Meet Paige, a Holyrood resident with a unique perspective on how we’re strengthening our community, one step at a time
Dev: How did taking part in Gabriel’s workshop change the way you feel about being physically active?
Page: At first, I was hesitant, I peeked in thinking I might just go do some crafts instead. But I got gently encouraged to join, and though I was a bit startled at first, I took a seat and gave it a go.
What I learned was to forget those thoughts like “Can I do this?” or “Should I be nervous?” The group was welcoming, upbeat, and the focus was on doing things at your own pace and style.
Yes, we followed certain movements, but there was room to make it your own. That freedom made it feel more like expression than exercise.
Even with a swollen foot, I was still able to take part in a way that felt right for me. It was low pressure but still engaging — I felt positive, fluid, even a bit free.
Normally I’d be quite stiff and guarded, but the way the workshop included everyone, regardless of ability or experience, helped break that down. We partnered up, followed each other’s movements, and worked together. It made me feel part of something, like I mattered.
Dev: Can you share a moment during the Hub this year when you felt a sense of achievement or pride?
Page: There have been so many moments. Just having the Hub here is incredible – we need more spaces like this. It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about relaxing, talking, playing, and genuinely connecting.
One moment that really stood out was during the film screening. We were given lyrics to sing along, but I couldn’t even sing, I was so overwhelmed.
It was powerful, not just because of the words, but the energy and action behind them. Seeing children from all kinds of backgrounds and stages in life performing together – it was an infusion of culture that really made it so powerful to me, to be honest.
Another moment was when I was having a walk in the morning and the local artist asked me if I wanted to write a note to a stranger. That simple act, writing something kind and hanging it on a tree – I thought, wow, that’s just amazing. It’s just communicating with someone that we’re probably connected to, but we don’t know.
I wrote: “If you conquer your mind, you conquer the world.” It reminded me that everything is in the mind, the result of every situation is dependent on how we absorb it. We could take it as a threat, we could take it as a challenge, we could take it as a positive, we could take it as a negative.
For me, it was just like, if you think you can do something, you can. Sometimes we forget the power of positivity, and a message like that can change someone’s entire day. It was really very lifting and empowering.
Dev: Why is it important that events like this happen at Holyrood?
Page: It’s essential, not just important. I grew up with youth clubs, scout groups, and community centres. Those spaces gave us belonging. Now, so many of them are disappearing, replaced with housing or lost altogether.
But this Hub isn’t just for kids, it’s for everyone. When you see grandparents, parents, and children all taking part in the same activity, it reminds you of what community really means. Especially in an inner-city estate like this, which is so diverse and multicultural, these events bring colour and connection.
They offer a break from the stresses of life and bring people together in a way that feels natural and joyful. I hope it continues, because this is what community looks like — looking out for each other, sharing culture, and remembering that we’re not alone. And in the end, culture is life.
