Latest news with #NilbyMouth
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Record
Cambuslang kids use construction skills to build bridges between faiths
Cairns and St Cadoc's Primaries recently helped campaigners Nil by Mouth launch their 'STEM Together' programme. Two Cambuslang Schools put their construction skills to the test as part of a new programme launched by a leading national charity helping to build bridges between different faiths and traditions. P7 pupils from Cairns and St Cadoc's Primaries recently helped campaigners Nil by Mouth launch their 'STEM Together' programme which provides schools free use of state-of-the-art kits which help develop children's construction and engineering abilities. The promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) has become a hugely important part of the school curriculum in Scotland and recognises the importance of those sectors to the economy and job market. Nil by Mouth believe that STEM can also be used to promote equality in the classroom by bringing children from denominational and non-denominational schools together to work collaboratively. Pupils are broken into groups and assigned specific roles to maximise participation and underline the importance of working together to solve problems. There is a particular focus on visual learning and problem-solving across a range of 24 STEM tasks involving construction, hydraulics, conceptual thinking, accurate measurement, drawing conclusions from results and revising plans based on data and testing. The project has attracted the support of BAE Systems, with the shipbuilding giant donating the specialist equipment to the charity, ensuring that there is no cost to schools or families taking part and the sessions are accompanied by workshops led by Nil by Mouth staff exploring identity and sectarianism in Scotland. Cairns and St Cadoc's have been working on a joint anti-sectarianism protect with Nil by Mouth during 2025 which has seen P7 pupils meet for shared workshops, exploring how the issue manifests itself at football matches as well as meeting referees and ex-players to find out more about the friendships built through the sport. This year sees the charity mark its 25th anniversary, having been set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson, in response to brutal sectarian murder of her friend Mark Scott. Since then, it has worked with over 100,000 people in schools, workplaces and communities across Scotland. Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott said: 'For more than a decade we've enjoyed working with Cairns and St Cadoc's and I'm delighted we can bring the STEM Together day to Cambuslang to launch the project across Lanarkshire. 'Alongside our work in the classroom programmes like this help children from different backgrounds and traditions develop teamwork skills and appreciate the different perspectives others bring to solving a problem. Building bridges between people has always been a central part of Nil by Mouth's mission and it's always heartening to come to Cairns and St Cadoc's to see this in action. 'The children and staff work so well together, respecting the things which make their schools different but always looking to find and explore their common ground. We hope many of the friendships made continue as the young people move on into high school and into later life.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Two Paisley schools celebrate clinching national equalities award
Pupils from Glencoats and St Fergus' primaries in Ferguslie have been awarded the 2025 Champions for Change award by leading charity Nil by Mouth. The efforts of two Paisley schools to challenge sectarianism and help children better understand difference has been recognised with a national equalities award. Pupils from Glencoats and St Fergus' primaries in Ferguslie have been awarded the 2025 Champions for Change prize by leading charity Nil by Mouth. It is in recognition of several years hard work aimed at making pupils better aware of different faiths and cultures, as well as celebrating the strong community spirit in the area. The accolade recognises schools, businesses and individuals who have displayed long-standing commitment to challenging sectarianism in Scotland. Over the past few years, youngsters at both schools have regularly come together on a range of projects designed to achieve this aim. In 2023, the schools unveiled a cross-community mural which local graffiti artist David Knox created with help from the pupils. And last year, BBC Scotland's 'A View from the Terrace' star Duncan McKay took part in a football event to coincide with Scotland's qualification for the 2024 European Championships. Kids have participated in bus tours of Glasgow sights made famous by the novel 'Divided City' – used in schools to help tackle sectarian attitudes. Primary seven pupils from each school also come together at an annual event held in the Tannahill Centre – led by the Nil by Mouth organisation – where they learn more about how sectarianism manifests and come up with ways young people can challenge it. Staff, pupils and families also regular meet and work together on wider community projects. Nil by Mouth partnership manager Emma Alexander said: 'Glencoats and St Fergus' have been working together on a range of projects linked to equality and celebrating their community and it's always a pleasure to be invited along to work with them. 'Our award panel was hugely impressed by the level of leadership shown by the staff at both schools and the creative ways they bring the schools together to learn and understand more about one another. 'And it wasn't just in terms of events; both schools have a strong commitment to equality which flows through their curriculum, with great emphasis placed on better understanding others and taking the time to listen too and share experiences. 'There has been lots written about this area over the years – often by those who don't live or work in it. 'We have only ever found imagination, friendship and a very powerful sense of community and that is why the schools are worthy winners of this year's Champions for Change award.' Nil by Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson in 2000 in response to the brutal sectarian murder of her friend Mark Scott as he made his way home from a football match in the city. The charity has since worked with tens of thousands of people in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and communities right across Scotland.
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Paisley high school pupils set to benefit from Nil by Mouth funding
A grant has been awarded to the HFD Charitable Foundation for a project in conjunction with Renfrewshire schools. Teenage football fans in Paisley are to benefit from a partnership between a leading equalities charity and one of Scotland's most successful property companies. Nil by Mouth has been awarded a grant of £3,000 from the HFD Charitable Foundation to run the 'Us & Them' project in conjunction with a number of Renfrewshire high schools. The scheme will see football-mad youngsters explore the pantomime, passion and poison of the sport in Scotland. One of the schools benefiting from the project is Gleniffer High in Foxbar which will receive visits from the football writer and podcaster Daniel Gray; former Premier League star and anti-racism campaigner Kevin Harper; and take part in a behind-the-scenes tour at St Mirren. HFD Charitable Foundation ambassador Lauren McKenzie visited Gleniffer High to present a cheque to some of the pupils and staff involved in the project and find out more about the young people's views on the game. Nil by Mouth partnership manager Emma Alexander said: 'We are very grateful to the HFD Foundation for backing our work in this way and through its investment we can increase the number of young people we are able to work with. 'The donation allows us to take 'Us & Them' into schools like Gleniffer and provides a unique opportunity to connect with groups of young fans and explore the passion, pantomime and poison which swirls around football. 'We want to help the young people explore what the game means to them and consider the impact of individual or group behaviour on other fans, players and officials. 'However, its more important than ever that we talk to young people, not at them, and by bringing in people like Kevin, the groups get to ask some of the pioneers of advancing equality in Scottish football about their experiences, challenges and motivations in both their lives and careers. 'The feedback from the young people has been very positive to date and we aim to kick off similar programmes in other parts of Scotland over the next few months.' HFD offers property development, office management, construction, energy and associated data services to a diverse range of business. The company also as a proud history of supporting charitable causes – awarding more than £3 million to over 60 charities over the past 20 years. It established the HFD Charitable Foundation to substantially increase its partnerships and grant funds, allowing it to support a broader range of charities and individuals while formalising and improving its charitable initiatives. Members of the HFD team are also encouraged to put forward grant recipient ideas with many allocations going to charities suggested internally, with the business also matching staff charitable donations. 2025 sees Nil by Mouth mark its 25th anniversary. The organisation was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson in response to the sectarian murder of her school friend Mark Scott as he made his way home from a football match in the city. Over that time, the charity has worked with tens of thousands of people in schools, workplaces, communities and sports clubs right across Scotland. The 'Us & Them' project will also explore rivalry in sport and what sort of behaviour is acceptable, or otherwise, in football stadiums. Ms McKenzie added: 'Nil by Mouth's work is helping young people think more critically about football, identity, and how we treat each other – both on and off the pitch. 'The 'Us & Them' project encourages honest conversations around equality and respect, while giving pupils a chance to hear from inspiring figures in Scottish sport. 'It's exactly the kind of grassroots initiative our charitable foundation is proud to support – bringing communities together across the region.'
Glasgow Times
01-06-2025
- 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.'
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic fans' title party set to clash with Orange Walk in Glasgow's Merchant City
There are mounting concerns over a possible 'inflammatory' stand-off between marchers and fans CALL FOR ORDER Celtic fans' title party set to clash with Orange Walk in Glasgow's Merchant City WORRIED locals called for an Orange Walk to be switched — to avoid potential flashpoints with partying Celtic fans. Fears were raised after it emerged 2,500 Loyalists will parade through Glasgow city centre at the same time as 60,000 Hoops punters are heading to their team's title bash. Advertisement 3 Last year's title party led to 19 Celtic fans being arrested and four cops getting injured 3 Now worried locals have called for next weekend's Orange Walk to be switched 3 Dave Scott, director of anti-bigotry charity Nil by Mouth shared his fears Next Saturday's parade, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, had been arranged before it was confirmed that the Bhoys would be presented with the Premiership trophy at Parkhead that day. But the route, organised by the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow, is to pass through the Trongate and Merchant City areas, where hordes of Celtic supporters are expected to gather after the game against St Mirren for booze-fuelled celebrations. And there are mounting concerns over a possible 'inflammatory' stand-off between marchers and fans. A spokesman for Merchant City Community Council said: 'Residents and businesses around Glasgow Cross are already concerned about serious disruption following the Celtic v St Mirren match. Advertisement "Police are likely to have their hands full just dealing with that. 'The presence of tens of thousands of Celtic and Orange Lodge supporters in the city on the same day is an unwelcome and possibly inflammatory mix.' He added: 'We call on the city council and the County Grand Lodge to get together to arrange for the parade to take place on a different date.' Rolling road closures will be put in place by cops after the Orange procession starts next to Glasgow Cathedral at 9.45am. Advertisement It will head down High Street towards Trongate before travelling through Merchant City — a popular spot for Hoops fans. Almost 20 flute bands will then parade past George Square before heading south and finishing in the city's Kinning Park district. Thousands of jubilant Celtic fans gather at Parkhead for title party as they let off pyro and await fan return Hoops diehards, meanwhile, will be in the city earlier than usual to make their way to Parkhead for the 12.30pm kick-off against Saints. Dave Scott, director of anti-bigotry charity Nil by Mouth, said: 'Given issues with drunkenness and anti-social behaviour in the Merchant City in the last few years linked to religious, cultural or sporting processions, anyone can see why residents are worried. Advertisement 'Too often the impact of these events on those who live, work and raise families in the city centre are overlooked. It's further complicated by the volume of loyalist parades which take place. 'And the fact the football event isn't organised formally and shaped by what the fans do on the day.' Disaster jibe sicko banned by Bhoys By Harry Williamson and Gordon Tait A VILE Celtic fan who mocked the Ibrox disaster at last Sunday's Old Firm game has been banned from Parkhead. Hoops chiefs are understood to have suspended Darren Malloch, 35 from the stadium indefinitely. A club spokesman said: 'We have investigated the matter. Clearly we condemn such conduct and have taken the appropriate action with regards to this individual.' Malloch, from Glasgow, was filmed during the 1-1 draw mocking 66 Gers fans who died in a stairway crush after a match against Celtic in 1971. He held up his mobile phone with the number 66 clearly visible and twice used his fingers to indicate the number six. We told how Malloch was fired as a project manager with Advance Construction Scotland over the sick gestures. Mr Scott added: 'The city council, police, march organisers and football club need to be in discussions to ensure this day passes with as little negative impact on residents as possible. I'm baffled why this doesn't seem to have happened already.' Last year's Trongate title party led to 19 Celtic fans being arrested and four cops getting injured. Advertisement A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We work closely with a range of partners to address concerns and ensure appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the wider community.' We told how the force blasted the council and Parkhead chiefs for not setting up an official fanzone for the event. Celtic and the Orange Order were approached for comment
