Dumfries & Galloway MP Richard Arkless has visited Cree Studio project to see how it is helping people with learning disabilities and autism. 

The Cree Studio, based in Newton Stewart’s Activity and Resource Centre, is a partnership project between Dumfries and Galloway Council and Turning Point Scotland.

The project provides personalised learning and development opportunities in music and short film production for people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions.

People who use The Cree Studio, achieve enhanced self-confidence and improved communication skills – learning at their own speed in a safe and creative environment.  The project was recently successful in a grant application to the Big Lottery’s Awards for All fund and received £10k for new and replacement equipment.

Commenting, Paul Brown a music tutor at the Studio said:

“The grant funds have made a remarkable difference to what we can offer and this has opened many doors for us”.

Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless, recently visited the project and spent some time with William Smyth, from Gatehouse of Fleet, a regular at the Studio.  Mr Arkless was “very impressed” by Williams work and commented that “all the work I have seen here today has surpassed my expectations and everyone involved should be congratulated.”

Mr Arkless continued:

“The Cree Studio is such an inspiring place.  The dedication and commitment of the staff who work there is truly humbling and the difference they make to William and the other people who use the facility is hugely positive – they really are changing people’s lives for the better.”

The project has received a host of accolades since it was set up.

Cree Studio received a special commendation in the Scottish Social Services Councils’ Care Accolades 2013 in the category Working Better-Working Together.

The project won ‘Best Involvement of Users and Carers’ category within Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Recognising Excellence – Social Work Services Awards 2012 following the nomination from a social worker in the Council’s Personalisation Team.

It also won the Association of Social Care Communicators 2012 ‘Award for Best Social Media’ for its film ‘The Talents Within’.

If you would like more information about the studio please contact Paula on 01671 403483