Local MSP Brian Whittle has given his backing to a Cumnock based charity tackling social isolation in Ayrshire communities.
Create a Smile Scotland began life as an informal community group started by Heather McEwan to support people who were alone at Christmas. Then in 2017, together with her daughter Amy, Create a Smile Scotland (CASS) became a registered charity and now runs various projects promoting inclusion and building self-confidence.
Much of the charity’s work revolves around engaging people through music and drama. Their Drama Group puts on two performances a year, with rehearsals underway for this year’s summer show, Oor Aggie, Ayrshire’s answer to Annie. The show will be taking place on Wednesday 12th June in Cumnock Town Hall from 12.30pm and there will be a Christmas Panto later in the year.
CASS also run regular drop in cafés in the CVO Hub in Townhead Street that are open to anyone who wants to come in and say hello.
Heather McEwan from Create A Smile Scotland said:
“It was lovely to have Brian come and visit us here at CASS. It was great to speak about our current projects and future plans. We’re delighted to have the support from Brian as we try to tackle social isolation in our local communities.”
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was a pleasure to meet Heather and Amy and learn more about the work of Create A Smile Scotland. Social isolation is a growing challenge for communities across Scotland, particularly in more rural places like Ayrshire, so it’s great to see Create A Smile Scotland working so hard to tackle that.
Spending time with other people might seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on a person’s mental health. Create A Smile Scotland is making a real difference to people’s lives in the area and I’m excited to see how they build on their success.”
