Stroud Rural Peer Education Project

Wotton under Edge, Gloucestershire

The Stroud Rural Peer Education Project was initiated by young people to act as a self-support group in which they could discuss the issues affecting them including substance abuse. It was partly borne out of a lack of facilities and conflict with other members of the community and today has made significant strides in combating such problems.

The main activities of the project are running interactive workshops and consultations for young people on issues such as drugs, sexual issues, bullying, diets and self image. A number of consultation projects on a variety of issues that represent young people’s needs have also taken place, which include transport in Gloucestershire, crime and disorder strategies, drug awareness workshops for parents and local schools, and national consultations with the National Children’s Agency, DEFRA, the National Consumer Council and the National Youth Agency.

“The Project is excellent and the work that these individuals are doing is first class. The young people themselves have gained a substantial amount in terms of their self-esteem, their ability to speak in public and their ability not to be intimidated by the world at large.” Phil Sullivan, Head of Community Services, Stroud District Council.