What It Means To Be Me

Screening and Discussion

“So far this project has very much been an experience of discovery and inner expression. I have loved every second and I am excited to work on what’s next” – Estranged UG Student RCS 2022

‘It’s unbelievable to be in a room full of people who get it…I didn’t know I could be somebody that made a film or wrote something’ – RCS CE&E Collective Member 2022

55 people attended our recent screening and discussion event, working across government departments such as The Promise, several local authorities, colleges, Skills Development Scotland, third sector organisations and creative organisations such as Screen Education Scotland. 20 of the attendees have expressed an interest to join a steering group that seeks to develop best practice in supporting care experienced and estranged young people to access the arts through education and career pathways.

One of our RCS students involved in our projects throughout stated

“It was amazing different people’s experiences coming together and knowing that you don’t feel alone…how supportive people have become” – RCS Student 2021

One audience member and regular participant acknowledged the impact our projects had had:

“I’ve been in kinship care since I was 10, and I wasn’t able to communicate who I was until I did projects like these” – Participant 2022

Another audience member spoke for the very first time about their own care experience:

“I’ve never knowingly met anyone who has this shared experience – and what they were expressing through the film and after, the discussion, was so relatable and familiar” – Audience Member 2022

Being able to track change and improvements through our projects helps us to influence the shape of Widening Access and Widening Participation practice, particularly when it relates to the arts. Perhaps the most significant learning that has come from this year of activity is the necessity to work together to bring about powerful change. In the words of one of our student collaborators:

‘If you help me and I help you – then that is empowerment” – RCS CE&E Collective Member 2022

Find out more about our Fair Access programmes and GMAC Film by clicking the links.