Carolyn Lappin

The CashBack for Communities scheme reinvests seized criminal assets into community projects which support young people into positive destinations, diverting some away from potentially criminal or anti-social behaviour.

An evaluation of the latest phase of the programme, from 2017 to 2020, has found that of the 106,000 young people involved:

• 78 per cent reported an improvement in their wellbeing
• 76 per cent reported an increase in their confidence
• 67 per cent gained new jobs, skills or qualifications

The next phase of the programme will see £19 million invested between 24 organisations over the next three years.

Taking part in a virtual visit with new CashBack partners to mark the start of the next phase of the programme, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “CashBack is a unique and potentially life-transforming programme that helps expand young people’s horizons and supports them to realise their ambitions and reach their full potential.

“I am delighted to see the positive impact that Phase 4 has had on our young people and look forward to building on this good work as we move to the next phase of the programme which will see £19 million invested between 24 organisations.

“Since the Scottish government launched CashBack in 2008 we have delivered more than two and a half million activities and opportunities for young people and our latest round of funding takes total investment in the scheme to more than £100 million.”

Carolyn Lappin, executive director of YDance, said: “The award of support from CashBack for Communities recognises the work YDance does using dance participation to improve the lives of children and young people all over Scotland.

“CashBack for Change brings together two key youth arts organisations – YDance and Glass Performance – to deliver a wide-ranging programme which will benefit young people in the criminal justice system, and provide pathways for young people to divert their lives away from involvement in criminal behaviour and towards positive destinations and brighter futures.”