Doris meets Government officials to discuss Glasgow case for cash

The Scottish Government’s ‘Cashback for Communities’ scheme which takes the proceeds of crime and gives it to community youth projects has had another £1 million made available. Bob Doris MSP has met with government officials in Edinburgh to find out how this cash can find its way into the hands of the many worthwhile youth projects in Glasgow. YouthLink Scotland is administering the scheme and any interested youth project can apply directly by getting an application form at their website.

Bob Doris MSP said: "I will be contacting Glasgow youth groups to urge them to act quickly, All applications need to be in by 31st October.

"Government officials have advised me that the money could well be spent before the end of October as there has been a lot of interest already. There is no time to waste. Following our meeting in St Andrews House I now have a clear understanding what should be in a successful bid and I will gladly assist potential bidders in drawing up their applications.

"It is high time that the money seized from the lawless crooks who ruin Scottish communities gets ploughed back into these communities. I applaud Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill for his bold stance as we drum home the message that crime does not pay."

The announcement in June by Kenny MacAskill that a further round of funding for youth projects was welcomed by community organisations the length of Scotland.

Kenny MacAskill said: "Already 278 youth projects the length and breadth of Scotland have benefited from our scheme which uses cash seized from crooks and reinvests it back into great projects in the community.

"I am delighted that we are now able to offer many more projects the opportunity to give our young people the chance to try things that may never normally be available to them though the Cashback for Communities scheme.

"The vast majority of our youngsters are well behaved and a credit to their communities. But there are still too many getting involved in crime and antisocial behaviour.

"By supporting projects across the country we are showing our young people that there is much more to life than offending or getting out of your heads on drink or drugs."

Notes:

1. It's easy to apply - there is guidance and application forms at www.youthlinkscotland.org Included in the assessing panel are young people, so funds are allocated by young people for young people

2. This is part of the Cashback for Communities initiative. CashBack For Communities is a programme of young people's activity funded from assets seized through the Proceeds Of Crime Act 2002. Its main objective is to provide a wide range of positive activities for young people between the ages of 10 to 19 across Scotland.

3. There is a funding pot available that can help increase youth work events and activities in all areas of Scotland. If you work or volunteer in this sector your project could be eligible for this additional support.

4. Case studies can showcase the sort of activities that have been supported already. Below are case studies of two projects, one in Glasgow and one in Edinburgh, that have received CashBack for Communities funding.

Greater Easterhouse Arts Company

Pure Dance NRG is a series of free dance events for young people aged under 18 who live in Glasgow East. Funded by CashBack for Communities, the scheme brings together the biggest dance acts, DJs & MCs to perform live at 12 events. The aim is to bring together young people from communities across Glasgow East to socialise, and have fun - safely.

Hosted by the Greater Easterhouse Arts Company and run in collaboration with local dance DJs, police and youth groups, Pure Dance NRG nights attract between 250 - 350 young people each month.

The CashBack funding has been crucial in not only securing the acts for each event, putting on transport for young people but also allowing youth workers to attend on a Friday evening without having to compromise on their own programme of activity.

Tickets for Pure Dance NRG gigs are only available through youth clubs or street workers in the area. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of everyone at the events - young people will turn up, with their youth worker, feeling confident and reassured that it'll be a great night and there will be no trouble.

6VT Youth Café, Edinburgh (6 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL)

The 6VT Youth Cafe has been running for over 15 years and during that time has helped over tens of thousands of young people from all over Edinburgh and surrounding areas. 6VT welcomes any young person from 13 -21 years old, but the majority of attendees are 15 - 18 year old.

The Café runs three evening drop in sessions a week, where young people from a range of different cultures and backgrounds hang out with their friends in a safe and friendly environment, try new activities, learn new things and meet new people.

In addition to drop in sessions comprising activities such as breakdancing lessons, fashion shows and cookery classes, 6VT also offers longer term programmes that are designed specifically for vulnerable young people who may be experiencing problems at home or school, or who have been referred to the Café for offending.

Nine months ago, 6VT Youth Café received 15,000 pounds from CashBack for Communities to enable 12 young people referred to 6VT Youth Café from teaching and support staff to take part in a Horse and Stable Management Project.  Run in conjunction with Lasswade Riding School and Oatridge College, the project saw the young people learn to ride, care for the horses and learn about running a stable.

Once a week, the group - which consisted of 10 girls and 2 boys, all aged between 14 and 16 - received a riding lesson, took part in group treks and helped out at the Riding School. Their jobs included mucking out stables, feeding and grooming the horses and learning about the care and welfare of the animals.

At the outset of the project, none of the group had ever been near a horse and for many the thought of sitting on one was terrifying.  However just two weeks ago, at the project's final session, each of the 6VT riders galloped and raced along John Muir beach watched by family, friends and carers.

5. The closing date for applications for the latest round of funding is October 31, 2009, but youth organisations that have good project ideas are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.