A man from the Wee County is taking on a crucial role in addressing anti-social behavior in Stirling city center. Craig McIntosh has stepped into the role of a peer mentor to engage with young people and guide them towards better choices and away from risky behavior.
This initiative was made possible through a partnership between Stirling Community Enterprise (SCE), Go Forth Stirling BID, and Police Scotland, with the majority of funding coming from a grant from the Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise Community Justice Fund.
Craig plans to use his own life experiences to connect with young individuals and share the lessons he has learned over the years. His goal is to catch young people at a pivotal moment when they are seeking to make positive changes in their lives.
His work will involve outreach in the city center, engaging with people on the streets, and responding to referrals to make a meaningful impact on their lives. By sharing his personal journey of making mistakes as a teenager and turning his life around, Craig hopes to relate to young people facing similar challenges and guide them towards a better path.
Craig will be stationed at SCE and will collaborate closely with other organizations in Stirling working to combat anti-social behavior, such as Go Forth’s Street Ambassadors, Stirling Council’s Youth Participation Officers, Stirling Street Pastors, and community police officers.
The partners will host a launch event to introduce Craig and showcase the impact of his work. They also aim to involve local businesses and organizations in offering mentoring and job opportunities to young individuals working with Craig and SCE.
The Peer Mentor role was established as part of a collaborative effort between various entities to address anti-social behavior and provide sustainable pathways for young people at risk. By focusing on addressing underlying societal, educational, and economic factors contributing to anti-social behavior, the initiative aims to create a safer and more welcoming environment in Stirling.
Through a peer-led approach, Craig hopes to build relationships with disenfranchised young people, offering them pathways to employment, education, and training opportunities. This, in turn, is expected to boost confidence in Stirling’s economy and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors in the city.
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to empower young people to make positive life choices, strengthen the community, and create a safer and more resilient city center. With plans to expand the team of Peer Mentors in the future, the project is committed to making a lasting impact on the community.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Craig McIntosh and various organizations in Stirling aim to address anti-social behavior, provide support to young individuals, and create a safer and more welcoming city environment. By leveraging personal experiences and community partnerships, the initiative seeks to guide young people towards positive pathways and improve outcomes for the entire community.
