court celebrating the Youth Social Action Community projects led by young people from Tain, Alness, Inverness and Forres.
This year, we took a new approach by splitting the audience into smaller groups. This allowed everyone to circulate around the project tables and connect more deeply with the young people’s stories and ideas. Each group showcased videos and presentations that captured their journey so far, a glimpse into projects that are already creating real impact, with more still to come.
Inverness YSA Group: Fundraising to Save the Clay Studio
The Inverness group have come together to support the fundraising intiative to Save The Clay Studio in Merkinch.
Clay Studio is more than clay, kilns and creativity. It’s a lifeline in Merkinch — a place where young people find purpose, where families gather, where art heals, and where our community grows together. They are a vital part of a neighbourhood that too often goes unheard.
Please support the Growing2gether group fundraiser on 26 July, 11am-3pm at 33 Grant St, Inverness IV3 8BN
Alness Youth Social Action Group: Looking after our Mental Health
The Alness Group looked at different ways we can look after our mental health.
Forres Youth Social Action Group: Why do we need a Community Centre?
Forres Community Centre is at risk of closing down so the Forres Group took action to create a survey and interview the community about the need for a Community Centre.
Closing this facility would represent a huge loss to our community. We urge the Moray Council to reconsider their plan in light of the immeasurable social and economic benefits the centre provides to Forres and surrounding communities. Sign the petition to keep the Community Centre!
Tain Youth Social Action Group: Art Group
The Tain Group set up an Art Group which aimed to create an artwork based on the group’s personal experiences, highlighting how art has supported their wellbeing and helped reduce anxiety.
It gave P6 children at Craighill Primary the opportunity to explore a variety of art materials, helping them discover which media they enjoy most. The children worked together to produce a shared collage, encouraging teamwork and creativity.
Postcards of the finished artwork will be sold in Tain, with proceeds used to buy art materials for potential Art Therapy in the new primary school.
Tain Youth Social Action Group 2: Painting Tain's Underpass
This Tain Group have been looking at the question, How can Art support communities?
Their response? Painting the underpass which is currently very uninspiring. Not long ago the wall was painted over with white paint. However since then many people have vandalised the wall.
Together with Rob Parks, they plan to engage the community and have young people sign up to help paint on 21st to the 27th of July 2025. Watch this space for the final artwork!
Thank you to all the young people and Growing2gether faciliators who put so much energy into these projects. And deep appreciation to our funders for making these projects possible. A special thanks to SSEN for joining us at the Showcase.
