An arts programme in Barrhead has given parents the opportunity to demonstrate their creative flair and increase their employability skills while earning an SQA qualification.

Charity Impact Arts (IA) has finished delivering an eight-week Impactful Parents programme to adult learners in the town.

Commissioned by Barrhead Housing Association, the programme used art and creative writing to develop participants’ skills.

Maggie Lilly, opportunities coordinator at IA, told the Barrhead News: "For a number of our participants, English isn’t their first language, so we spent a lot of time working with them to identify their ambition.

“Some are looking to apply for jobs, others wanted to be able to help their kids with their school work and others just wanted to be more confident talking with their friends and neighbours.”

Participants in the programme worked with an art tutor at twice weekly sessions in St Andrew’s Church, where they explored using different media and techniques to create artwork, sculpture, creative writing, and poetry.

The finished pieces were then exhibited at a celebratory showcase at the church.

At the end of the course, participants achieved a SQA Award in Communication at level 3 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

“The opportunity to achieve a SQA award in Communication is a big draw for our participants,” added Maggie.

“For many of them, it’s their first qualification that they’ve earned, so it’s a massive achievement.”

One of the participants Romana said she enjoyed being part of the group, learning new skills and meeting new people.

“I feel more confident in myself, and I would recommend that anyone who wants to improve their communication skills give a course like this a try,” explained Romana.

Aisha, another participant added: ‘Now the course is finished, I’m looking to apply for part-time work.

“I’ve really enjoyed learning new skills and working on paintings and poems.

"I’m looking forward to continuing my learning.”

For more information on Impact Arts and their community programmes, call 0141 575 3001 or email mail@impactarts.co.uk.