23/24
Introduction
Reflections from our CEO and Chairperson
We are delighted to present shmu’s Annual Report for April 2023 to March 2024, showcasing the exceptional work undertaken by our organisation to support individuals and communities across the region. This year, we have continued to prioritise those most in need, responding to the challenges of a post-pandemic world and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis with innovative programmes and unwavering commitment.
Based in one of the city’s priority areas, we’ve witnessed the resilience of our participants as they navigate significant challenges, including mental health struggles and social isolation. Our tailored approach, bolstered by strong partnerships, has allowed us to deliver meaningful and impactful support, from wellbeing-focused services like our expanded Wellbeing Café and festive support, to creative programmes that foster confidence and self-expression.
Community Impact
Our community media platforms shmuFM, shmuPRESS, Community TV, and our community websites, have provided unparalleled opportunities for individuals and communities to share their stories, develop skills, and engage with others. Through a collaborative approach, our community campaigns, including efforts for Mental Health Awareness Week, Challenge Poverty Week, and Climate Week North East, have amplified important issues and driven positive change.
We have also played a leading role in community empowerment through partnerships with Community Planning Aberdeen and other statutory organisations. Our
involvement in locality planning and Improvement Projects continues to champion a community-powered approach to decision-making and cultural shifts.
Youth Services
Our Youth Media Project has gone from strength to strength, delivering innovative weekly activities that use media as a tool for personal and social development. The introduction of new youth-led initiatives, like our Speak Out projects in primary schools, has encouraged young people to express themselves and engage creatively, while our tailored wellbeing support ensures we meet their evolving needs. Participants have taken part in awardwinning campaigns and projects, reinforcing their voices as catalysts for change.
This year, the Sean Connery Foundation funding has enabled us to expand our film education programmes significantly, fostering creativity and aspiration among young people. This support has been transformative, creating opportunities for young filmmakers to share their stories, gain qualifications, and consider careers in the film and TV industry.
Employability Programmes
Our employability work has supported individuals at every stage of their journey. From Foundation Apprenticeships in Creative & Digital Media and IT frameworks, to our Training Academy and post-school employability pipeline, we have provided participants with critical skills and confidence to secure sustainable positive destinations. Tailored programmes, like Creative Wellbeing and Digital Skills, have offered life-changing opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
Adult Services
Our Adult Services programme continues to grow, expanding its reach to support asylum seekers, refugees, and those with additional needs. Media-based engagement has provided opportunities for participants to develop skills, build connections, and achieve personal goals. Initiatives like our Engage programme, which supports justice-experienced adults, are breaking the cycle of reoffending and inspiring new futures.
Strategic Leadership and Cultural Advocacy
As the fund holder for the North East Culture Collective (NECC), shmu remains at the forefront of creative and cultural innovation in the region. The NECC programme has entered its third phase, focusing on empowering communities through creative collaboration, and our impact in earlier phases has set the stage for sustainable, long-term change.
Murray Dawson, CEO
TRUSTEES
Jillian Evans (chairperson)
G Adam (vice chair)
J Scott (Treasurer)
A Eladany
J Evans
In conclusion
This year has been one of incredible growth and achievement for shmu. Our dedicated staff, inspiring volunteers, committed Trustees, and supportive partners have all contributed to making a tangible difference in the lives of so many. With their collective energy and the vital contributions of our funders, we have continued to connect people, empower communities, and create lasting change. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions to shmu’s success.
We invite you to explore the pages that follow to discover more about our work, including, for the first time, links to embedded films and audio content that bring our participants’ voices and stories to life.
Jillian Evans, Chairperson
G Henry (resigned December 2023)
S Laing
S McLean
J Thorpe (appointed December 2023)
“The walk yesterday was great – it got me out of my flat and talking to people –I needed that.”
Wellbeing Participant
A Year in Numbers 2023-2024
598 individuals involved over the year
30,015 hours of volunteering contributed to the organisation
7 awards secured by adult volunteers
263 adults involved in shmu activities
21,320 hours of volunteering contributed by adults
297 young people attending youth media activities
335 young people involved in shmu activities
8,695 hours of volunteering contributed by young people
170 volunteers contributing regularly to Community Media platforms
38 young people involved in employability programmes
69 positive destinations were achieved (education, training or employment)
29 adults involved in employability programmes
200 partners worked with
177 young people involved in shmu programmes in schools
96 pupils took part in our Foundation Apprenticeship programmes
14 young people secured accredited awards
12 different funders supported our programmes
£1,551,005 income secured over the year
"Creates friendships, gives you someone to talk to, create new memories, and meet new people."
Youth Media Participant
SHMU Staff Team
shmuCORE
MURRAY DAWSON
Chief Executive
BRIAN WOODCOCK
Funding and Business Development Manager
CHRISSIE SIMPSON Support Team Manager
ALEX MARTIROSOV
IT Development Manager
ADAM PUSHKIN
Cultural Services Manager (from January 2024)
SUZANNE POPPE
Senior Project Administrator
AYNSLEY MURRAY Project Administrator
KIRSTY STEWART Finance Support Worker
VIKI MENZIES Finance Officer
GILLIAN MACLEOD
Finance Office (maternity cover until November 2023)
JAMES WILKIE
shmu Project Cleaner
JOHN ANDERSON
57 North Co-ordinator
NEIL MCIVOR Web Designer
LUCY STROUD Communications Officer
MARION FITZPATRICK Receptionist
TITO HERNANDEZ
IT Assistant
HILIWONA SOLOMON Evaluation & Monitoring Development Worker
Communities
DAVE BLACK
Community Development Manager (from July 2023)
ROSE ROSS
Community Media Support Worker
LAURA BREMNER
shmuDESIGN Development Worker
shmuTRAIN
MICHELLE TRAIL Employability Manager
YVETTE ZARZOSO
shmuTRAIN Employability Support Worker
LAURA-LIISA KLAAS
shmuTRAIN Employability Support Worker
ALISON MANUEL
shmuTRAIN Employability Support Worker
REBECCA NEIL
shmuTRAIN Employability Support Worker
AYESHA ZIELINSKI
Media Development Worker
shmuFM
ADELE KEITH
shmuFM Development Worker
shmuTV
RICHARD FERGUSON
Senior Community Media Development Worker
ROSS BULL
Community TV Development Worker (Until August 2023)
KATIE PATERSON
Community TV Development Worker
ZOË DAVIDSON
Film & TV Support Worker (From September 2023)
NICK MEIKLEJOHN
Film & TV Development Worker (From August 2023)
ALEXA THOMSON
Film & TV Support Worker (From August 2023)
MARCIN MAKOWSKI
Film & TV Support Worker (From August 2023)
Adult
Services
KIRSTEEN CALDWELL
Adult Services Manager
SARAH IGESUND
Adult Wellbeing Development Worker
ULLA KLAAS
Adult Support Worker
Youth
Media
SHELLEY MACKENZIE
Youth Services Manager
MEGAN ROLLO
Youth Support Worker (until June 2023)
KANE JANSEN
Youth Support Worker
JACK HUGHES
Music Development Worker
SAMM ANGA
Youth Media Tutor (until September 2023)
ALEX MATTHEW
Youth Media Tutor (until May 2023)
TANYA GIBSON
Trainee Youth Worker
MELIH KESKIN
Youth Music Trainee (Until March 2024)
North East Culture Collective
STEWART AITKEN
NECC Coordinator
Freelance Staff
DON RICHARDSON
FAUSTUS TALACKA
MICHAEL SILVA
MIKE MACDERMID
KEV YULE
LINDSAY DUNBAR
"Family
members (adults) see a huge change in him, initiating conversation and being able to hold a conversation."
Parent of Youth Media Participant
OUR WORK WITH ADULTS
shmu’s Adult Services strand provides support to adult volunteers and course participants from the wider community who require additional assistance due to complex needs and/or barriers to participation. Building on our previous HMP Grampian Prison service, which offered pre- and post-release support, our community-based model has expanded to address the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Over the past year, our service has continued to grow, offering more wellbeing opportunities and working with a wider range of groups, including the asylum-seeking and refugee community, as well as individuals who are neurodivergent or have additional learning and support needs.
Our work also supports those experiencing poor mental health, those negatively affected by substances, individuals with justice experience, and those facing social isolation. The service is delivered by our Adult Engagement Manager, Adult Wellbeing Development Worker, and Adult Support Worker, who provide holistic and robust support, tailored to meet the needs of every adult engaging with shmu’s services.
“I
think the support element that is available at shmu is crucial, I think having the wellbeing and adhoc support available is so needed. It’s great to know that there is support there if I need it. That side of shmu isn’t recognised enough” Adult Services Participant
Adult Services
creating media, transforming lives
With funding from Investing in Communities, CashBack for Communities, ACC Locality Improvement Fund, ACVO Wellbeing Funding, Aberdeen Student Show, and the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, our Adult Services strand provides a holistic, wraparound service for our adult volunteers and course participants from our extended community. Aimed at vulnerable adults with complex needs and/or barriers to participation, our programmes, coupled with one-to-one support and group sessions, ensure a robust and consistent package of support for all our volunteers and participants.
Over the past year, our Adult Services Team has continued to grow and expand its reach by working with a broader range of groups, including the asylum-seeking and refugee community, as well as individuals who are neurodivergent or have additional learning and support needs. The team has provided tailored, intensive support, responding flexibly to the needs of our participants and volunteers. This included offering ad-hoc assistance for specific issues or signposting individuals to emergency food and fuel vouchers, particularly during the festive period, when many faced the difficult choice between heating or eating.
Our weekly Wellbeing Cafe continues to provide a safe place for people to come, relax and take part in wellbeing activities should they wish. With funding from the ACVO Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and Aberdeen Student Show, we have continued to provide a range of activities that promote social inclusion, reduce isolation and promote positive mental wellbeing. We were able to launch our ‘Community Engagement Wellbeing Walks’ in April 2023, an expansion of our Wellbeing focused work, and which proved to be a huge success. On these walks, participants have been enjoying the opportunity to explore Aberdeen while getting out in the fresh air and taking part in gentle exercise. We also launched the ‘Wellbeing Show’ in May 2023, a monthly radio programme providing a platform for lived experienced voices and organisations that support mental health and promote wellbeing.
This year also saw us deliver the final Making Recovery Visible, with the delivery of our ‘Making Recovery Visible Film Group’. The small group worked on a film looking at the effects stigma can have on an individual and what support groups there are for people in recovery, learning technical skills in all aspects of filming, as well as interview skills.
Although our HMP Grampian-based programme has ended, we have maintained a strong relationship with the prison through continued support in other ways. We have built strong relationships with other services working within HMP Grampian and are offering a referral pathway for those keen to access our opportunities. Additionally, our young people and staff attended the HMP Grampian Family Help Hub open day, where a film created by participants from our employability course was showcased to an audience of over 50 organisations, providing valuable networking and opportunities for future collaboration.
Highlights this year…
Our Wellbeing Café participants have enjoyed taking part in a range of activities, including mindfulness, arts and crafts, and adult colouring along with a range of workshops from organisations promoting positive mental wellbeing.
Throughout the year we have hosted various workshops, including visits from Aberdeen Science Centre, British Red Cross, The Liver Trust and Cfine.
We provided 4 Wellbeing Café sessions over the festive period, providing our participants with the opportunity for social interaction and preventing isolation and loneliness during a time when lots of services are limited.
We’ve featured 10 organisations and 5 individuals, including ACVO, SAMH, Men in Mind, Police Scotland, Social Work, and Grampian Yoga Association in our monthly radio ‘Wellbeing Show’.
Through our collaboration with National Theatre Scotland’s ‘First Nights Programme’, we were able to take participants to see ‘Moorcroft’, the first time that some of them have experienced a theatre outing.
Our partnership with Aberdeen FC Community Trust saw the introduction of ‘Music Memories’, which now takes place monthly at shmu.
A former Adult Services participant, inspired by their time volunteering at shmu went on to achieve a BA in Television and joined the shmu staff team in August 2023 as a Film and TV Support Worker.
“I feel that at shmu I can be me, I can be myself, actually, everywhere else I have been an oddball, but here I fit in as we are all oddballs.”
Wellbeing participant
The year in numbers
62 participants engaged with our services in the community
5 participants secured employment
12 participants progressed on to further education or training
16 participants went on to volunteer in the community
1,373 hours of volunteering contributed
Sadique, Adult Services Participant
This film, produced for Challenge Poverty Week, introduces Sadique, one of our Adult Services participants. In the film, Sadique shares some of the challenges he faces in his daily life and highlights the vital support he receives from shmu.
“I enjoy coming to the Wellbeing Café – everyone is nice, and I can get extra help if I need it. It is good to get me out the house.”
Wellbeing Participant
“There has never been a group I’ve been to where I can fit in until now - they help me with transport toowithout shmu I wouldn’t leave my house.”
Engage Participant
Engage
Breaking the cycle of offending, supporting a positive future
Funded by CashBack for Communities and the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, our Engage programme supports young adults facing barriers to engagement, including those with justice experience. This twelve-week programme uses media as a tool for engagement, helping participants address and reduce risk-taking behaviour, while building confidence and improving overall wellbeing. Participants take part in film, TV, and radio productions and, with the holistic support of our Adult Services and Employability Teams, are encouraged to explore progression routes, including volunteering and further learning opportunities.
Initially delivered to young prisoners at HMP Grampian, the Engage programme has evolved in response to changes in youth sentencing, which now focus on community-based interventions and diversion from prosecution. By transitioning to a community-based delivery model, we continue to disrupt the cycle of offending. We encourage, motivate, and inspire participants, many of whom lead chaotic lifestyles and are at risk of custodial sentences, to begin their journey toward a more positive and stable life within their communities.
The Engage programme equips participants with valuable skills and experiences, fostering creativity, personal development, and community involvement.
Highlights this year…
The Engage programme expanded to two days per week, incorporating a bespoke life skills session where participants can work towards a Personal Development Award.
Delivered two comprehensive Engage courses and commenced a third in March 2024.
One group developed film and TV skills, producing a short film, Welcome to Torry, which included an interview with a local resident. They also explored music production, creating a soundtrack for their film.
Another group broadcasted a live radio show, discussing topics such as hobbies and music preferences, and created their own jingles for the show.
A third group completed six weeks of radio sessions, culminating in a live show on shmuFM just before Christmas. They then transitioned to film and TV sessions, producing three short films that demonstrated creativity and teamwork.
One participant returned to shmu for a placement, aiming to pursue a career in media.
Engage participants supported our Community TV team by capturing footage and interviews at the Middlefield Youth Project.
The year in numbers
2 full Engage programmes took place, with a third started in March 2024.
32 individuals took part in our Engage programmes
1 participant undertook a placement at shmu, driven by their aspiration of to pursue a career in media.
3 participants went on to volunteer with our Community TV team.
Adult Services Case Study
Megan*
This year, our Adult Services case study presents Megan and her journey to confidence.
Megan first connected with shmu when she was referred to our Engage course by her ABZ Works Employability Worker. At 19 years old, Megan was quiet and struggled with confidence, having been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After finishing college, she faced difficulties finding employment, and repeated rejections left her feeling disheartened and anxious. The challenges of lockdown compounded her struggles, and despite her best efforts, her confidence hit an all-time low. Megan often shared her frustrations with her mum and boyfriend, expressing that she felt like a failure.
Recognising Megan’s interest in media, her Employability Worker referred her to shmu’s Adult Services Team. It was agreed that Megan would benefit from joining the twelve-week Engage course, which offers hands-on experience in radio, film, and music production.
At the start of the course, Megan was hesitant and unsure of her abilities, particularly during radio training. Speaking into the microphone was a daunting task, and she was extremely nervous. However, as the weeks progressed, Megan began to thrive. By the end of the course, she confidently participated in a live radio show and became comfortable operating the radio desk behind the scenes.
Megan’s growth extended to the film production sessions, where she enjoyed working on location in her local community. While she preferred staying behind the camera, Megan embraced the technical roles, surprising herself with her newfound skills.
Throughout the programme, Megan also worked closely with the Employability Support Worker to update her CV and explore job opportunities. This additional support significantly boosted her confidence. Her mum noticed the changes and shared, “I think the course has been great for Megan to build her confidence. Although she still has some way to go, it’s nice to see her with more confidence and not feeling as anxious.”
The shmu team was equally proud of Megan’s progress. The Adult Development Worker reflected, “It was great to see the change in Megan as she progressed through the course. She gained confidence, interacted more with others, and is now eager to continue training, even signing up for full radio training with the hope of hosting her own show.”
Looking back on her experience, Megan said, “I gained more confidence talking in front of people and had a laugh meeting new friends. I’m excited to stay involved with shmu and learn more about editing videos and radio—I really enjoyed it.”
Megan’s journey through the Engage course has been transformative, equipping her with new skills, increased confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose as she moves forward with optimism.
(Megan is a pseudonym)
"shmu creates friendships, gives you someone to talk to, create new memories, and meet new people"
OUR WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
As a nationally recognised community media organisation, we take pride in the diverse range of innovative and accredited programmes we offer to support young people during key transitions to adulthood, particularly those experiencing challenges or disadvantages.
Our person-centred, youth-led opportunities provide adaptable and long-term support to young people aged 10–19, encompassing personal development, training, accreditation, and volunteering opportunities.
Based in one of the city’s priority areas, we understand the scale of challenges facing those in disadvantaged communities and prioritise our services to meet their specific needs. Through media platforms such as live radio broadcasting, podcasting, filmmaking and TV production, music, and journalism, we guide young people on a journey of personal growth, notably by building their self-confidence, enhancing communication skills, and fostering self-expression through shmu’s multimedia platforms.
“For me shmu is a place which helps me talk with others in a comfortable environment and encourages me to leave my house since I have been previously isolated. It helps me to socialise in a way I couldn’t find before.”
Youth Media Participant
“I just wanted to pass on my thanks to all involved for having J attend shmu sessions on Tues and Weds last week. He absolutely LOVED radio day and was so happy after film day….a delighted young man so thanks again! He’s already asking when he can go back!”
Parent
of Youth Media Participant (One Day Challenge)
Youth Media
Young people at the controls
Our Youth Media Project offers an innovative programme of media-focused activities, encouraging young people, particularly those living in Aberdeen’s regeneration areas, to actively engage with our platforms, including radio, podcasting, film, TV, music, and journalism.
Supported by key funding partners including Cashback for Communities, Aberdeen City Council, the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, and Children in Need, our programmes empower young people to overcome personal barriers while building new technical skills. In addition to gaining these skills, participants experience improved confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to communicate creatively and effectively with the wider world.
The Speak Out project brings opportunities to Primary 7 pupils in Aberdeen’s regeneration areas, providing training and activities in radio and screen media. This year, we worked with six Primary 7 classes and 155 pupils. Walker Road and Seaton Schools participated in the Speak Out TV project, while Cornhill and Woodside Primaries engaged in the Speak Out Radio project. The final Primary 7 group at Walker Road created a legacy film celebrating staff memories of the school. Seaton Primary used the project to highlight their school community and its connections within the local neighbourhood, and Woodside and Cornhill Primaries integrated the project with their curriculum, enhancing pupil learning around science and nature.
Our commitment to a youth-led approach is central to the Youth Media Project. A weekly Youth Planning Group ensures participants are meaningfully involved in shaping the direction and focus of our work. This includes input into day-to-day operations and the development of new project concepts, ensuring that all activities align with our ethos of empowering and supporting young people.
Highlights this year…
A Youth Media participant was recognised by the First Minister as the first young person in Aberdeen to achieve the 200-hour Saltire Award during his period in office.
We produced a short visual podcast film commissioned by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland.
We collaborated with Barnardo’s Young Carers on a project where young carers led the creation of a short film to highlight their experiences in Aberdeen.
Youth Media participants contributed to the multi-service Cost of Living campaign, which won the Celebrate Aberdeen Best Campaign award.
We delivered “One Day Challenge” sessions in radio, film, and music, engaging 86 young people, 72 of whom were from priority families and had not previously participated in shmu activities.
The year in numbers
297 young people took part in youth media activities
37 active youth members took part in regular youth media sessions at shmu
10 young people acted as members of the Youth Media Forum
12 young people secured Saltire Awards
6 young people secured Dynamic Youth Awards/Hi5 Awards
6 young people have progressed onto a positive destination (employment, training, or further education)
8,695 hours of volunteering to the organisation over the year by Youth Media participants
Barnardo’s Young Warriors >>
As noted in our highlights, we collaborated on the following film with Barnardo’s Young Carers to highlight their experiences in Aberdeen.
Youth Media Case Study
Elena*
Elena’s* story highlights the transformative impact of shmu’s Youth Media programme. Initially labelled a troublemaker at school, Elena struggled with anxiety, declining well-being, and eventually stopped attending school altogether due to panic attacks and fear of social settings. Her behavioural issues were prioritised over her mental health, and by early 2020, she transitioned to homeschooling, finding some relief.
However, at 16 years old, Elena suffered a spontaneous brain haemorrhage, which left her hospitalised for eight months. She faced significant challenges, including weakness on her left side, a limp, and the need for a leg brace and walking stick. Upon recovery, Elena returned to mainstream schooling to improve her academic outcomes but struggled with low confidence, diminished self-esteem, and strained peer relationships.
Elena joined shmu’s Youth Media project on Saturday mornings but initially felt overwhelmed and pressured to appear happy and confident. Staff encouraged her to see shmu as a safe space where she could be herself without judgment. Through support, she began forming honest, non-judgemental friendships and rediscovered her creative side through workshops in journalism, scriptwriting, music creation, and radio plays.
A significant setback occurred when peers at school filmed her walking with a limp, making her reluctant to leave home. However, shmu staff reached out, tailoring sessions to accommodate her mobility challenges and encouraging her return. These sessions provided an outlet for self-expression and skill-building, helping her rebuild her confidence.
Now preparing to start her sixth year at school with a full-time timetable, Elena reflects on her journey at shmu as a turning point. The support and camaraderie she found have brought solace and fulfilment, affirming that resilience and acceptance can pave the way for personal growth.
“I can be my usual self around everyone at shmu, and that makes me feel all the more comfortable... I couldn’t feel any more lucky and grateful for meeting so many amazing people. It’s still hard coping with what happened to me, but the anticipation of waiting all week to see my friends and script some films makes a possibly hard week all the easier to deal with. I finally get to do what I enjoy the most in life - planning and writing scripts. Things in life don’t come easy for me anymore, but this does, and that’s enough for me.”
Elena
(Elena is a pseudonym)
“xxxxxx”
Parent of Youth Media participant
“My child was very shy and would stutter when communicating but is now able to communicate confidently in front of groups.”
Parent of Youth Media Participant
Youth Social Action
With support from BBC Children in Need and the Hunter Foundation, the Youth Social Action fund has empowered young people at shmu to explore their passions, take action for the future, and learn from others. Using community media as a tool for personal and collective change, the project has provided platforms for selfexpression and encouraged participants to engage with a variety of topics, fostering personal awareness and respect for diverse experiences.
Early in the project, our participants played a pivotal role in a community demonstration against proposed cuts to the Fairer Aberdeen Fund. They took the lead in creating banners and placards and actively participated in a public protest. Their involvement attracted media attention, with several young people being interviewed, amplifying their voices and the concerns of the community. This direct action resulted in the reversal of the proposed cuts, preserving essential services and demonstrating the immediate impact of youth-led activism.
Young people involved in the project identified at an early stage that they wanted to address LGBTQ+ bigotry,
identifying this as an issue within their peer groups. To this end we have worked with 4 Pillars to learn about how to challenge bigotry, and how to be allies to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Young people enjoyed hearing from and interviewing staff from 4 Pillars as part of their radio show.
Another significant initiative was the creation of a film exploring the mental health impacts of technology and the importance of connecting with nature. This was complemented by a litter pick in Woodside, where young people also captured photographs and film footage highlighting evidence of climate change within their community. The activity not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of pride and collective responsibility among participants.
The project has instilled in young people a deeper connection to their community and an understanding of the power of collective action. The media content they have created continues to impact their peers and the wider community, promoting awareness, positive behaviour, and the potential for meaningful change.
“The Film Club has given (our child) a sense of purpose. He had no clear direction in life but the difference and impact that the film club has made to him has been invaluable. He now feels like his part of something that feels like a family. When he comes home, he tells us all about the film and the debate he’s had. As a family we are grateful to have shmu in his life now as the difference in him is great – you can really see his confidence starting to grow”
Parent of Film Club participant
Sean Connery Foundation supports shmu
In 2023, shmu was awarded a prestigious 3-year funding award of £480,000 from The Sean Connery Foundation to enhance our film work with young people across the region. Established in 2022 by the estate of Sir Sean Connery, the Foundation aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in the Film and TV industry. This unrestricted funding has enabled shmu to build on and scale up existing screen education and filmmaking programmes in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
This investment supports young people aged 11–18, offering opportunities to explore creativity through film, develop film literacy, understand the industry, and connect with like-minded peers to encourage independent filmmaking. Through a variety of fun and engaging activities, participants build confidence, resilience, and positive social networks while promoting health and wellbeing. The programme
also encourages the achievement of nationally recognised awards and SQA qualifications.
The funding has expanded initiatives such as Youth TV and Speak Out-Film while enabling new projects like a Film Club and a Young Filmmakers programme. One highlight was the creation of a short film that premiered at the Light the Blue youth festival on 17th June 2023, which celebrated youth creativity across Aberdeen. The festival included a public screening and a Q&A session with the young filmmakers.
These activities nurture talent and creativity, empowering young people to use film as a tool for personal and collective change. Participants are encouraged to experiment with storytelling, share their perspectives, and connect with wider audiences. The programme is also fostering a broader base of young people exploring film as a career, supporting them to undertake film-specific qualifications and pursue sustainable roles in the industry.
“I had little practical experience and this was a great way to see how it all worked.”
participant
OUR WORK WITH COMMUNITIES
The Communities strand integrates all our media outlets - Radio, Press, Websites, and TV - offering unparalleled access to community media opportunities, training, and support for volunteers and communities, primarily in the regeneration areas of Aberdeen. Each media outlet combines to deliver a wide range of benefits for individuals and communities, fostering a spirit of engagement and partnership, developing participants’ transferable skills, and contributing to increased social capital.
Together, shmuFM, shmuPRESS, community websites, and community TV projects provide platforms for underrepresented voices to be heard. Participants gain new skills through an inclusive and engaging process, producing content that reflects their lives, shares information with other residents, and holds those in power to account.
In addition, our 57 North and shmuSOUND projects continue to support and develop the region’s music sector, offering creative opportunities to community members of all experience levels and providing strategic sector support for skilled practitioners.
Community engagement, empowerment, and partnership collaboration are central to our work across our communities. We continue to prioritise these values through initiatives such as Woodside Decides, digital inclusion efforts, and year-round campaigns.
Community engagement, empowerment, and partner collaboration are central to our work with communities. We continue to develop and deliver these priorities through initiatives like Woodside Decides, digital inclusion efforts, and year-round campaigns.
“I love coming here I feel so welcome, and everyone is so nice – I have enjoyed learning how to do the radio training, my confidence has improved so much, and I can’t believe I am doing my own show. I definitely feel healthier!” shmu Volunteer
shmuFM
Communities Creating Radio
Funded primarily by the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, shmuFM is our community radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 99.8FM across the city of Aberdeen and online across the world. The station provides training, support, confidence building, and a platform for individuals and communities underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media.
With the support of 102 regular volunteers, primarily from Aberdeen’s regeneration areas, the station broadcasts a diverse range of shows, including current affairs, cultural programming, issue-based content, community features, and local music-based programming.
This year, we were thrilled to launch on DAB/digital radio alongside our FM broadcast. This expansion makes us more accessible to our target communities within Aberdeen City and enhances our appeal to partner organisations, who are now more confident that their messages will reach a broader audience. Moving to DAB is part of shmu’s community DAB license, which serves as a platform for up to 20 stations. This milestone enables us to expand our work, using radio as a tool to challenge mainstream narratives and provide a platform for lesser-heard voices. The DAB launch, which marked a long-term ambition realised for many of our radio volunteers, was celebrated at shmu headquarters with First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Highlights this year…
We strengthened links between our radio output and campaigns, hosting radio takeover days for Mental Health Awareness Week, Challenge Poverty Week, and Hate Crime Awareness Week, along with a series of feature shows for Climate Week North East. These activities engaged volunteers and partner organisations while producing engaging and awareness-raising content for listeners
Collaborating with partner organisations, we trained members of the Safe Team at CFINE to produce a financial inclusion-themed show. This show adapts its focus throughout the year and responds to listener questions, demonstrating our commitment to producing relevant and impactful content.
Many of our volunteers continue to demonstrate long-term commitment. To support them further, we have introduced mentoring roles. This peer-mentoring model provides informal support for volunteers while being highly rewarding for mentors.
We targeted older people as a group to engage with shmuFM. Working with Aberdeen City Council and care providers, we conducted outreach in communal spaces, hosting six weeks of engagement sessions. These culminated in live radio broadcasts at shmu, where older participants, initially sceptical, embraced the experience and expressed eagerness to return.
The year in numbers
102 active volunteers contributed up to 100 hours of live radio broadcast every week
27 issue-based and partner shows are broadcast weekly
3 hour-long programmes, representing key issues and news from the regeneration areas, continue to be supported, produced, and broadcast by members of the local communities weekly
21,320 hours of volunteering contributed towards the shmuFM strand of work
Jay
- shmu radio volunteer >>
The following film introduces one of our shmuFM volunteers, Jay, who explains what being part of
"If you are interested in printed, visual or audio media, shmu offer a positive environment to learn new skills, explore your interest and foster your creativity"
Jay
shmu means to him.
“The best part of it for me is seeing the progression in people, when they come in for the first time, lacking confidence and feeling they can’t do radio and then they do the training, their confidence grows, and they are doing their own show. The mentoring for me, it feels like pure volunteering, feels like I am really helping people – it actually makes me emotional in a good way, seeing everyone move forward.”
shmuFM Volunteer & Mentor
shmuPRESS
Spreading the word
Supported by funding from the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, shmuPRESS empowers communities to produce their own magazines, reflecting the issues and concerns of their areas while celebrating and sharing good news stories. We continue to support local residents in the production and publication of seven full-colour community magazines, serving the neighbourhoods of Torry, Seaton, Tillydrone, Woodside, Middlefield, Northfield & Cummings Park, and Mastrick.
Over the past year, we have sustained this impactful work, with a particular focus on celebrating the positive work happening within communities. We have observed a wealth of fantastic community-led initiatives that remain largely unknown within their own neighbourhoods and across the city. The community magazines provide an excellent platform to shine a light on these efforts, amplifying their impact and inspiring others.
Highlights this year…
The year in numbers
33 active volunteers contributed to shmuPRESS as Editorial Team members.
1,236 hours of volunteering were contributed by Press volunteers.
85 pieces of content were produced in collaboration with partner organisations.
21 issues of community magazines were produced and delivered to every door in their target communities.
74,100 full-colour magazines were printed and distributed across the regeneration areas of Aberdeen.
We supported participants from GREC’s Language Café to write their stories about moving to Aberdeen from their home countries. These stories were published in both English and their native language. The project aims to foster inclusivity for all community members, including New Scots and non-English speakers, by increasing awareness of services available and creating unique content for our audiences.
Older residents in high-rise sheltered housing in Seaton participated in the Our Earth Week campaign. We interviewed residents about their thoughts on climate change and featured their insights in the Seaton Scene magazine.
In Torry, we collaborated with our employability team to support individuals over the age of 50 seeking employment. Participants shared their experiences of unemployment, job searching, and their expertise in professions deeply rooted in the Torry community. We guided them in interviewing each other and writing articles based on the information they collected.
JanetPress volunteer >>
The following film was created for Volunteers Week and features Janet, one of our shmuPRESS volunteers, who explains why she became involved with shmu.
I have enjoyed sharing my experience, as well as meeting people and feeling useful when contributing to the decision making as part of the editorial team.
shmuPRESS participant
Lights, Camera, Action!
Community TV, launched with support from the Scottish Government Investing in Communities fund, represents the ‘screen’ arm of our community media platforms. It empowers community members and local organisations to create short films and TV programmes on topics and themes that matter most to them. These productions take various forms, including ‘talking head’ interviews, news pieces, documentaries, TV studio programmes, and community microfilms.
Over the past year, Community TV volunteers, supported by our staff team, have contributed to several impactful projects. Volunteers created short films for community events such as the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade and Aberdeen Mela. They also collaborated with a local pantry and community kitchen to produce a cooking video focused on budgeting with pantry ingredients. In partnership with Aberdeen Inspired, they developed a film about the Nuart Festival, which included interviews with wall owners and community feedback. Additionally, volunteers worked with the Middlefield Community Hub to showcase its initiatives with young people, supported by recent course graduates who have since joined the Community TV volunteer team. Further projects included filming events hosted by the Family Learning Team in Northfield, capturing footage and conducting interviews with local attendees and organisers.
Beyond volunteer-led projects, the Community TV staff team has been deeply involved in several community initiatives. They collaborated with GREC and Four Pillars on their PATH (Prejudice and Solidarity Through History) project, creating films and a dedicated showcase website. They also worked with young people to produce a film commissioned by the Scottish Children and Young People’s Commissioner and also partnered with Barnardo’s to create a project with young carers. The team also supported a recent event highlighting the work of Fairer Aberdeen Partners and covered a City and Shire-wide employability event.
In partnership with Screen Skills and the production company behind BBC’s Granite Harbour Season 2, we helped recruit community members for four paid work experience opportunities. Nearly 200 individuals joined an online info session, with over 60 attending in-person training. Four participants were selected for a two-week paid internship, gaining hands-on experience on set in Aberdeen and Glasgow. This initiative provided valuable opportunities for Community TV volunteers and Film & TV participants while strengthening the local film and TV industry.
Highlights this year…
Many Community TV volunteers participated in an 8-week refresher course, enhancing their skills and integrating with new team members.
Volunteers progressed toward a Level 6 SQA qualification through our Screen Progression Programme.
Several ‘talking head’ interviews were created with local organisations and individuals with lived/living experience for Mental Health Awareness Week and Challenge Poverty Week.
Our Community TV documentary, Cost of Warmth, was featured in the Challenge Poverty Week campaign and screened at Aberdeen University’s WayWord Festival.
The year in numbers
18 community workshops held with 14 participants
14 community related short films/ documentaries/TV programmes were created
16 partners worked alongside (community and national projects)
344 hours of volunteering contributed
The Cost Of Warmth >>
As noted in our highlights, our Community TV volunteers created this film for Challenge Poverty Week, which has been screened at a number of events during the year.
“There was real energy and understanding to tackle the issue across a wide range of organisations, but the lived experience insight was so powerful.”
Attendee at the Film Screening
Campaigns
Lasting change through collaboration
Campaigns have become a vital part of our work, bringing together the lived and living experiences of communities through all our media strands, collaboration with third and public sectors, and partnerships with community organisations. We are passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for the people we engage to contribute to work that drives change. The campaigns model has proven to be a highly effective way to achieve this.
Participants who have shared their lived and living experiences have consistently described how empowering the process has been. We are privileged to be in a unique position, fostering trusting relationships with individuals who have experienced trauma, poverty, and poor mental health. These individuals have been trained to utilise various media to share their stories. Additionally, our strong relationships with a range of statutory bodies
enable us to bring these testimonies and stories to the right audiences.
During 2023/2024, we delivered successful campaigns for:
Mental Health Awareness Week (May 2023)
Challenge Poverty Week (October 2023)
Climate Week North East (March 2024)
These campaigns were chosen as they address issues most critical to our communities. Tackling poverty and poor mental health are consistently highlighted by individuals as key priorities for themselves, their peers, and their communities. Meanwhile, climate change is recognised as a universal challenge that impacts us all, and we are actively working to explore how best to bring a climate focus into our engagements with communities.
Challenge Poverty Week
The Aberdeen organising group for Challenge Poverty Week 2023 was initiated by shmu and included Cfine, Abernecessities, Aberdeen Cyrenians, and Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership. The group established the following aims for the campaign:
· Raise awareness of available support services and reduce the stigma around accessing them.
· Highlight the third sector’s role, particularly the Fairer Aberdeen Fund project, and promote a unified voice.
Increase awareness of poverty’s impact in Aberdeen, especially among those less aware of the growing issue.
· Begin influencing local policy on poverty.
· Ensure a lasting impact beyond the campaign week.
The week also provided an opportunity for shmu to strengthen partnerships, amplify the voices of those with lived experience of poverty, and showcase its work and impact.
Key campaign activities included:
A radio takeover day featuring interviews with nine third sector organisations.
· Daily themed podcasts on shmuFM addressing poverty and policy issues.
· A social media campaign sharing lived experience stories and organisation videos.
· A film screening and discussion at the Music Hall, attended by 80-90 people, including representatives from the third and public sectors.
Press coverage in the Press and Journal, Evening Express, STV, and Northsound Radio.
The campaign raised significant awareness of support services and challenged stigma, particularly through the widely viewed lived experience videos. The film screening and social media outreach highlighted the extent of poverty in Aberdeen and sparked critical discussions about how budget cuts could impact the city’s most vulnerable residents. Interest from other third sector groups indicates a growing commitment to continued collective action on poverty.
The lived experience films produced by shmu achieved an impressive reach, with one video receiving 11,722 views across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Four short lived experience films were created, including three with shmu volunteers (one of which you can watch below), and one with a staff member from Aberdeen Cyrenians.
Kerry shares her experience >> Kerry, a shmu volunteer, shares her experiences dealing with the cost of living crisis.
“Our multimedia campaigns shine a spotlight on the issues important to our volunteers and campaign for change. We facilitate important conversations and encourage meaningful collaboration between our volunteers and decision makers in Aberdeen. Our volunteers are experts by experience and use our community media platforms to raise their voices and be heard.”
shmu Communcations Officer
shmuDIGITAL
Digital access and skills for all
Digital Inclusion
While the immediate impact of the pandemic has lessened, digital exclusion and isolation continue to affect many individuals and families in our communities. Recognising this ongoing challenge, our digital inclusion work remains as crucial now as it was at the height of the pandemic. We continue to prioritise digital inclusion for our volunteers and clients, working with partners to provide both devices and connectivity.
This year, we concluded the Aberdeenshire Employability Partnership’s Young Person’s Guarantee Fund Digital CONNECT project, supporting an additional 15 individuals with access to devices or connectivity. In May 2023, we also launched a new collaboration with Aberdeenshire Council to develop a Digital Library service. This initiative works closely with employability partners in Aberdeenshire to identify suitable recipients, providing devices and connectivity to help individuals pursue training or employment opportunities. To date we have provided Internet connectivity to 14 individuals and supplied 53 laptops and tablets.
Community Websites
Our community websites extend the ethos of our community magazine approach, supporting and maintaining seven vibrant online platforms regularly updated with local activities, news, and opportunities. To date, we have successfully launched one website with community members trained to manage it, and another is in development. By providing a platform for community members to share information and engage with each other, these websites foster a unified and proactive community spirit. They serve as valuable resources for promoting local events, sharing news, and highlighting opportunities for involvement.
Connected Woodside
During this reporting period, we successfully launched the Connected Woodside community website after extensive engagement with community partners. In October, we presented the site’s functionality to the Woodside Network, which included eight community members and partners. This encouraged their participation in training to upload articles and events. Initial training sessions were held with volunteers from Fersands and Fountain SCIO in January, and Printfield Community Project volunteers in February. Since its launch, the site has been actively used to share information on local events, such as Winter Wonderland, and to feature the Woodside Decides survey.
Connected Torry
We have also begun the community engagement stage for the Connected Torry website. This phase started with informal meetings with active community members to determine the best approach for the initiative. An initial meeting hosted by two grassroots, Torry-based community groups saw 12 community members in attendance, including representatives from various associations and groups. The session was highly productive, emphasising the potential of the website to provide a unified voice for Torry and connect residents with local opportunities and activities.
Following the screening of a community film in Torry, we introduced the Connected Torry website and opportunities for involvement through writing, photography, and film. This was followed by a website working group meeting in late March, where seven community members came together to take on key tasks and plan further community engagement activities.
Next Steps
Our next steps involve continuing the development of the Connected Torry website and expanding this model to other regeneration areas. We remain committed to engaging with community members to ensure the websites reflect their needs and interests. Training sessions will continue to empower community members with the skills to independently manage and update the sites.
Angela Joss ‘Bee You’ Memorial Award
In June 2023, we launched the Angela Joss ‘Bee You’ Memorial Award to honour our long-term volunteer and dedicated community advocate, who tragically passed away in 2021. The award celebrates individuals who, like Angela, stand up for their beliefs, empower others to pursue their dreams, and embody community spirit, resilience, and kindness. Angela was a passionate advocate for making the world a better place, tirelessly supporting others despite her own challenges.
Through this community award, we aim not only to celebrate Angela’s legacy but also to recognise individuals who share her values. The award will become an annual celebration during Volunteers’ Week. Public nominations opened in March 2024, with Angela's family planning to join the selection panel each year.
Angela was an incredible shmu volunteer and community warrior. We are delighted to launch this award in her name, celebrating an individual that shares Angela’s community spirit and passion to support and champion others shmu Adult Services Manager
57°North
Music with Latitude
Established in 2013, 57 North has grown into a vital part of the region’s cultural infrastructure, encompassing strategic and sector support, music-focused projects, and events. The initiative also includes the shmuSOUND strand and the North East Music Forum, further strengthening its impact on the local music scene.
This year, we delivered our latest Youth Music Initiative-funded project, Transform. The project brought music into our Youth Media and Engage programmes and introduced new initiatives such as One Day Music Challenges, Youth Rap Projects, and a DJ & Music Tech Project. As part of the programme, we employed a trainee to support the project’s delivery.
Youth Media participants explored playing instruments, songwriting, composing, basic music theory, and recording techniques. Meanwhile, Youth Rap Project participants learned about lyric writing, beat-making, and the history of rap music. They also recorded a song, with their interviews about the project broadcast on the Youth Media radio show on shmuFM.
We continued to chair the North East Music Forum, a collaborative group bringing together representatives from music and music education organisations to discuss music provision in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Forum members include North East Scotland College (NESCol), Aberdeen Performing Arts, sound Scotland, Big Noise Torry, and YMI Aberdeenshire.
Highlights this year…
The Transform Youth Music Initiative (YMI) project reintroduced music activities to our Youth Media programme.
Transform Youth Rap Project participants had their tracks played on shmuFM.
We continued to chair the North East Music Forum, supporting collaboration across the region’s music sector
The year in numbers
73 young people and 1 Project Trainee involved in the ‘Transform’ project
35 music-related jobs and opportunities for people in the North East listed on the 57 North website
“My son is taking part in the rap project that is running right now. He really loves it and something he has taken a real interest in.”
Parent of Youth Rap Project participant
"I love coming here. I feel so welcome, and everyone is so nice – the staff help, they don’t judge. I always leave with a smile on my face and better than when I came."
Employability Participant.
EMPLOYABILITY & TRAINING SUPPORT
shmu’s Employability & Training arm provides comprehensive support and skills development to young people and adults, using media to creatively engage participants, boost motivation, and build self-confidence. These programmes are designed to help individuals progress into sustainable positive destinations, successfully transitioning into work, further education, or training.
For those aspiring to careers in the creative industries, we offer advanced training opportunities, including the Aberdeen BFI Film Academy and the Creative & Digital Media and IT Software Foundation Apprenticeships. These curriculum-based programmes are available to 5th and 6th-year pupils across Aberdeenshire, equipping them with industry-relevant skills and experience.
As an SQA-accredited centre since 2012, we deliver a comprehensive suite of qualifications, including:
∙ Employability Award at SCQF (Levels 3 & 4)
∙ Preparation for Employment (Levels 4 & 5)
∙ Personal Development Awards (Level 3)
∙ National 3 Media
∙ NPA in TV Production (Level 5)
∙ NPA in Radio Broadcasting (Level 5)
∙ NPA Film and Media (Levels 5 & 6)
∙ NPA Journalism (Level 6)
shmuTRAIN employability programme
Funded by Cashback for Communities, the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, and local authority grants and contracts, the shmuTRAIN programme supports individuals of all ages - from their final year of school to retirement age – across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The programme focuses on helping those who face significant barriers to securing employment, further education, or training, enabling them to move on to sustained positive destinations.
Using media as a tool, our employability programmes help participants develop essential skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, communication, time management, and organisation. These programmes also build confidence and self-esteem, ensuring a successful transition to the next stage of their employability journey.
Our Training Academy supports young people in the Senior Phase (S4–S6) to secure positive destinations when leaving school. It also assists young adults who have left school and are not currently in employment, training, or further education.
Through contracts with Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Council, funded by the No One Left Behind initiative, we deliver a variety of provision aimed at preparing those furthest from the workplace to successfully transition to the next step in their journey.
Highlights this year…
The year in numbers
58 young people took part in shmuTRAIN programmes
21 positive destinations were secured:
2 into employment
13 into education
6 into training
8 SQA Awards were secured by shmuTRAIN participants
18 Adults took part in employability programmes
Over the past year, we piloted our Training Academy programme in two Aberdeenshire secondary schools, Kemnay and Portlethen Academies. Three students successfully completed their Personal Development Award – Practical Abilities.
At Bucksburn Academy, nine out of ten participants progressed to college courses, and one secured a Work Experience placement despite significant personal challenges.
We launched the Creative Wellbeing programme through an ABZ Works tender, offering creative activities and structured wellbeing sessions. Participant feedback guided the programme, ensuring relevance and impact.
We secured an ABZ Works Digital Skills tender, co-designing a programme for 10 participants focused on content creation, including photography, podcasting, and social media. Outcomes included one participant gaining employment, two applying for college, one volunteering in social media, and another planning to join our BFI Academy.
“I found the programme fun, gaining new skills and more confidence in myself”
Employability Participant
Training Academy Case Study
Nico’s Journey*
Nico’s story highlights the transformative impact of personalised support and engagement opportunities provided through our CashBack NorthEast programme. Nico, a school 'Winter Leaver', faced significant challenges, including poor school attendance, involvement with the police, and substance use. Recognising his unique needs, we developed a tailored 1:1 support package that focused on dedicated music sessions and personal development.
Initially referred by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) after struggling to fit in at college, Nico faced low expectations for engagement. However, his interest in music sparked a positive response, and he eagerly embraced the opportunity to attend shmu twice weekly for music and personal development sessions. Reflecting on his experience, Nico’s mother shared: “He talks very fondly of the staff at shmu, saying how much they support and understand him, and how he feels really valued.”
Despite initial concerns, Nico’s attendance was excellent, and his motivation remained consistent. He actively engaged, overcoming challenges related to his age and barriers to employment. With support, Nico created a CV and began applying for jobs, demonstrating resilience despite setbacks. Speaking about his journey, Nico remarked: “I love creating beats, writing songs, and learning from talented people in a welcoming environment.”
The impact of the programme extended beyond employability. Nico’s mother noted a profound change in his personal life: “He’s integrated back into our family unit, disassociated himself from negative peers, and there’s been no substance misuse. He even wants to go for runs with his dad and join us for family activities.”
In December 2023, Nico successfully completed the CashBack NorthEast Training Academy programme and transitioned to our Discover employability programme, followed by the Stage 3 Succeed Employability programme in Stonehaven. While initially apprehensive about moving to a group setting, Nico adapted, completed the course, and earned his employability award. Reflecting on his future, Nico made the mature decision to return to school to complete his qualifications, with plans to pursue Higher Music, National 5 Physics, and additional courses at NESCOL.
Nico’s mother expressed her gratitude, saying: “I can’t thank your service enough. He even said if he had to stop attending sessions, he’s no longer in a dark place and wants someone else in need to take his spot.”
Nico’s journey demonstrates the power of personalised support in overcoming significant barriers, helping him build a brighter, more structured future.
* Nico is a pseudonym
“We learned a lot about lighting, sound and cinematography which was very informative, and I learned a lot. It made me more interested in pursuing film at university”
participant
BFI Film Academy
Creativity and expression, from script to screen
In 2023–24, we delivered our tenth Aberdeen BFI Film Academy, jointly funded by the BFI and Creative Scotland. This programme provided young people passionate about filmmaking the opportunity to work alongside industry mentors and produce two short films.
The project began with two introductory sessions focused on the course structure, qualifications, and idea generation. These sessions prepared participants for the intensive week, allowing them to start developing screenplays and building relationships early.
Masterclasses were delivered by a Cinematographer/Editor who led workshops on camera, lighting, and editing. shmu’s Nick Meiklejohn also contributed with a session based on his experience as a scriptwriter for BBC productions. The completed films were showcased at the Scottish Youth Film Festival, the Northern Lens Youth Film Festival in Aberdeen, and at a public parliamentary reception at Holyrood celebrating Scottish screen talent. Participants were also supported to submit their films to other national and international festivals.
Most participants now intend to study film at college or university, with many using their course experience to enhance their applications.
Highlights this year…
An experienced cinematographer delivered in-depth sessions on camera and lighting, significantly improving participants’ technical skills.
Participants engaged effectively with pre-production and on-location tasks, producing impressive films.
A collaborative approach to the editing process enhanced teamwork and creativity.
The films produced were showcased at the Scottish Youth Film Festival and the Northern Lens Youth Film Festival, and screened publicly at a parliamentary reception at Holyrood celebrating the achievements of Scottish Screen
The year in numbers
20 young people took part in the shmu BFI Film Academy
2 films were produced: “Love Left Behind” and “A Song Reborn”
17 young people achieved the NPA Television Production (Level 5) qualification.
12 young people moved on to study film related courses at college or university.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Transforming the curriculum
Contracted through Aberdeenshire Council, our Foundation Apprenticeships (FA) programme is now in its fifth year, offering young people across Aberdeenshire valuable, real-world work experience and work-based learning while they are still at school. Pupils begin their Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 or S6 and complete it alongside their other subjects over the course of a full academic year. The programme includes time spent out of school at shmu, giving pupils hands-on industry experience.
Initially focused on the Creative & Digital Media framework, the programme has expanded to include IT Software and IT Hardware qualifications. Our Creative & Digital Media FA has grown significantly since its inception, supporting 17 pupils from one school in its first year to 74 pupils from 10 schools across Aberdeenshire in the 2023–24 academic year. Additionally, we continued to deliver both the NPA and SVQ (work-based units) for the IT Software and IT Hardware frameworks, supporting a further 22 pupils in 2023–24.
In addition to delivering the FA Creative and Digital, in 22-23 we secured the contract to deliver both the NPA and SVQ (work-based units) for the IT Hardware and IT Software frameworks, supporting and additional 27 pupils across both qualifications.
Highlights this year…
Professional Development Days brought pupils from different FA frameworks together to enhance their professional industry skills:
Creative & Digital Media (CDM) pupils participated in an audio workshop on foley and sound design, delivered by practitioner Ali Murray, hosted at Midmill School.
IT Hardware and Software pupils attended a session at One Tech Hub, featuring presentations and engagement with industry professionals.
A CDM participant secured a place on the BA Filmmaking course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Another CDM participant now hosts a weekly slot on Deveron FM and produces a monthly podcast for Banff Academy while completing their final year at school.
Many participants progressed to university or college to pursue studies in the Creative Industries.
"I am now attending RGU studying journalism, I would love to get into sports journalism eventually and really feel the FA helped me and I would not have got in if I didn’t gain this qualification from the FA CDM."
Foundation Apprenticeship participant
The year in numbers
74 young people took part in the Creative & Digital Media FA
68 young people passed the Creative & Digital Media FA – a pass rate of 84%
15 young people took part in the IT Software FA
7 young people took part in the IT Hardware FA
10 young people secured the full IT FA – a pass rate of 45%
“I have thoroughly enjoyed expanding my knowledge in the industry and developing new and old skills..... I surprised myself at the quality of work I am able to produce, but also my ability to recognise where I went wrong, search for answers and implement solutions. This could not, however, have been without assistance and encouragement from you both. I am proud to have been mentored and taught by two incredibly professional and knowledgeable individuals!
Foundation Apprenticeship participant
I am beyond excited to bring these experiences and skills to NESCOL for the HND Cybersecurity course, and beyond... Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity.’ IT FA participant
OUR ASSOCIATED PROGRAMMES
Working with partners across a range of sectors, shmu increasingly plays a key strategic role locally, regionally, and nationally to support the development of new initiatives. These initiatives focus on sharing good practice and influencing future development and policy.
shmu's associated programmes are closely aligned with our core aims, contributing to enhanced opportunities and experiences for some of the most vulnerable individuals and communities across Scotland.
Following successful consortia bids in previous financial years, shmu continues to act as a fund-holder, enabling the organisation to support exciting and significant projects. This role allows shmu to play a key part in their development, including the North East Culture Collective (NECC): a network of creative practitioners collaborating on co-designed projects with organisations and communities across the North East of Scotland, and the Remembering Together Covid-19 Memorial Project.
"It’s a bit of a thought to come to Rosemount for the session every week. I feel very anxious about the sessions in the morning when I wake up and in the car on the way here. But when I get into the room here, I feel OK once I sit down and when I start to focus on drawing, I feel relaxed and very calm, and I enjoy it a lot."
Participant Fit Like Hubs
North East Culture Collective (NECC)
A Cultural Collective exploring new connections between Communities and Creative Practitioners.
The North East Culture Collective (NECC) is the last remaining active collective of the 26 Culture Collectives that formed the Scotland-wide Culture Collectives network (CCSN) in 2021. CCSN was a Scottish Government initiative, managed and funded through Creative Scotland, bringing together a diverse range of collectives from Hawick to the Highlands and Ayrshire to Aberdeen. NECC is delivered by shmu on behalf of Culture Aberdeen, an independent cultural network responsible for leading and implementing the region’s cultural strategy.
Through an application to Creative Scotland on behalf of Culture Aberdeen, shmu secured an initial award of £300,000, followed by an extension award of £216,000. These funds helped establish a network of creative practitioners working on co-designed projects with organisations and communities across the North East of Scotland. The projects were developed in response to challenges, issues, and ideas identified by project partners, aiming to make a positive difference locally in response to COVID-19 and other national issues. Each project defined its unique ambitions, outcomes, and outputs while contributing to the NECC’s three overarching ambitions:
These are:
Embedding creative and cultural practice more deeply into community planning structures and project development.
Supporting communities—both geographical and of shared interest—to explore creative opportunities and develop confidence and skills for future partnerships and commissioning.
Empowering local creative practitioners and organisations to gain experience, skills, and opportunities within the participatory arts sector.
Highlights this year…
Creative practitioners participating in NECC have reported significant benefits, including training, networking, and developing new creative skills. Most practitioners have secured further work in participatory arts, and partner organisations continue to integrate creative activities into their core delivery.
After successful completion of phases 1 & 2, phase 3 involves a co-produced project with the communities of Woodside, Tillydrone, and Seaton, exploring how creativity can engage, empower, and amplify the voices of these communities to effect change in their local areas.
NECC continues to collaborate with the city’s Community Planning team to explore the extended role of culture in wider sectoral activities and identify future opportunities.
On-site activity for the national COVID-19 Memorial project (Remembering Together), which shmu is managing, is scheduled to commence in March 2025.
The year in numbers
10 projects commissioned.
Over 30 community and cultural organisations, health groups, and local authority departments involved as project partners.
13 commissioned creative practitioners working across multiple projects.
3 creative practitioners recruited to deliver consultation work for the Remembering Together COVID-19 memorial initiative, with 1 additional practitioner designing and leading the final memorial: a sculpture to be placed in a central green space in Aberdeen.
“Flo shared stories. Her daughter paints as does Flo. She showed me her garden outside, she is keen to do a little bit of weeding which I can help her with. She struggles with gardening on her own now. We talked about flowers. She talked about being active throughout her life - enjoying golf and tennis. She used to be a hairdresser.”
Creative Practitioner Active/Creative
For me shmu is a place which helps me talk with others in a comfortable environment and encourages me to leave my house since I have been previously isolated. It helps me to socialise in a way I couldn’t find before."
Youth Media participant
shmuTRADE
Providing ethical and affordable commercial media services
shmuTRADE is the trading arm of shmu, offering a range of media services through a tiered pricing structure tailored to be affordable for community groups, individuals, small businesses, and third-sector organisations. Our structured approach to pricing considers clients’ ability to pay and the potential impact our support can have on their communities or service users.
We continue to develop shmuTRADE as “The GO-TO Digital Design Agency” for the third sector and small SME sector across the North-East. Any surplus generated by this strand is unrestricted, enabling us to reinvest in supporting existing programmes and exploring new areas of work.
Highlights this year…
We have seen a shift in enquiries to website creation and digital support.
The year in numbers
12 digital projects
4 shmuTV projects
A number of community organisations were supported in refining and updating their websites.
We were commissioned to undertake a series of films for NESCAN as part of their ‘Just Transition Communities project’.
We produced a series of recruitment films for Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, aimed at filling hard-to-recruit roles.
We were commissioned by IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health) to produce a training film preparing members for the possibility of being “Interviewed Under Caution” for health and safety breaches at work.
"THANK YOU so much for all your hard work on this, and I know we never have the best timelines for these things, but again you have supported us all the way!”
TRADE client
“My mental health has improved drastically, and the walks are good as we are going outside, getting into nature. I am well supported too by the staff and without coming to shmu, I don’t think I would be here.”
Community Media Participant
Financial Statement
The accounts for the financial year 2023-24 were prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in our Memorandum and Articles of Association, The Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Account and Reporting by Charities; Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
The charity holds both restricted and unrestricted funds dictated by the funding agreements entered into with the various funding bodies. Restricted funds are spent only for the specific projects for which they were granted; unrestricted funds are spent according to how the Trustees see fit in line with the aims and objectives of the Organisation as a whole.
The total income from charitable activities during the year was £1,551,005 compared to £1,592,861 in 2022-23. The total cost for charitable activities during the year was £1,697,937 compared to £1,434,204 in the previous year. This resulted in a net deficit for the year of £146,932, compared to a net surplus of £135,057 in 22-23. Unrestricted funds were in surplus of £176,429 and restricted funds in deficit of £323,361.
Total funds held by the organisation on the 31st March 2024, were £1,279,743, being £678,179 in restricted funds and £601,564 in unrestricted funds.
The financial year 2024-25 is expected to see incoming resources for charitable activities to continue to be in the region of £1.4m, a considerable achievement for the organisation in the present financial climate.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2024
Our Funders
We are committed to achieving a sustainable financial model for the organisation, which combines contracted income generation alongside grant funding. Through initiatives such as Foundation Apprenticeships and our employability contracts, any surplus unrestricted income is reinvested back into the organisation’s core work, ensuring we can continue to support and empower the communities we serve.
It is important to acknowledge that the majority of our programmes would not be possible without the generous support of our funders. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, which enable us to deliver the projects and activities that transform so many lives across the region.
Aberdeenshire Council - Digital Library
Aberdeenshire Council- Website Development
Aberdeen City Council - Core Funding – strategic support
Aberdeen City Council – Woodside Community Project
Aberdeen City Council – Seasonal Funds – Youth Media Festive Trip. Easter in the City, Autumn in the City
ABZworks- No one Left Behind-Employer Recruitment incentive- No One Left Behind
ACVO – Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund – Wellbeing Support
BBC Children in Need-Youth Social Action Fund – Youth Social Action
BFI Film Academy – shmu BFI Film Academy
Creative Scotland Culture Collective Fund - North East Culture Collective
Creative Scotland YMI Access Youth Music – Youth Music Forum
Creative Scotland YMI Strengthening Youth Music –Pitching Up and Making Waves
Creative Scotland - Screen Educators in Residence
Fairer Aberdeen Fund – Community Media, TRAIN, Youth Media, Adult Services
Fairer Aberdeen Fund- Woodside Decides
Fairer Aberdeen Community Support Fund – PRESS (printing and delivery), Newsdesk
Greenspace – Remembering Together
Pathways- TRAIN
Scottish Government CashBack for Communities –Youth, Training Academy, Engage
Scottish Government Investing in Communities – Adult Services, Community TV
Screen Education Edinburgh – Screen Progression Programme
Sean Connery Foundation – Screen Education & Youth Filmmaking
Youth Link CLD Workplace Development fund- Training
