We thank everyone who attended the free community cinema screenings and participated in the library lounge events featuring reading and discussions in 2024. It has been a wonderful opportunity to explore climate justice within our community and to hear your incredible stories and memories.
We are extremely grateful to our funders, including the Highland Council Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, the Community Regeneration Fund, the SSEN – Gordonbush Community Fund, and the Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund. Their support has made it possible for us to deliver this exciting programme.
The People’s Mobile Archive (PMA) enhances access to heritage resources and empowers communities to remain connected, active, and mentally stimulated in a safe and friendly environment. Participants of all ages engaged with climate and social justice themes embedded in local and global histories. We are thrilled the PMA continues to positively impact the well-being of people in Helmsdale and District, and audiences in East Sutherland, Caithness, and beyond. This is evident in the increased attendance, positive feedback on accessibility, and the growing demand to provide support and connectivity for older and isolated individuals, caregivers, families, youth, and marginalised groups.
We have lots more events to come in 2025, including community film screenings, library lounge events, symposiums, podcast workshops, digitising and mapping object stories, and opportunities to explore our refurbished collection storeroom. But before we look at the future let us take a second to celebrate some of the highlights from the past year!
In 2024 we created a new accessible library lounge for gatherings and events. Over 350 people attended 15 accessible film screenings. More than 300 people participated in 18 Library Lounge events. We added 50 new climate and local history books to the library collection. Pupils from Helmsdale Primary School engaged in museum conservation and climate justice events. We collaborated with the Moray Firth Coastal Patnersnerip and launched our community Seashore Hub beach clean tool shed. We collaborated with the Glasgow Zine Library to create climate justice zines inspired by Gaelic place names. The heritage group organised local history talks, walks, and graveyard recording sessions.
As we plan for the next season, we appreciate your feedback on the PMA and suggestions for the programme. We cannot wait to share with you the exciting line up of events and welcome you back for more PMA initiatives in 2025!