Three cheers for summer camps
Fanatastic programme of Street Stuff events kicks off
Council leader Iain Nicolson was on the ball at a fun event for young people.
Mr Nicolson visited popular youth programme Street Stuff as its summer programme got into full swing with football, dance and computer games.
And he even managed to have a game of footie while there.
And the youngsters gave him their opinions of the programme of events that are designed to keep them busy over the holidays.
Jay Gibson, aged 15, said: “I love coming along to the Street Stuff summer camps because I can have fun with my friends.
“There are so many activities that I can join in, which is great.”
An extraordinary 43,000 young people took part in Street Stuff activities in 2016, 13 per cent more than the previous year.
The youngsters got involved in everything from football, dance, and cheerleading to clubbercise, gaming, DJ workshops, filming and much more.
Over the last 12 months, Renfrewshire Council says it has invested in five Street Stuff youth buses as part of a range of initiatives aimed at supporting those who experience the most barriers towards reaching their full potential.
The buses were designed both inside and out by young people attending the organisation’s programme and now include iPads, MacBooks, DJ decks and a fresh vibrant exterior.
Since the programme began in 2009, bosses say Renfrewshire has reduced youth disorder and antisocial behaviour by 75 per cent over the first five years, and attained a 42 per cent increase in the number of young people attending the programme over the last three years.
Mr Nicolson said: “Street Stuff has made a real impact on the lives of young people and communities across Renfrewshire, and that is why I wanted to visit the summer camps to see for myself what makes it so successful.
“The programme offers a wide range of activities that young people have said they enjoy.
“Those who come along to the summer camps also receive a healthy meal as part of a range of measures supporting young people to reach their full potential, regardless of their background.
“There has been a dramatic fall in youth crime and antisocial behaviour since the programme began in 2009.
“At the same time, there has been a significant rise in the number of young people taking part, with more than 43,000 youngsters getting involved in 2016.
“St reet Stu f f is about inclusiveness, engaging with young people, and promoting education, volunteering and employment.
“That philosophy continues in how we work with young people, with the new youth buses having been designed by young people for young people and kitted out with interactive facilities that they want, including DJ decks, filming equipment, iPads and games consoles.”
The summer programme runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 1pm to 5pm at St Mirren Football Club and at venues across Renfrewshire Monday to Friday, from 1pm to 5pm.
For full details of the summer programme, visit renfrewshire.gov. uk/streetstuff