AN MSP is championing a local charity that helps youngsters through music and creativity.
Central Scotland Conservative MSP Graham Simpson visited Reeltime Music in Newarthill, Motherwell, after they were awarded £11,966 to to enable the organisation to roll out a creative alcohol misuse programme across ten schools in the Cumbernauld, Motherwell and Airdrie areas of North Lanarkshire. He said: “I was inspired by my visit and am happy to be a champion for Reeltime. The work they do and the dedication of their staff and volunteers is fantastic. Reeltime is actively seeking members for its board of directors. If anyone has a background in youth work, music or fundraising, I urge you to consider working with them to help them go from strength to strength”.
Reeltime Music, which exists to create and provide opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the creative industries which will have an impact on their personal, social and career skills, saw 3,649 places taken up by children and young adults in the area last year. Reeltime Music has a long history of helping children to build confidence and teaching transferable skills as well as giving them the unique opportunity to work in a live studio and to produce music as well as digital animation and film.
Mr Simpson met with Reeltime Music chairperson Ian Anderson and project manager Ryan Currie. Mr Anderson and Mr Currie explained that securing funding and the aim to find a permanent new location are key to the future success of Reeltime Music. Mr Simpson said “I know the hard work that goes into securing funding and want to promote this charity to those who may not have heard about it before”.
Reeltime Music Chairperson Ian Anderson said: "At Reeltime Music we want to reach, work and help as many young people as we possibly can. It is hard to do this without the support of our partners and Champions. Anyone can be a Reeltime Champion, all they have do is buy into the Reeltime dream and spread the word. Having Mr Simpson on board as our latest Champion is brilliant for us and we look forward to working with him in the near future"