Cashback for Communities
For too long criminals have lived off our communities - it's now time for their ill-gotten gains to be given back.
In January this year the Scottish Government launched the Cashback for Communities Scheme, where money from the proceeds of crime is put back into community initiatives for young people. Since then millions of pounds have been committed to youth projects all over Scotland – with more still to come.
The CashBack for Communities scheme supports activities including football, rugby, music, dance and drama.
The sports strand has seen football and rugby playing opportunities for thousands of young people. In May the arts and culture strand of funding saw £600,000 go to the CashBack for Communities Arts and Business Match Fund to support access to the arts.
The third strand, which will support all other local activities, sees a £3million grant scheme, administered by YouthLink, allocated for youth projects and youth organisations right across Scotland. In the first round of funding, 103 projects received a share of £1.3million and have already started to put it to good use.
Scotland's young people deserve the very best start in life and we all want to help them achieve their full potential. These projects encourage young people to develop personal and physical skills, increase their confidence levels and introduce them to new experiences and ideas.
Young people have much to contribute to Scottish society and we want to tackle, head on, the misconception that most young people are involved in anti social behaviour. By investing in our young people and taking a hard line on crime we will achieve a Safer and Stronger Scotland.
Existing community groups will be able to apply for funding from the CashBack for Communities scheme so that they can offer opportunities to even more young people.
If you're under 18 and want to find out about free activities in your area text CashBack to 61611.
If you're a little older, or just want some more information about the scheme, go to www.cashbackscotland.com
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Comments
This is a great idea! What an excellent use of money. About time some of this money was returned to the very communities the criminals leeched it from.Aaron