A group of ‘Fixers’ from Stirling have created a short film aimed at breaking negative stereotypes associated with local young people.

Chelsea West, 18, is leading a team who want young people to stop causing trouble as they feel it is giving a bad name to other members of the community.

The team is working with the national charity Fixers, which supports young people aged 16-25 to tackle any issue that matters to them, however they choose.

“The film’s central message is not to follow the crowd and be your own person,” said Chelsea.

“I’ve seen how young people are stereotyped - it happens all the time.

“But the only way we can change these misconceptions is by showing how we’re not all out to cause trouble.” Chelsea feels the actions of a selective few are painting a distorted picture of the area she is proud to call home.

She said: “It’s sad to see some parts of your community being spoiled by a few.

“They just roam the streets and are aggressive for no reason. There are certain areas I just wouldn’t go on my own.

“They make the rest of the community think all young people are like that, which isn’t fair.” Chelsea wants the film to be seen by as many young people as possible and hopes it has the ultimate effect of reducing anti-social behaviour in Stirling.

She said: “In the long term, our aim for the film is to reduce anti-social behaviour in Stirlingshire.

“Hopefully by showing young people the consequences of what they’re doing, we will achieve this.” Fixers works with young people across the UK. Each Fixer is supported to create the resources they need to make their chosen project a success, with creative help from media professionals to make their own promotional material, such as films, websites or print work.

Visit www.fixers.org.uk for more information.

To view the group’s video, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu2IMnjamMc.