Cash boost for Stirling projects to help victims of crime

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Projects with a community justice focus are among those to receive grants from creative group Scene Stirling.Micro grants worth £500 each have been awarded to three such Stirling creative projects.Jewellery designer Roberta Pederzoli will work with families affected by the criminal justice system.While aerial dance artists Hannah Uttley and Grace Turner will carry out dance training.And environmental charity Transition Stirling will run furniture upcycling workshops for both victims of crime and those with a criminal conviction.Roberta Pederzoli said: “Art is a powerful tool for releasing and channelling negative emotions, encouraging relaxation and boosting self-esteem.“Creative activities play a vital role in producing better outcomes for individuals, their families and our local communities.”The dance training provided by Hannah Uttley and Grace Turner is entitled ‘trauma informed movement practice’.Hannah Uttley said: “This project will give us a better understanding of community justice, in particular how we can support people who have been victims of crime in a movement setting.“We aim to disseminate our learning to other local artists, leading to a more trauma-informed and inclusive creative practice across Stirling district.”Environmental charity Transition Stirling will work with Forth Valley Rape Crisis and Stirling Council justice social work team.Reuse co-ordinator Donna Wood said: “We believe the workshops will support positive mental health, through the creation of a beautiful piece of furniture which the participants will be able to take home and keep as a reminder of their abilities.”Scene Stirling’s grant scheme is supported by Stirling Council.Stirling Council community wellbeing and housing committee