Ben Macpherson MSP is hosting a parliamentary reception at Holyrood tomorrow night for Edinburgh and Lothians relationship counselling body, Bright Light.
The charity received a Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Stories, Stones and Bones’ grant which enabled them to look into their archives and tell the story of their work over the last 70 years.
The interactive exhibition made up of eight banners which has resulted from this research will be put on show tomorrow night when 180 invited guests will be hosted by the Edinburgh North and Leith MSP.
Mark MacDonald Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Stuart Valentine CEO of Relationships Scotland will speak to guests along with one couple who were helped by the organisation many years ago.
Edinburgh choir Pitchcraft will entertain along with actors from Balerno Theatre Company who will bring each banner to life. There will be golden tickets in the goody bags too.
Julie Hogg-Weld, CEO, Bright Light said: “There are two clear legacies from this grant. The exhibition material showing 70 years of Bright Light history, changes in the world and in counselling per decade, and how the same problems repeat through generations, and some are new reflecting the stresses of that specific period.
“These materials will be presented with pride within schools, colleges, health centres, GP practices, shopping centres, at presentations and conferences – everywhere – helping Bright Light to spread the word and to raise awareness. Feedback has been excellent already. The second activity I’m proud to announce, is that through discovering such quality material we are going to invest in further research as there is much more history we still haven’t touched and people deserve to see and hear about it. This will be happening in the next year.”
Commenting, Lucy Casot, Head of HLF in Scotland, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund is a key partner in the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and it was our ambition that people of all ages would have the chance to discover something new about the heritage they care about. With almost 100 projects happening across the country, over 15,000 people have done just that. We’re delighted that, thanks to funding from the National Lottery, Bright Light is part of that celebration, opening the door to fun, learning and everlasting memories for many people as we celebrate this special year.”
Bright Light relationship counselling supports individuals, couples, children, young people, and families to get the most out of relationships with loved ones – recognising people’s strengths, identifying goals, supporting each person on their journey to achieve them. The charity’s aim is to build stronger relationships, which then strengthens communities, and creates a stronger Scotland.
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