Sistema’s Big Noise project safeguarded with £2.6m boost in Scottish Government’s draft budget

Sistema’s Big Noise project receives generous support in Scottish Government’s draft budget

Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise project, a charity initiative aimed at addressing child poverty in six Scottish communities, is set to benefit from a substantial funding boost of over £2.6 million as part of the Scottish Government’s draft budget spending plans.

The Big Noise programme, delivered by Sistema Scotland, provides support to more than 4,000 children and young people. The proposed spending plans by the Scottish Government allocate £2.678 million to the charity, which will fund the six Big Noise centres located in Raploch and Fallin in Stirling, Douglas in Dundee, Govanhill in Glasgow, Torry in Aberdeen, and Wester Hailes in Edinburgh.

Big Noise plays a crucial role in empowering young individuals to develop essential life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity, and ambition. Through the power of music, the programme also strengthens community bonds and fosters meaningful relationships.

A study conducted in 2022 revealed that participants of the Big Noise programme have a higher likelihood of securing employment after leaving school and are less likely to face unemployment. Over the past 16 years since its inception in Raploch in 2008 with just six musicians supporting 35 children, Big Noise has made a significant impact on transforming lives across Scotland.

Benny Higgins, chair of Sistema Scotland, expressed gratitude towards the Scottish Government for its consistent support of Big Noise and the welcomed increase in funding outlined in the draft budget. He highlighted the transformative work carried out by the charity in combating child poverty and enabling young people and families to realise their full potential.

In conclusion, the substantial financial support allocated to Sistema’s Big Noise project in the Scottish Government’s draft budget is a testament to the impact and importance of initiatives focused on empowering and uplifting communities. The funding will enable Big Noise to continue its vital work in creating opportunities for young individuals and fostering positive change in Scottish society.