Our Starcatchers’ Saturdays Crowdfunder is LIVE!

Our popular free creative play sessions, Starcatchers’ Saturdays, have provided a space for fun, rest, play and community for families in Wester Hailes since Oct 2022. Now, we’re launching a Crowdfunder campaign to support the sessions, joining other shortlisted projects as part of Creative Scotland’s Crowdmatch initiative, which sees Creative Scotland doubling every donation gifted before the campaign’s end date.

Starcatchers’ Saturdays addressed a need voiced by Wester Hailes’ families for a weekend-based creative play space. Holding sessions at the weekend lets whole families to come along and spend quality creative time together, getting inspired by artists and by each other. The free sessions—which include a community lunch— are delivered by Starcatchers artists at the Community Wellbeing Collective Shop Space in Westside Plaza, and are open to all children aged 0-5 and their grown-ups who live in and around Wester Hailes.

We’ve launched the Crowdfunder campaign to make sure that these fun and valuable sessions remain free for families– especially as the cost of living crisis continues to force many to tighten their belts. Part of Creative Scotland’s Crowdmatch project, the Starcatchers’ Saturdays Crowfunder will see every donation made before 21 April matched by Creative Scotland. The team are hoping to raise £3500 to go towards the core costs of running the group.

We all know how important the arts are for wee ones’ development. As well as providing much needed time for relaxation, play and self-expression, arts and creativity for 0-5s and their adults supports positive wellbeing, strong relationships, and help give children the best start in life. Babies and children involved develop greater socialisation and stimulation which in turns helps physical, cognitive social and emotional development, and adults can benefit from increased confidence, wellbeing and development through successful engagement with and participation in creative activities.

 The Starcatchers’ Saturdays Crowdfunder campaign will run from Monday 20 March to Friday 21 April, 2023.

To give, please visit the Crowdfunder page. Thankyou!

Starcatchers Saturdays sessions continue weekly at Westside Plaza, Wester Hailes every Saturday 12 noon -1.30pm, and all are welcome to join us. Head over to the webpage to find out more!