“We are so excited that we have won”, was the reaction from Clare McBrien, Manager of Givin’ It Laldie who the judges picked as the winner of the Connected Scotland category at the Impact Funding Partners 2020 Photo Competition.  
 
Taken by Karen Gordon, the judges loved how the photograph captured the amount of joy that the subject, Stephen, brought to the room.  

Clare said the photograph captured Stephen in his element: “Stephen always brings so much joy, fun and expression to all our choir sessions and in particular to the Givin’ It Laldie Summer and Winter shows where he often finds a moment to entertain us all with his dance moves.” 

Based in the Gorbals area of Glasgow, Givin’ It Laldie is a grassroots community music organisation whose main aim and purpose is to build an understanding and community between people of all economic, social, religious, cultural, health and age backgrounds. Through the power of music they set out to create meaningful connections between people while also improving their health and wellbeing.  

Talking about these connections, and the inspiration behind the photograph, Clare says: “The photo was taken at the Givin’ It Laldie Summer Show done in partnership with The Citizens Theatre, Community Collective and Bridging The Gap. It is a celebration of the Gorbals where participants from six of our music groups volunteer their time, talents and energy to bring joy and a sense of kinship to the local community.” 

“Bridging the Gap provide delicious food and bread made by the High Rise bakers. The Community Collective write and perform a piece of theatre which is interspersed by song from the Givin’ it Laldie groups.  During one of the Strum for Life performances, Stephen took centre stage and danced for everyone to a rapturous applause.” 

As winners of the Connected Scotland category, Givin’ It Laldie has won a £500 donation to their services from Impact Funding Partners.  

When asked about the organization’s plans with the winnings, Clare explained that it would be Stephen and the Sing For Health choir he is a member of who would be benefitting. 

Speaking about the Choir she added: “It is a fun singing group for adults who have additional support needs and disabilities. They meet every week to sing, snack, chat and dance and in doing so build friendships, learn new things, improve their health and wellbeing and grow in confidence.” 

Givin’ It Laldie believe music is for everyone and their wide range of groups are open to everyone and anyone with no auditions or previous music experience required. Check out their website to find the right one for you.