Drama work hailed as successful

A DRAMA project involving youngsters with learning difficulties in Midlothian has been deemed a success.

The three-month project, run by the Thistle Foundation charity in collaboration with Saltersgate School in Midlothian, was led by drama professionals Gavin Crichton and Stephan Tait.

It helped children and young people to explore their thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams and fears about their future beyond school.

Chief executive of the Edinburgh-based Thistle Foundation, Diana Noel-Paton, said: “We know that some young people can lack connections, relationships and friendships to their wider communities and this can result in their transition from school being considerably more difficult than their non-disabled peers.

“Working with Saltersgate School highlighted how many young people can be isolated and separated from their peers, and opportunities can be harder to find and sustain.”

Following the success of the project, the Thistle Foundation hopes to obtain funding for a larger, more long-term project involving other schools.