A GROUP of people whose lives have been affected by homelessness from Edinburgh have embarked on a creative learning programme which will see them develop their skills in journalism over the coming weeks.
Eleven people – residents at Ypeople’s supported accommodation service in Edinburgh – received a tour of The Scotsman newspaper offices on Wednesday, May 16, to mark the official launch of the initiative.
The tour of the premises was led by the new editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, Frank O’Donnell, who delivered a presentation to the group about how to be an effective member of an editorial team.
The comprehensive learning initiative is being organised by Ypeople, and will consist of 12 individual workshops to give the group an insight into a career in the media industry.
The workshops, which are scheduled to take place throughout the summer, will cover a range of subjects including article writing, photography, design, interview skills, fashion, marketing and editing.
Financed through Ypeople’s Innovation Fund, the learning initiative will culminate in the group creating an eight page magazine in order to put their new skills to the test.
Ypeople – formerly YMCA Glasgow – deliver support services to a range of people including children, young people and families, asylum seekers and refugees and those whose lives have been affected by homelessness.
Debbie Fraser, head of fundraising at Ypeople, said: “We created this learning programme in response to ongoing requests from the people we support in our services in Edinburgh to develop skills and knowledge that would be useful for a career in the media industry.
“Launching the programme at The Scotsman was really exciting for everyone involved, and the group were very inspired by Frank O’Donnell, who gave them a real insight into how a newspaper team operates.
“Ypeople’s Innovation Fund, which consists of money raised through our various fundraising initiatives, helps to finance worthwhile learning projects like these.
“This initiative would not have been possible without the continuous help of our supporters – and we would like to extend our thanks to them for continuing to support Ypeople in these times of need.”
Ends
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Ypeople
For further information contact Nicola Macnaughton on 0141 333 9585 or Nicola.macnaughton@bigpartnership.co.uk
About Ypeople
YMCA Glasgow was founded in 1824 and now operates across the central belt of Scotland.
The organisation, which rebranded as Ypeople in November 2010, employs over 200 staff and provides a wide range of services including:
- Work with vulnerable young people and others in our supported accommodation residences
- Undertaking detached, outreach, resettlement and support work with people of all ages who are, or have been, at risk of being homeless
- Work with asylum seekers and refugees in residential and community settings
- Out of school and other child-care provision
- Supporting arts in the community
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Contact: Nicola Macnaughton
Phone: 0141 333 9585
Email: nicola.macnaughton@bigpartnership.co.uk
Website: http://www.bigpartnership.co.uk
