Stars of the West is an exciting youth diversion project for young people age 12-16 years residing in Glasgow’s West End. Currently in its fourth week, of a six week programme, held within Partick Burgh Halls, the project involves the young people participating in a series of workshops, predominately professional dance and voice tuition, enabling the participants to learn new skills, build self confidence and make new friends thus diverting the youngsters from committing crime throughout the summer break.

The participants have also enjoyed and benefited from a variety of educational inputs to date, which have included a presentation on gang culture by Police Constable Mike Crofts, a fire and safety in the home presentation, by Community Fire-fighter Martin Miller and a healthy living input, highlighting the dangers of smoking and the sugar content of vending machine snacks by Youth Health Development Workers Sarah Brady and Carol Harvey. All inputs have generated great interest amongst the young people who have listened attentively each week and participated well.

The youngsters are rehearsing each Tuesday working towards a final performance in the form of the highly successful “X - FACTOR” format on Friday 8 August. A panel of high profile judges, including a high ranking police officer, Glasgow Housing Association Management member, Strathclyde University Lecturer and local Councillor will judge the 13 final performances. The winning group will benefit from the opportunity to record their song professionally in a recording studio and produce their personal copy.

All participants are progressing well with an obvious visible improvement on their performing ability; interpersonal skills and self confidence.

The initiative is funded by Glasgow Housing Association, Strathclyde Police, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde West Glasgow CHCP, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Culture & Sport Glasgow.