New programme to help Renfrewshire youngsters stay safe

Renfrewshire Council's community, learning and development team has piloted the Good Vibes programme to support 12 to 15-year-olds in keeping safe within their communities.

The programme was developed after an outreach programme conducted in the summer months, where partners working with the council spoke with more than 450 young people living across Renfrewshire.

Good Vibes aims to educate young people on community issues such as alcohol, drugs, vaping, positive behaviour on public transport, and gender-based violence.

Participants will receive training on first aid and fire safety during the seven-week programme and will earn Young Scot reward points for their involvement.

Good Vibes is supported by £100,000 funding allocated in the council’s budget in February 2024 and will form part of a wider programme of work with young people living across Renfrewshire’s communities.

The programme was spearheaded by Councillor Robert Innes, depute convener of the council’s communities and housing policy board.

Councillor Innes said: "I’m delighted to see this important pilot programme begin.

"It will support young people and provide them with the skills and awareness to keep them and their communities safe.

"The hope is that this work will help to both reduce anti-social behaviour and assist the council and its partners in understanding what our young people in Renfrewshire actually want."

Good Vibes is an extension of existing programmes provided by the community learning and development team and partners, including Street Stuff, which the Care Inspectorate recognised as an example of best practice.

Street Stuff has been proven to develop young people's confidence and empower them to foster positive relationships within their communities.

Partners for the Good Vibes programme involved include Renfrewshire Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Resource (RADAR), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland’s community team, McGills, St Mirren FC, and OneRen.