A mother has shared how a music and social change programme helped her family start a new life in Glasgow.

Reem Merencilla, who moved from Dubai to Govanhill in 2018, credits the Big Noise music programme with transforming their lives.

Her children, Al Monzer and Asmaa Ahmed, aged nine and seven at the time, joined the initiative, which offers free after-school music lessons and support to people in the area.

Reem said the programme provided a safe place for her children to go after school and allowed her to pursue a Master's degree.

Asmaa Ahmed plays the flute (Image: Quantum Communications Group Limited) She said: "I think if my kids weren’t involved in Big Noise I would still be struggling.

"It was a big relief that they were able to adjust and make friends.

"It is a very diverse community. They never felt inferior – everyone is very friendly. It has helped me make friends too."

She said the programme helped her children, who play the clarinet and flute, discover new skills and become part of the community.

They have performed onstage with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and at the Scottish Parliament, and have travelled all over Scotland performing with Big Noise.

Al Monzer plays the clarinet (Image: Quantum Communications Group Limited) She said: "I didn’t expect that they would grow this much.

"Big Noise really helps a lot of kids and parents.

“I recently passed my Master’s degree at Strathclyde University. Big Noise kept all my children busy so I can study.

“It helped me a lot. It is hard to move to a new place. Big Noise helped me and my kids.

“They made friends, they became part of the community, and they grew in confidence.

“My daughter was not very good at speaking to people – she was very shy and nervous.

“Now she talks to anyone. Even I am surprised at her confidence.”

Her experience with Big Noise has also inspired Ms Merencilla to plan a social enterprise to promote entrepreneurship in communities like Govanhill.

Big Noise, run by Sistema Scotland, is a music education and social change programme.

The initiative creates a community symphony orchestra, helping participants gain vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity, and aspiration.

Alison Gornall, head of centre at Big Noise Govanhill, said: "Reem, Al Monzer and Asmaa have become a really important part of our Big Noise Govanhill community, and it has been wonderful watching Al Monzer and Asmaa flourish over the years.

"Their experience underlines how important our holistic and inclusive approach is.

“At Big Noise Govanhill we have welcomed many families who are new to Scotland, and as with every young person who joins the programme, we make every effort to support them to feel included in our community, unleash their potential, and achieve their goals."