From MSP visits to birthday celebrations: our work with Sistema Scotland
Sistema Scotland is a remarkable charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through the power of music and nurturing relationships.
The charity’s Big Noise model has been independently evaluated by the experts at the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) since 2013, and a wide range of positive impacts have been evidenced. These professionally-assured evaluations show that Sistema’s respectful and empowering support has helped children reach their full potential, improved their confidence, mental health and wellbeing, and supported them to go on to a positive destination after leaving school.
Having the opportunity to work alongside Sistema Scotland has brought the team at Quantum immense joy and pride over the past eight months, and we’ve had the honour of witnessing the positive impact the charity has on communities across Scotland.
During this time, we’ve had the privilege of supporting Sistema in various initiatives and events that have created meaningful connections with MSPs, MPs and councillors.
We were delighted to assist in organising a visit by the First Minister to Big Noise Douglas’s fifth birthday celebration in Dundee, which was a powerful platform to further raise awareness of the charity and celebrate the achievements of the project. It also generated positive media coverage in The Courier and TFN.
Other highlights include facilitating visits with MSPs to Big Noise centres, with Pam Duncan-Glancy visiting Big Noise Govanhill in May to see first-hand the transformative effects of the programme on the lives of young people.
We’ve also worked closely with Sistema to prepare for individual birthday events at each of the Big Noise centres, providing participants, their families, and local communities with an opportunity to celebrate the work and achievements of programmes. These celebrations also give young people a platform to showcase their talents and achievements.
In June, Quantum helped to organise a tour the Scottish Parliament for a group of young people from five Big Noise programmes, which was led by Michael Marra MSP. This experience allowed the young people to explore the heart of Scottish democracy, fostering a sense of empowerment and engagement with the political process. We also facilitated a committee room meeting and briefing with MSPs, giving the young people of Sistema an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives directly with our elected politicians.
Finally, we were thrilled to support Sistema in organising its 15th birthday celebration concert in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament. The event was sponsored by Gordon MacDonald MSP, and the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, Christina McKelvie MSP, spoke on behalf of the Scottish Government. This special event showcased the incredible talent and achievements of Sistema’s young participants, captivating the audience and demonstrating the transformative impact of Big Noise.
Through our collective efforts, we have successfully provided MSPs with a direct connection to the young people and community members who are impacted by Sistema Scotland’s programmes. By facilitating this connection, we ensure MSPs can see and hear first-hand the positive impact these programmes have on children, young people and families across Scotland. The opportunity to merge the Quantum Communications team’s expertise in public affairs, media engagement, and events management, with the inspiring work of the amazing team at Sistema shows the power of collaboration and the impact we can have for our clients.
MSPs from all political parties have actively engaged with Sistema’s programme, their young people and initiatives – which we know has been a rewarding experience and has led to their increased understanding, support and advocacy for Sistema’s work.
With Quantum’s ongoing support, Sistema will continue to demonstrate the transformative impact and lasting difference it is making to the lives of young people across Scotland.
Kerry Mosson contributor
Operations and Events Manager
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