MSP welcomes criminal cashback for local groups

“This funding will support Pilton Youth and Children’s Project and The Prince’s Trust Scotland to continue to provide valuable services to our young people in Edinburgh Northern and Leith” – Ben Macpherson MSP

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Ben Macpherson MSP has welcomed the award of Cashback for Communities funding to Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP) and The Prince’s Trust Scotland. The fund disburses cash seized from criminals, and this year the scheme will see almost £2 million given to community groups across Scotland to help young people in disadvantaged areas – often the areas that suffer most from crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Prince’s Trust Scotland, who provide core programmes that support every step in young people’s journeys from school through training and into work or self-employment, will receive £7,743 to assist their work. And the £41,500 that Pilton Youth and Children’s Project will receive, will help them continue to work with young people in the community to help them realise their unique potential and to take a positive role in society.

Northern & Leith MSP Ben Macpherson MSP said: “Cashback for Communities is a unique programme that seizes money from criminals and reinvests it back into communities such as Edinburgh Northern and Leith. As well as punishing those who break the law, Cashback offers activities and opportunities at community level to stop disadvantaged young people heading into crime or anti-social activity.

“This funding will support Pilton Youth and Children’s Project and The Prince’s Trust Scotland to continue to provide valuable services to our young people in Edinburgh Northern and Leith.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to tackling inequality and by keeping young people engaged and active in their communities, we can help them become both confident and responsible individuals. Cashback is essential to helping us achieving this goal which is why I am proud to continue to support its valuable work.”

In total, 40 community groups will benefit, with projects as diverse as bike parks, 3G pitches and netball clubs receiving funding.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson made the announcement at the Crags Community Sports Centre and Skelf Bikepark in Edinburgh where he met staff and young people involved with the community groups. He said: “Cashback for Communities is a unique programme that seizes money from criminals and reinvests it back into our communities.

“As well as punishing those who break the law and peddle misery on Scottish society, Cashback offers activities and opportunities at community level to stop disadvantaged young people heading into crime or anti-social activity themselves.

“I am very pleased to be able to announce that no fewer than 40 community groups are to benefit from almost £2 million of funding from this round of the programme. This investment will allow facilities and equipment for activities such as football, netball, dance and kayaking to be improved around the country.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to tackling inequality and by keeping young people engaged and active in their communities, we can help them become both confident and responsible individuals.

“Cashback is essential to helping us achieving this goal which is why I am proud to continue to support its valuable work.”

 

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer