Projects supporting young people at risk of being drawn into
criminal activities are to receive up to £26 million over the
next three years.
The Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities programme uses
money recovered from seized criminal assets to provide crucial
support to young people who may be at risk of becoming involved
in offending or antisocial behaviour.
Successful projects in the programme's next stage (2026-2029)
will deliver a range of activities and support for those aged 10
to 25, to help tackle some of the underlying causes of antisocial
behaviour and criminal activity. Projects will also provide
access to trusted adults who young people can confide in.
Since 2008 CashBack for Communities has invested £156 million and
supported around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local
authorities in Scotland.
Visiting a project based at Glasgow's Easterhouse Sports Centre,
Minister for Victims and Community Safety said:
“CashBack for Communities is inspiring. It turns the proceeds of
crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young
people who take part in projects across Scotland every year.
“Over the course of the next three years of the programme, we are
providing £26 million to organisations to deliver diversionary
and support work with children and young people. By learning new
skills and boosting their confidence, it helps young people in
our communities who are at risk of becoming involved in crime be
diverted from that path and realise their potential.
“Since its inception more than a million young people have
received support to turn their lives around, with opportunities
provided into employment, education or volunteering. CashBack's
success is also testament to the work of law enforcement partners
in disrupting organised crime groups – bringing them to justice
and seizing their ill-gotten gains, using them to deliver a
successful programme across the country.”
Background
CashBack for Communities is a Scottish Government initiative
which takes funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act
2002 and invests them back into communities. It supports delivery
of Scottish Government's Vision for Justice in
Scotland.
More information on the CashBack for Communities
programme. Applications for funding open on 12 June 2025.
