Help Save OOSOOM’s Future!
ID: Three people standing next to an banner. Text reads: CAPS Independent Advocacy, helping people to have a stringer voice. On left stands MSP for Lothian region, Foysol Choudhury and on right, two members of CAPS team.
We have been told that Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership intend to withdraw their funding for several CAPS’ Collective Advocacy projects, including Arts as Advocacy and Out of Sight Out of Mind. The final decision was due to be made on 17 June at a meeting of the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB), and this has now been changed to 26 August.
OOSOOM exhibition in 2025 will be unaffected. However, if the cuts happen it would mean a loss of funding for the exhibition in 2026.
CAPS are doing all they can to affect the decision, through raising awareness and through challenging the EIJB.
The above photo was taken at Scottish Parliament Garden Lobby Reception: Voices of Health Creation, on 14 May. Lauren from the Planning Group and Ele from CAPS met Foysol Choudhury, the MSP for Lothian region. Pam was there too on the evening, speaking with people with a OOSOOM t-shirt on! We all, including Jane from CAPS, spoke to attendees about the CAPS projects under threat.
Read more here: Can you help save Collective Advocacy? - CAPS
Read the CAPS statements already collected: Testimonials-collated.pdf
Why it must continue
Here is a summary which outlines the work and just some of the reasons that exhibition must continue. Download it and share as you like.
Our voices matter
The OOSOOM Planning Group are working on behalf of exhibitors by:
asking for statements of support
taking opportunities to speak with people who may have influence
working with the rest of CAPS groups and staff to challenge the cuts
other activities as they arise
Your voice
If you are an exhibitor, planner, visitor or supporter, you can send a written statement which will be included with others collected by CAPS and OOSOOM.
How are you involved?
Why do you think this work is important?
What will the impact be if it is lost?
If you send a statement as an individual, it will be anonymous. If you send one as an organisation, you can tell us if you want yourself and/or the organisation to be named.
Contact:
Pam van de Brug, Arts as Advocacy Manager
E-mail: exhibition@capsadvocacy.org
Mobile: 07989402634
Web form: Contact Us — Out of Sight Out of Mind