A new course designed to get at-risk young people Off the Bench and into employment has been launched.
The St Mirren Charitable Foundation programme kicks off later this month in partnership with the SPFL Trust.
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The 16-week course aims to provide people aged 18 to 24 with the tools and skills required to find a new job and steer them away from antisocial behaviour.
With input from Police Scotland and a range of third sector organisations, participants will gain SQA qualifications, as well as work towards their SFA coaching badges.
Michael Campbell, the trust’s community development officer, said the course offers the perfect springboard for young people to start their new careers and change their lives for the better.
He said: “The course will focus on the skills needed to get into employment.
“We have a number of organisations which will come in and provide input.
“Throughout the course, the young people will have a chance to work towards their coaching badges and also towards SQA
qualifications.
“We will give them help on CVs, looking for work and also building their confidence.
“We know that the pandemic has been tough on young people particularly.
“Finding a job can be difficult, so this course is an ideal platform for them to go on to the next stage in full-time employment.
“We want to take young people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour or who are at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour and give them an opportunity to take a different path.”
The course, which will take place every Tuesday for 16 weeks, starting on May 18, is funded through the CashBack for Communities scheme, which uses money seized from criminals to fund programmes to benefit the wider community.
To take part, you must be referred by an organisations such as the Salavation Army, Paisley YMCA, Kibble.
For more information email foundation@stmirren.com
