We are delighted to announce that Firefly Arts, based at Howden Park in Livingston, is our new charity partner, which is part of our ‘Support in the Community Initiative’ to help local charities to raise awareness and much-needed funds.
The youth theatre charity, which was founded over 30 years ago, specialises in providing artistic opportunities, including drama, film and creative projects, for children and young people in the local area to help build confidence, resilience and life skills. Their mission is to ensure every young person feels seen, heard and valued.
The team, which consists of five members of staff and 17 freelance practitioners and volunteers, hosts 12 weekly classes in Livingston and Linlithgow for 5 – 24-year-olds, including an afterschool club in Williamston and run various creative projects with partners across West Lothian like The Vennie recently to create a film entitled ‘Remembering Together’.
The charity also works closely with the Scottish Youth Film Foundation and has just completed an Easter film workshop with the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. Next month, they will be delivering a workshop at Linlithgow Primary School during Mental Health Week to help young people to tap into different ways of managing self-care through drama.
In additional to hosting events and workshops, Firefly Arts also runs an employability programme, which started in 2025 following funding from West Lothian Council, to support young people and help build their confidence, recognise their strengths and take positive steps towards their future.
Throughout the course, attendees work towards their bronze Youth Achievement Award, which is a recognised qualification. Referrals are received through various organisations and young people can also refer themselves.
Electra McPhillips, CEO of Firefly Arts, said: “For over 30 years now we have been championing the talents of young people in West Lothian and helping them to strengthen their confidence, build resilience and step out of their comfort zone and try out new creative skills on stage and behind the scenes.
“All of the skills learned which include everything from gaining a new perspective on situations to reframing problems continues through many areas of their lives, whether it’s in further education or choosing the right career path.
“This fantastic partnership with The Centre, Livingston which we are immensely grateful for, provides a wonderful opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on these talented youngsters who come to us every week and encourage even more to join us and tap into their creative side. It’s a great way to meet new friends and have fun too.”
As part of the partnership, Firefly Arts will receive a £250 Gift Card, pop-up space for a weekend to help raise more awareness of the charity and also marketing support.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to appoint Firefly Arts as our next charity partner. Their work helping young people to build their confidence and resilience and learn new skills for the past 30 years is commendable.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming them into the shopping centre soon to raise even more awareness of the great work they are doing.”
Various Firefly Arts showcases take place each year at Howden Park Centre with a cast of outstanding young people to provide them with the opportunity to put the skills learned into practice, with the next one scheduled for the 23rd and 24th June.
This year’s showcase will also feature a group of young people who will go on to represent Firefly Arts at the National Festival of Youth Theatre (NFYT), giving them an opportunity to meet other young people, attend various workshops and showcase their work.