How 91���� and Fearless Teamed Up

At the beginning of last year, our pupils learned more about charities, fundraising and what a community is. Young people got into groups and chose a local charity to advocate for, delivering a presentation on why their chosen cause deserved a donation as part of The Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) by The Wood Foundation.

After hearing directly from youngsters about the life-changing difference charities have on people, the judging panel decided the team representing Fearless was most deserving of the grant.

About Fearless?

Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. There can be many reasons why young people feel apprehensive about reporting a crime but this is a way for them to safely share what they know with adults who can help.

What the Younger Generation Changed for the Better

As a youth service, our pupils had their own thoughts about what people their age would respond and connect to. Their opinions were valid as they are the exact age range who the service is designed for.

Fearless were open-minded to young people being so candid about potential changes and used the YPI grant to implement the youth-led redesign. Updates to the online reporting form involved creating three clear, manageable sections. The wording was made simpler with an option of having the questions read-aloud through a new text-to-speech function. Overall, we wanted to make sure the online form was easier to complete and accessible to everyone needing it. 

The power young people have to make a difference cannot be overlooked. Pupils have shown how valuable their insights can be when creating resources for others their age.

Campaigns Led by Young People

Fearless have first-hand experience of incorporating young people’s input and strives to keep it central to their work. 91���� fully supports young people having their voice heard, knowing that messaging created by young people for young people are more likely to make sense and resonate.

The shared understand of putting young people first led to a 91���� young person becoming an audio performer. The young voice actor narrated a Fearless video campaign! The script was spoken by a genuine young person, which vastly increased the impact. The young voice made the campaign feel authentic with the intended audience paying attention to the life-changing lessons Fearless is promoting.

When engaging young people in the development of youth campaigns, resources and services the information is more likely to leave an impression with the target audience.

Circled in the diary, the Paisley Halloween Festival is a major event with parades, live entertainment and professional acts. The annual parade is a highlight with 91���� delivering a show-stopping performance each year. Some might say that 2025 was the best experience yet.  

Within the Expressive Arts Department at 91����’s Goudie Academy, pupils were laser-focused on preparing their centrepiece, own costumes and handmade props for the festival. It was decided 91����’s act would include booming drummers too. Our talented young musicians created a spooky soundtrack to wow the crowd as part of the Sounds Right music project. Sounds Right: Community Beat is 91����’s after school music making workshops and activities that have been made possible thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative: Access to Music Making, managed by Creative Scotland. 

Parade preparations involved spray-painting scary dollies and building a super-sized scary main character.

Before long, it was time for young people and adults to convene in the Art and Design classroom ahead of the event to raise spirits and bring the energy to the marvellous celebrations.

Throughout the year, pupils and staff work hard to consider the planet. The school strives to factor sustainability into lessons, fun activities and practical projects. We want to do what we can to make sure the world is a healthy place for people to grow-up in and not take for granted cleaner air, green open spaces and fresh water.

Action was taken to make our school a more environmentally friendly place to be and exceed the standards expected of an Eco School with the Green Flag Award. We are always on the lookout for opportunities to recycle, reuse and reduce waste.

Read on to discover some of the highlights from us making our school a more environmentally friendly place to be.

We’ve built a wormery to recycle food waste from the home economics classes and reduce the amount heading to landfill sites.

Christmas Fayre items were made from recycled materials by our talented pupils.

Pupils are learning to grow a whole range of tasty food including potatoes, blueberries and tomatoes. Our herb garden has sprouted with sage and lemon thyme.

Teachers are taking their first steps in bee-keeping and plans are underway for young people to learn about bee-keeping and producing honey. A social enterprise project can be set-up to sell the bee products.

The health and wellbeing of kids and adults has been thought of too with events for Mental Health Week, walking challenges and more.

Moving forward, we will continue with even more valuable projects and try to influence more people to join us in living more sustainably.

Principal Teacher Lucy Farr explains more about the impact young people have had to important charities through Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).

YPI is a powerful active citizenship programme, empowering young people to make a difference in their communities while developing a range of skills. Through teamwork, research, and competition, young people advocate for social issues in their communities in a bid to secure their school’s £3,000 grant.

91����’s YPI Final Event took place on Wednesday 25th March 2025. This was our third YPI final, and the event has grown in size over the past four years.

The judging panel first visited Mirin Academy to watch young people advocate for Women’s Aid Renfrewshire, Haus of Seisay and Neil’s Hugs. At Goudie Academy, pupils represented Save the Children, Calton Athletic, Beatson, Fearless and PEEK Project.

91���� Board Member, Margaret was delighted to be asked to join the judging panel: “I have been involved with YPI for many years and can honestly say that the presentations made by young people of 91���� were some of the very best I have ever seen.”

“It was clear from the very first presentation that there was real passion and commitment to the process and that the young people were invested in their chosen charity and the outcome of the event.  Many congratulations to all those who took part and thanks to all the staff who supported them on this journey.  It was clearly a VERY worthwhile event”.

Board Member, Duncan found his time as a judge both rewarding and challenging: “Taking part as a judge was not an easy task by any means. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the presentations and it was so inspiring to recognise all the work and effort that had been put in. The teaching staff also did an amazing job helping the young people to build their confidence and passion to deliver their presentations. YPI is a brilliant initiative and has such a positive impact in helping to develop personal skills and confidence for all the young people taking part. Well done everyone.”

All of the young people involved have been working on their presentations since the beginning of the year and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the project. Those from the charities also attended the event, which was extremely motivational.

The judges had some very difficult decisions to make as the young people had put together a range of creative presentations, including Still Game sketches, PowerPoints, TikTok style videos and animations. The confidence and hard work the young people involved demonstrated was remarkable and they should be so proud of themselves.

The judges took a long time to deliberate before the results were announced and live-streamed to Mirin Academy.

Executive Director, Dan shared: “It was genuinely inspiring to see the talent, hard work and creativity of the young people. Well done to all involved and the team that supported them. The relationships between staff and young people were great to see.”

The winning team had showcased Fearless, which allows people to anonymously report crime. The presentation focused on sharing how the £3,000 grant would be used to make reporting more accessible.

In second place was PEEK Project and in joint third place was Beatson and Neil’s Hugs. 91���� are donating £500 to second place and £250 each to our third-place charities.

Lucy emphasised the brilliance of the event, saying: “It truly was an amazing event as young people spoke confidently and held the concentration of a large audience. 91����’s involvement in YPI was a success due to young people as well as the staff team. I’d like to say a special thanks to those involved.”

Pupils from 91����’s Goudie Academy fundraised over £1,500 through their Christmas Fayre in support of Darkwood Crew, a charity with the mission to help Ferguslie flourish. The Senior Leadership Team at 91���� were inspired by the dedication shown by the young fundraisers and agreed to match the amount raised to bring the final count to £3,000.

Executive Director, Neil McMillan described how impressed the entire Senior Leadership team were to hear of the fundraising efforts: “The motivation young people and staff have shown in helping others is outstanding.”

“Young people take the time to select which charity to fundraise for and knew their efforts had the potential to help the foodbank enormously. We are more than happy to get involved as we know our additional contribution is directly making a difference to families in need of extra support.”

As the final tally was confirmed, young people and their teachers went to Asda to select essential food items for families who need extra support before delivering it to Darkwood Crew.

Home Economics Teacher, Carol explains careful thought was given to what staple foods would make the biggest difference: “when going to Asda to buy the food we would donate, young people immediately mentioned chocolate selection boxes. Although a thoughtful idea, we helped young people understand we’re helping families who may be struggling to have a hot meal. Everyone was in full agreement we had to buy the essentials as families are entitled to a nutritious, healthy dinner.”

“It was extremely moving to see young people fully get behind the cause and work together to help others.”

Teacher, Carol and young people went shopping.

Everyone helped stock the shelves and cupboards.

Maths and Employability Teacher, Alicia was grateful for everyone involved. It was a big team effort to organise the Christmas Fayre and fundraise the significant total: “a big well done and thank you to all our young people, staff and teachers who helped to make lovely decorations, baked cakes, made posters or even served on a stall.”

Darkwood Crew Community Market operates every Thursday from 11am in the Tannahill Centre in Ferguslie. The powerful provision is entirely volunteer run by remarkable and compassionate individuals who gift their time to source essential food items and help families feel less anxious about their next meal.

Last Christmas, Darkwood Crew assisted 223 people at the market with a further 53 members receiving a Christmas Hamper on Christmas Eve to ensure they were catered for during the Christmas and New Year one-week shutdown.

Teacher, Alicia with Tannahill Facilities Manager, Christopher and Teacher, Carol.

Darkwood Crew Project Lead and Secretary, Terry was overwhelmed with 91����’s generous contribution: “What an incredible support to our community market, thank you ever so much to everyone involved. The difference 91���� continues to make with their consistent fundraising efforts cannot be overstated. We are beyond grateful for 91����’s support in helping some of the most marginalised community members.”

Tannahill Facilities Manager, Christopher found the support remarkable: “91���� has helped fully stock our cupboards for the most demanding time of year. Christmas can put extra demands on families and now those struggling know they can access support.”

There was great effort put into helping Darkwood Crew. From organising the Christmas Fayre and planning fundraising activities to inviting the wider staff team who came ready to support. All the way through to looking at the fully stocked shelves and cupboards at the community market. By 91���� raising the significant amount, Darkwood Crew can confidently help families throughout Christmas.

Mirin Academy’s Christmas Fayre

Mirin Academy’s Christmas Fayre was a massive success with LIVE music and colourful shopping stalls filled with sparkly Christmas decorations and delicious sweet treats.

Smiles All Round at the Staff Kids’ Christmas Party

An annual event that’s never to be missed! The Staff Kids’ Christmas Party has SANTA on the guestlist and everyone was in awe meeting Mr Claus and his helpers. 

91���� stepped into the spotlight with a hilarious adaptation of A Christmas Carol. 

Titled Ebenezer Scrooge, talented Goudie Academy learners re-enacted the Dickens classic to invited audiences at 91����’s Gannochy Theatre at the beginning of December, before taking it on the road.

The panto followed the story of the miserly Scrooge who despises Christmas and all that it entails. That is, until he is visited by three spirits at the chime of midnight on Christmas Eve – the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. By enabling him to observe past Christmases and the lives of those around him, including the plight of worker Miss Cratchit and son, Tiny Tim, Scrooge learns the kindness of humanity and the warmth of Christmas.

The cast took to the stage and brought the tale into modern times. The talented young people cleverly devised the script and even wrote the song lyrics. In true panto style, there was laughter, hearty singing and audience participation.

The performances at 91����’s Gannochy Theatre were tremendous but the best show was at the Milldale Day Centre. The show travelled to Linwood to put on an event for the adults at Milldale who would now call themselves ‘theatregoers’ as they were in awe at the talented actors. There were massive smiles on everyone’s faces as the crowd were in awe with the characters, music and costumes.

It is unanimous that a standing ovation is well-deserved the cast and crew.

KidsOut

91���� donated Over 70 Christmas presents. At our Corporate Headquarters in Finnieston, a KidsOut ‘Giving Tree’ was placed and decorated with gift tags – each one had a child’s name, age and a Christmas gift they’d love to receive. The gift tags were from families and children who, without help, would receive very little or nothing at all.

The thoughtful initiative resonated with us and from one charity to another, we had to get involved. On the final day, the remaining tags were fulfilled by 91����. A total of 74 gifts were donated to KidsOut through their ‘Giving Tree’ project with 17 being directly from staff members themselves. The gifts included a colouring set, a football, a cuddly toy, a sports bag and we hope all bring smiles to the children.

As well as helping others and giving gifts, 91���� has also received donations and presents from thoughtful businesses and individuals who wanted to make sure young people we support have an extra surprise on Christmas Day.

All children deserve to have happy memories and feel special. 

The Elves Have Been Causing Mischief

All across 91���� within our residential children’s houses, the elves have had plenty of fun. They’ve tried to shine shoes, turn the dishwasher into a car wash and hide candy cane sweeties for us to find.

Hear about Forest View’s Christmas Fayre

91����’s Christmas plans began with Forest View’s magical Christmas Fayre, which raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The primary school in Lochwinnoch organised a fantastic event with plenty of stalls and activities plus a raffle with sensational prizes.

Everyone arrived ready to shop for homemade crafts, Christmas decorations and garlands, jewellery, bookmarks and reindeer dust.

For the raffle, local businesses from Lochwinnoch and beyond got involved by donating valuable prizes. We were grateful to all for contributing to our fundraiser. Thank you to Lulu’s, The Village Barber Lochwinnoch, The Junction Café,  The Three Churches, Shrubs to Suds, Leondaro’s, Starbucks, Company Shop in Renfrew, Empire Coaching and Macfarlane and Young Estate Agents.

Overall, great fun was had by all!

Festive Fun at Goudie Academy’s Christmas Fayre

Goudie Academy held a Christmas Fayre in support of Darkwood Crew who have the mission to help the area of Ferguslie flourish. The joyful event successfully raised over £1,500.

Secondary pupils and the staff team invited everyone from 91����. The room was full of shopping stalls, games and raffles. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed finding stocking fillers and gifts as candles, personalised items and handmade decorations were for sale.

Prizes were won too! Well done to Principal Teacher, Amy who won ‘Guess the Teddy’s Name’ with the entry of ‘Coco’.

Crowds entered into the Christmas Fayre and could clearly see how much organisation had went into the event, creating an atmosphere that had everyone feeling merry.

The holiday season often brims with a packed calendar, leaving many feeling overwhelmed. Yet, joyful charitable events can bring perspective, reminding us of what truly matters and creating cherished memories that make it easy to agree—it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Additional Christmas News

Foodbank Now Fully Stocked by Kind-Hearted Young People.

Christmas Shop at The Skills Academy.

Let the staff team tell you about Christmas at 91����. Meet Lindsay, Hayley, Lesley and John.

Join Us

Begin your career at 91���� in time for next year’s Christmas fun by signing up to 91���� job alerts.

The headlining moment of the two-day Paisley Halloween Festival was the parade involving over 300 people. Professional dancers, mesmerising entertainers and talented community groups all made their way through the town centre, performing for the captivated crowd. 91���� excitedly agreed to walk the route amidst all the parade performers.

91���� smashed the challenge of standing out amongst the thrilling acts with the theme of Zombie Cowboys and created a magnificent life-size horse exhibition.

Talented young people with the help of their creative teachers and Visual Artist, Barry Neeson carefully crafted a large horse that with its helpers, would stand approximately eight-foot tall. The structure was thoughtfully planned and the fabric was prepared for the tie-dye technique with neon paint to help the artwork be even further eye-catching in the dark.

Young people and adults fully committed to the theme with their full face painted to look as gruesome as possible and mimic the appearance of only the eldest zombie. The costumes completed the style as cowboy boots, hats and checked shirts were worn by all. 

Every October, young people and adults get involved with celebrating spooky season – there has been haunted trails, Halloween discos and a full range of comical or petrifying costumes. It can get competitive as each of us try to decorate in the scariest way possible. It’s become tradition for 91���� to get involved with the annual Paisley Halloween Festival too – and this year was one of the best memories yet.

One younger person who came to watch their friends in the parade decided to dress up for Halloween as a Zombie Cowboy as they wanted to be exactly like their pals from school!

The plans were led by 91���� Teacher, Elissa who shared it was a massive team effort: “There was a lot of preparation involved and it’s only down to the dedication and talent of the entire team of young people and adults that meant the evening was a huge success. Everyone showed up ready to have a great time!”

The young persons’ direction and point-of-view means the films are likely to capture interest from the intended younger audience. Police Scotland recognise the value young directors bring and proactively try to co-produce with children and young people when creating educational materials for youngsters. It was agreed the 1-minute clips would be a digital series with 10 cards displayed on the interactive board in the classroom for children to click and select which police officer they’d like to watch first.

The young directors from 91���� met with Police Scotland’s Air Support Unit, Wildlife Crime division and more. The pupils’ found each officers’ stories interesting, which motivated them to direct fun videos that would be fascinating to watch. As well as learning about the Police themselves, young people discovered the importance of camera work, good lighting and crisp clear sound and used a boom mic, camera stand and other professional equipment.

The careers fair showcased over 15 employers who shared information about the various job roles available as well as the qualifications and life experience they look for in application forms. An exclusive insight was given to young people who are facing the important milestone of leaving school and beginning to think about entering the world of work. This process can understandably be overwhelming, however, the busy yet relaxed atmosphere of Industry Day helped young people get excited about the possibilities available to them.

Young people were introduced to The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Scottish Leather Group, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), CREATE Paisley, Howden and more. Each stand was surrounded by young learners keen to know more about what career opportunities were suitable to them and their own interests and talents.

The fire and rescue service had young people trying on the uniform who marvelled at how heavy the outfit was. Others were fascinated by NMIS’s robots. Whereas one young person who currently attends The Skills Academy to gain qualifications in Painting and Decorating and helped redecorate St Mirren Football Club spent the time talking to Howden.

Young people of 91���� are extremely talented from playing music to acting and more. They thoroughly enjoy creative arts projects therefore CREATE Paisley was a popular stand with friendly Youth Development Managers Sam and Nicola encouraging young people to attend their weekly creative workshops.

91���� Project Coordinator, Paige helped mentor young people throughout the script-writing process as part of the Delivering Equally Safe Programme. The project is funded by Scottish Government and managed by Inspiring Scotland with the overall aim to supports the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls.

Together with funders and partners including I Am Me, Police Scotland and West College Scotland, the material will become part of the online resources taught to stop child exploitation. By co-producing educational resources with pupils, the impact will be greater as it incorporates the point-of-view from young people.

91���� CEO, Jim Gillespie, shared: “Creative projects like this enable young people to explore and convey their emotions, whilst developing confidence and self-belief. A great initiative to be involved in and we’re thrilled to share resources, working together to support and educate others.”

Titled as ‘Trouble’, the play was brought to life and performed West College Scotland HND Acting students.

West College Scotland’s Curriculum Quality Leader for Drama, Dance, and Music, Gillian Desjacques, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: “It’s been immensely rewarding to witness the dedication and creativity of our students as they address such crucial issues through the power of performance. Collaborating with 91���� on this project has been a privilege, and I’m thrilled to see the positive impact it will have in raising awareness and supporting young people across Scotland.”