A FANTASTIC opportunity is coming up to take part two free art workshops aimed at anyone with hearing loss, deafness, or other sensory issues .

Claire Beattie, an inspiring local artist will be partnering with Borders Hearing Care to lead these sessions in their cosy colourful shop in Galashiels.

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These illuminating art workshops are part of: Art’n About in Gala, a community arts programme supported by Energise Galashiels Trust, funded by Scottish Borders Council and South of Scotland Enterprise, and delivered by Transform Arts CIC a local social enterprise.

Shona Jackson, owner & audiologist at Borders Hearing Care has a strong background and interest in art and community learning.

Border Telegraph: Claire BeattieClaire Beattie (Image: Borders Hearing Care)

Her shop has recently hosted two family arts events as part of the Art’n About in Gala programme and is excited to announce further sessions with Claire Beattie, artist in November.

She says, “As hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, we want our clients and wider community to enjoy meaningful relationships and enjoy a greater state of social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being.

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“Well-being is a main focus of the art project, this is where we make our biggest impact on people’s lives, as hearing loss can be a cause of depression.

“Through connection and creativity we can better help our clients to connect socially, and to thrive mentally and emotionally, and what better way to meet new friends and have some fun with our collaborative art sessions!”

The sessions are hoped to further the aims of Borders Hearing Care: raising awareness of issues around hearing, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps towards protecting their hearing health and promoting understanding and support for individuals with hearing impairment or deafness.

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Claire Beattie will lead two multi-media and sensory workshops using paper in different ways to create interesting creations such as woven paper tiles, embossed paper spirals and prints using photo sensitive papers.

“An opportunity to relax, try something creative and new and switch off. No previous experience is required - it’s all about enjoying the creative process.

Member of the public can book a place and join in for one or both sessions. All ages and abilities welcome. U16's must bring an accompanying adult, carers are welcome.

Saturdays November 11th & 18th 10.30am-2pm at Borders Hearing Care, 52 Channel Street, Galashiels, TD1 1BA

Bookings - For more info & bookings please visit the Transform Arts CIC website: www.transformartscic.co.uk/events or email Lara if you have any questions: transformartscic@outlook.com

Further information: Shona Jackson of Borders Hearing Care shona@bordershearingcare.co.uk

Lara Transform Arts CIC transformartscic@outlook.com 07533360861