Renfrewshire’s successful Street Stuff youth activity programme has seen the number of young people attending sessions dramatically increase over the last 12 months.
Figures released in a report discussed at Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board on 8 June show that there were more than 37,000 attendances at Street Stuff events in 2015/2016 compared with 25,000 for the previous year.
Over the last 12 months, Street Stuff sessions have taken place in communities across Renfrewshire and new activities such as dance sessions have been added to the programme. New activities and expanded holiday sessions accounted for more than 6,000 extra attendances.
Renfrewshire Council Leader, Councillor Mark Macmillan, said:
‘The council took the step to invest further in Street Stuff in June 2015 and these figures more than justify that decision.
They show the real impact that the programme has made, working with young people from communities across Renfrewshire week in, week out throughout the year.
‘As well as having fun with their friends, the kids who come along are learning about living healthily and keeping safe.
‘Providing positive activities for young people and bringing them together across community boundaries has supported a marked decrease in youth crime and antisocial behaviour in our communities.
‘Also, providing these activities free of charge and making free hot food or snacks available at many Street Stuff events is helping to tackle issues of poverty that still affect too many of our young people.’
A key part of the success of Street Stuff has been the Youth Bus, a customised vehicle kitted-out for gaming and dance sessions.
The idea has now been taken up as part of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture in 2021.
Over the coming months, Street Stuff regulars will have the chance to have their say about a new Culture Bus designed to take the bid out to young people across Renfrewshire. The Culture Bus will provide a range of exciting cultural activities for young people.