Autumn Newsletter 2025

Welcome to our newsletter, with updates from the service as well as information on upcoming events.
If you want to be added to our mailing lists to receive updates, please reach out to communications@upmo.org.uk

Connect Outdoors

Our Connect Outdoors programme has now come to a successful close after nine inspiring weeks. The course was designed to help students connect with nature, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. Led by our wonderful mountain leader, Emily — who was organised, enthusiastic, and incredibly supportive — students completed seven hikes, starting with the sunny Braehills and finishing atop Arthur’s Seat in true Scottish fashion: torrential rain! The final hike was entirely student-led, with participants planning the route and timings themselves, showing great teamwork and independence.

Each week had a different theme, including equipment, navigation, mountain safety, and conservation. Highlights included sessions with a real-life mountain rescue member, the Head of Outreach for the John Muir Trust, and a senior gear expert, all of whom brought fantastic knowledge and inspiration. At the end of the course, every student received a certificate to mark their achievement. The experience was loved by students, parents, and staff alike — and has set a strong foundation for next year’s focus on the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Sponsored walk

Upmo’s Annual Sponsored Walk was a fantastic success once again! Our students and staff did an outstanding job, and the rain held off. We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed so generously—thanks to you, we reached a total of £1726. Your support means the world to us, and every donation truly makes a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for helping us continue our mission!

Site News

Links House

The art workshops have been busy exploring autumn and Halloween-themed projects. Students have been creating modroc and fabric puppets, Halloween garlands, spooky trees, Diwali-inspired artwork, and autumn wreaths.
Next, they will be studying the artist and sculptor Nnena Kalu, the first learning-disabled artist ever nominated for the Turner Prize. Born in Glasgow, Kalu’s work focuses on the process of wrapping different materials to form sculptures and using circular, repetitive movements in her drawings.
The VR group is continuing to develop their own Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, building teamwork skills and learning to collaborate more cohesively.

The Photography group hopes to return to Dynamic Earth to capture impactful scenery that highlights climate issues.
In IT, students are working on a range of digital art projects, including illustrating maps to make them more engaging and dynamic.
Finally, the students are delighted with the new mural in the chill-out zone, which beautifully captures the rolling Scottish landscape and the shifting light from sun to moon.

St Margaret’s House

The Upmo Experience Rock Band gave another fantastic performance at Pilrig High School — always a highlight for everyone involved. The drama group completed a series of short films and hosted a hilarious and much-loved Upmo Film Festival, which showcased everyone’s hard work and sense of humour. In retail, students continue to sell their handmade goods at the Newhailes Sunday Market, with some Christmas markets also lined up. Meanwhile, the music group has been focusing on curating a strong setlist in preparation for performing outside of Upmo and refining their cover songs.

Gorebridge

Things are thriving in Gorebridge under the leadership of new team leader, Joe. The group has been working on autumn-themed art projects, including leaf art, a large mural tree, and Halloween-inspired crafts such as pumpkin carving.
Gardening has also been going well, with onions, carrots, and parsnips planted. Looking ahead, the team is excited to start on Christmas-themed projects and begin planning for their Duke of Edinburgh certification, which will take place next year.
In cooking sessions, students have enjoyed making a delicious range of dishes including lemon drizzle cake, Victoria sponge, Chinese chicken curry, pasta bolognese, and pumpkin soup.

Prestonpans

It’s been a busy and creative few months in Prestonpans. Students have been taking part in chair yoga sessions, learning and adapting new moves, and joining in a lively sign-along dance routine to Pink Pony Club and The Soda Pop Demon Hunters. The Tuesday group recently enjoyed a seasonal trip to a pumpkin patch and took part in apple harvesting, followed by a private art tour at Jupiter Artland. They’ve also continued their regular beach cleans with the Seabird Centre, learning about local wildlife, insects, and plants. As we move into the festive season, the group is looking forward to wreath making and Christmas ornament crafts in November and December.

In the kitchen, the Wednesday group has been exploring new recipes, using produce from the garden and building confidence with new ingredients. The Friday cooking group has been taking a sensory approach, focusing on one key ingredient each week — from tofu and cardamom to coconut and cheese — experimenting with both sweet and savoury dishes. Meanwhile, the Thursday art group have been learning how to use a sewing machine, experimenting with different stitches, and creating sensory fidget toys.

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