Current Projects
Whitecraig Mosaics – ‘A Project for the Community’
A community art project has been conducted in Whitecraig, which has changed the look of the village’s most
frequented buildings – Whitecraig Primary School and Community Centre. The aim of the project was to explore
what living in Whitecraig in the past, present and future means to the community. This has been depicted in three
mosaic’s that have been mounted on the chimney of the building. Artist Neil Russell as part of the community
consultation process involved the mothers and toddlers, youth groups, Young at Heart group and the primary and
nursery school pupils held workshops These groups played an active part in developing ideas, drawings and helping
with the creation of the mosaic panels. The mosaics were unveiled while the village was celebrating their Gala Day.
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Advancing Reliable Mature – Prestonpans Initiative Team (ARM-PIT)
ARMPIT had been developed in partnership with the CED officer, Prestonpans New Community School
Initiative and the Pennypit Trust. This group was established to give the young men of Prestonpans
a role in the community. The young men were aged between 16-20 and met every Thursday evening in
the Pennypit Community Complex.
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Driving Theory Test
East Lothian Council’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy Team (East Lothian Learning Partnership)
approached the group to be a pilot for their Driving Test Theory project. This project was designed
to improve young people’s literacy skills through an area of interest to them. The project had
been designed to run for eight weeks. The Adult Literacies Development Workers had been impressed by
the young men’s commitment to the project and how their confidence and social skills had
improved.
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Pennypit Community Complex Garden Project
The grounds at the Pennypit Community Complex are in need of care and attention. It was therefore
discussed that this would be a good project for ARM-PIT to undertake because the members use the
Pennypit and have a sense of belonging.
The Pennypit Community Complex is used by a mixture of ages from ‘Pots and Pans’
Playgroup to adult students under PIP. With the Pennypit being used by the community it would be
nice for the external building to have a welcoming appearance. Therefore, ARM-PIT has been
assigned the task of developing the landscape of the Complex.
The aims of the Project
- To assist the members with their numeracy skills
- For the members to learn new skills
- Possibility of getting them into work
- Improve community perception of the young men
- Improve the members social skills
These aims were achieved by multi-agency co-operation. Suntrap, which is part of Oatridge
College, provided general and landscape gardening training for ARM-PIT. John Smith, Senior
Lecturer at Suntrap provided a five-week course for the members. John was impressed by some
of the member’s general skills and commented that some of them could have a career in
landscaping if they could be properly trained. (John Smith, Oatridge College and
members of ARM-PIT)
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Prestonpans Special Needs Youth Club (PSNYC)
Until recently there was only one club operating in East Lothian that catered for young
people with special needs. It was brought to the CED Officers attention that after the age
of 18yrs that there was nothing in East Lothian for the young people to attend.
Therefore with the assistance of the 15-24 An Inclusion Project and local volunters
PSNYC has been created.
Project Aims and Objectives:
- To provide a fun and safe environment for 15-24 year olds with Special Needs to socially interact with each other.
- To allow 15-24 year olds the opportunity to build upon and develop their social and relationship skills.
- To involve and encourage those members of the community that are currently excluded.
- To provide another venue in East Lothian for people with Special Needs to meet.
- To invite a larger audiences i.e. age group to be involved.
PSNYC is based at the Pennypit Community Complex in Prestonpans on a Monday evening
from 7pm - 9pm.
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