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Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
25 years of Glasgow's fight against bigotry after shocking murder
The air is full of happy chatter, punctuated by the odd squeal of laughter when one of the balloons suddenly pops. Cara Henderson, founder of Glasgow's ground-breaking anti-sectarianism charity, is helping out. It says a lot about Nil by Mouth, and the quietly-spoken woman who created it in a maelstrom of grief and anger after the brutal murder of her friend, that this, rather than fanfare and fuss, is how they are marking their 25th anniversary. 'This is the heart of everything Nil by Mouth is trying to do,' explains Cara, simply. 'Engaging with young people, bringing people together in an inclusive, positive way… that's what it has always been about.' Cara with some of the young pupils (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) In 1995, 16-year-old Mark Scott, wearing his Celtic scarf, was stabbed as he walked home past a Rangers pub in Bridgeton. It was a shocking flashpoint in Glasgow's decades-long struggle against religious intolerance and bigotry-fuelled violence, and it stunned the country. Cara, then also just a teenager herself, was the first person to do something about it. Mark Scott (Image: Newsquest) She began campaigning in the media, telling her story at community events and lobbying politicians and policy makers. She launched a Charter for Change, which outlined a vision for challenging sectarian attitudes in Scotland, and won a Philip Lawrence Award for her work in empowering young people. Cara in 2002 (Image: Newsquest) Since then, the charity has helped change attitudes through its work in schools, workplaces and community groups. While she no longer lives in Glasgow, Cara remains honorary patron, and she visits often to lend her support. 'It is a milestone, 25 years,' agrees Cara, adding in surprise: 'That rolls off my tongue, and then I realise, wow, 25 years - that is quite something. 'I am proud of what the charity has achieved but I don't take any credit for the work being done today - the team is fantastic and they work really hard to engage with communities across the city.' Cara Henderson (Image: Newsquest) She has not forgotten the abuse levelled at her in the early days of her campaigning, but above all, she says, she remembers 'a lot of support.' 'I know there was a lot of 'how can she do this, she's just a teenager' but I remember so many people, willing to help, opening doors for me, because they believed in the cause,' she says, simply. 'Sadly, after what had happened to Mark, it was the 'right' time for Nil by Mouth to happen.' She adds: 'It was tremendously important. And it remains so.' (Image: Newsquest) Today, Cara has joined Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott at St Joseph's Primary in the East Renfrewshire town of Busby, a few miles south of Glasgow. Cara Henderson and Dave Scott (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) The school was targeted by vandals earlier this year, who reportedly set fires and sprayed abusive graffiti on the games pitch. Furious parents rallied support from local politicians, and First Minister John Swinney visited to talk to pupils and staff from St Joseph's and its neighbouring schools, primary and secondary. 'It was about presenting a united front,' says headteacher Suzanne Martin, calmly. 'We are all agreed there is no place for this in our school or our community or our society. "It was a huge shock, because our school is incredibly inclusive. Our children and the children from local non-denominational schools all live on the same streets, and play together.' Headteacher Suzanne Martin (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) She adds: 'When Nil by Mouth reached out to us, I was delighted to invite them in to run STEM workshops. It has been really interesting for the children.' The STEM kits, which have been provided through funds from BAE Systems, are used by Nil by Mouth in schools across the country as part of its programme bringing children from different faiths, cultures and traditions together to better understand difference. Primary six pals Sahtanu, Iain, Oonagh and Nabeeha are enjoying the workshop, they nod. They understand what Nil by Mouth is, and why they are visiting the school, says Sahtanu. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'We know that the charity was set up by someone whose friend was murdered, which is really sad,' he says. Iain adds: 'I think it's important that we learn about this from a young age because sometimes people are not as kind about other people's beliefs as they should be.' Oonagh agrees. 'I think it should be taught in school that you should listen to people and try and work together. Then when you are older, you can actually do something about it." READ NEXT: Glasgow's newest mural has the East End talking - here is why 'Townhead was obliterated': Billy Elliot star on his Glasgow roots 'We're so lucky to have the Citz': Free drama lessons as Glasgow theatre re-opens Nabeeha said: 'Finding graffiti in our school was very sad for all of us but it has been cleaned up now. 'I'm proud of our school. Everyone works together.' On this particular Friday, as Nil by Mouth continues its message of 'united against division', Glasgow is preparing for another tense weekend of Orange Walks and football street celebrations. Cara sighs, softly. 'You always hope for change,' she says. 'There is still a lot to be done, of course. 'Whatever it is - sectarianism, racism, bigotry - I think as humans, we just have to keep remembering to talk to each other, to see beyond the divisions.'
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow's Nil by Mouth charity involved in STEM partnership
Nil by Mouth has teamed up with BAE Systems to help boost opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering and maths. Pupils from St Joseph's and Edinbarnet Primary schools in Faifley, West Dunbartonshire, joined staff from the equalities charity at BAE'S Scotstoun yard to launch the STEM Together project aimed at bringing young people from a wide range of backgrounds together to enhance skills and build friendships. Children from two schools took part in the workshops (Image: Nil by Mouth) The company has donated state-of-the-art STEM kits for Nil by Mouth to use in schools across the country as part of its programme bringing children from different faiths, cultures and traditions together to better understand difference. The business is also offering the use of facilities at its new £12 million training academy for schools taking part in the programme. (Image: Nil by Mouth) Edinbarnet and St Joseph's will be moving into a new shared campus in the autumn and the event allowed children and staff the opportunity to mix and work together in advance of doors opening. The new campus will allow both schools to maintain their own unique curriculum and methods of learning, as well as share gym halls and outdoor play facilities. Nil by Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson after the sectarian murder of her friend. Since then, the team has worked with more than 100,000 people in schools, workplaces and communities across Scotland. READ NEXT: The unusual way Glasgow pupils are celebrating city's 850th birthday READ NEXT: Glasgow pupil 'flies flag for Scotland' at global fashion contest Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott said: 'We are incredibly grateful for this support. It was great to see BAE staff help the children use the equipment and encourage them with the tasks. 'Programmes like this help children from different backgrounds and traditions develop teamwork skills and appreciate the different perspectives others bring to solving a problem.' He added: 'This will be an exciting few months for both school communities and we are delighted they both see value in working alongside our charity to help the children forge new, and deepen existing, friendships.' Phil Brown from BAE Systems said Nil by Mouth was carrying out 'admirable work' and added: 'STEM outreach is an integral part of our new applied shipbuilding academy. 'We look forward to a successful partnership during which the lives of the young people in our communities are positively influenced through enjoyable and enlightening experiences.'
