January 2025
What does it mean to be a New Scot in North Lanarkshire? What systems and processes are in place causing health inequalities for these people? How can REALITIES reimagine these systems and processes? These are just a few of the questions I have been asking myself as the North Lanarkshire Community Embedded Researcher for the REALITIES project.
Since April 2024 I have been across North Lanarkshire speaking with as many community members as possible. There is fantastic work being delivered for New Scots in North Lanarkshire and it has been wonderful to connect with many of the Third Sector Organisations. The people I have connected with are the experts in this area and striking up working partnerships has been key to ensuring we are not replicating what has already been delivered.
Through our partners’ connections within their communities, we welcomed 65 participants to Summerlee Museum in October for a day of creative workshops, nature-inspired activities, and friendship-building. Attendees crafted dream catchers, planted basil, and explored mindfulness practices, creating a meaningful experience for ‘New Scots’—a group that includes refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals. The event was widely praised for its refreshing approach, hands-on activities, and the joy of coming together. It highlighted the transformative power of creativity in fostering connection, empowerment, and inclusion.
People who identify as New Scots are approached so often to answer questionnaires, take part in focus groups and share their stories. We hugely underestimate the power of just being together taking part in an activity. Creative techniques and approaches can connect people to skills and memories from their life before they came to Scotland. This opportunity to reconnect with these experiences can offer comfort and reignite the imagination.
The event at Summerlee served as a means to introduce REALITIES and to gather data for future delivery in 2025. We are excited for what’s to come next!
Artist: Nicholas Barton-Wines