Our Heads Up project currently supports 120 referred young people, aged 12 –14 from all secondary schools in West Dunbartonshire’ . Each of the young people are referred by their pastoral care teachers for reasons which may include early drug/alcohol experimentation, low confidence/self esteem, challenging behavioural issues, bullying and poor attendance/truancy.

Heads Up is delivered during school term, over 2 periods per day, but also supports young people during their schools holidays with various leisure activities and issue based workshops including sexual health, healthy eating & the importance of keeping active. Many progress to our Inspiring Scotland programme. This now provides the young people with 3 years continuous support, enabling them to have a positive educational experience.

Here’s a brief snapshot of our evaluation of the programme:

Raising confidence and self esteem

Increasing knowledge of drug/alcohol issues

Reducing truancy/behaviour cards

Empowering the young people to make positive, informed life choices