“Queens” Group Take on Fashion Project at NESCol

Over the past year, Streetsport staff have been working closely with a motivated group of young girls who regularly attend our sessions. They had expressed a desire to create more opportunities, not only for themselves, but also for others within their local communities and what began as a small conversation has grown into something much bigger. Since forming, the group has expanded in both confidence and size, and now proudly consists of ten dedicated girls who chose to name themselves “Queens.” The name reflects their growing sense of identity, unity and ambition.

The Queens meet regularly with three committed members of the Streetsport team to share ideas, shape improvements to sessions, and explore ways they can positively impact their communities. Together, they discuss what skills they want to develop, what changes they hope to make, and what personal development opportunities will help them reach their full potential.

Aimee Culley, Streetsport Operations Coordinator said “Having a group like this is exactly what the Denis Law Legacy Trust stands for, young people creating positive change within their own communities. The Queens are incredibly driven, focused, and an absolute pleasure to work with. They are true role models for others and a real credit to themselves.”

After discussing personal development opportunities with the group, staff contacted NESCol to explore short courses that could help the girls build new skills, experience a college environment, and start thinking about future pathways beyond school. NESCol’s Fashion & Textiles department at the Aberdeen City Campus responded with an exciting proposal: a hands‑on project where the girls would design and create their own tote bags, followed by a professional-style fashion photoshoot to showcase their work.

The project aimed to support the girls in developing a personal identity or celebrating someone they admire, while also giving them the chance to learn new skills such as pattern making, sewing, printing, and photography. Just as importantly, it offered a valuable opportunity to experience what a further or higher education setting is like and to build confidence in exploring their next steps.

The group worked incredibly well together and also had the opportunity to collaborate with Art, Design, Textiles, Fashion & Visual Communication, Curriculum Manager, Janice Scott, who guided and supported them throughout the process of creating their individual tote bags. Janice shared her thoughts on the project, saying “"it was great to meet the Queens group, when they came to NESCol fashion and textiles department, to gain some skills in textile printing and sewing and see how well they engaged with the challenges which the project tasked them with. working with young people to engage them in the opportunities which further education can provide for career goals is our aim and I definitely saw some budding designers and fashion models within this group. They were fun to work with and their enthusiasm and enjoyment in taking part with the project was fantastic.”

Kailyn, 14, Queens participant had this to say about the experience “ It was a fun and creative project that helped us all communicate with each other, learn new skills and express ourselves.”

Ava, 15, Queens participant also added “ It was such a fun, hands on experience! Janice really helped us through each step from our initial ideas to the final printed bags. The project gave me the confidence to experiment with different textures and designs, it has really been a great project and made me think about future pathways at NESCol.”

Hannah Clews, Development Manager - Denis Law Legacy Trust stated “Opportunities like our recent Queens group visits to NESCol are invaluable. By engaging young people in their own communities and then supporting them into experiences like this, we help them build confidence, explore new skills, and see futures they may never have imagined. We’re incredibly grateful to the NESCol staff for welcoming our young people and making this creative experience possible.”

Denis Law Legacy Trust would like to extend our sincere thanks to NESCol for their ongoing support in empowering young people to reach their full potential. We are grateful for their continued collaboration on short course projects and for the valuable pathways they help create into further education for the young people we work with.