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Summer action for youngsters
07/07/2009
Minister for Schools and Skills, Keith Brown, today visited a summer activity programme for young people provided by the Action Outdoors Centre at the Falkirk Wheel, partly funded through the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities scheme.
Through the Cashback scheme, the Scottish Government has committed to invest more than £13 million from the proceeds of crime in a range of projects for young people across Scotland, including £19,884 towards this programme which is also funded by Youth Scotland - Scotland's largest non-uniformed youth organisation - and Falkirk Council.
The activities on offer include canoeing, cycling, rock climbing and angling. However, young people are also being given the chance to try indoor activities such as dance and music workshops, sports taster sessions and pre-driver training.
Keith Brown said:
"Most young people are well behaved and a credit to themselves, their families and communities. However at this time of year, with school out and little to do, a small minority can start hanging around street corners and become involved in antisocial behaviour.
"Through the Cashback for Communities scheme, we want to give young people a positive alternative - a chance to have fun while learning new skills and trying activities they may never have experienced before.
"Its particularly pleasing that ill-gotten gains, seized from Scotland's criminals, are making such a real difference to the lives of young people throughout Scotland and the local communities in which they live."
Youth Scotland Chief Executive Carol Downie said:
"The Cashback for Communities scheme has enabled Youth Scotland to run a wide range of activities where young people can participate in new and exciting activities; develop their skills; meet new friends and have fun. This is particularly important over the summer period when many young people are actively looking for something to do."
The Action Outdoors Centre was opened in April and is managed by Falkirk Council. It gives young people an opportunity to participate in sports and activities in a safe and friendly environment. The outdoor activities include canoeing, cycling, rock climbing and angling. It also offers personal and social development courses and opportunities to gain national governing body awards in a range of outdoor activities.
The summer activities scheme is a partnership project between Falkirk Council, Youth Scotland and youth clubs and groups within the Falkirk Council area. The project is funded by CashBack for Communities, Falkirk Council and Youth Scotland.
As well as this project, the programme includes group and inter-group activities and events, such as dance and music workshops Youth Achievement Awards; Dynamic Youth Awards and momentum a pre-driver training programme encouraging young people to develop positive and responsible attitudes towards driving.
Youth Scotland is the largest non-uniformed youth organisation in Scotland and one of the key providers of information, training, advice and support to part-time and voluntary youth workers. It works in partnership with a network of area associations and regional staff to support youth workers to deliver safe and inspiring leisure opportunities for young people. It receives funding of £250,000 per year 2007-10 through the Scottish Government's Unified Voluntary Sector Fund.
The Scottish Government has committed to invest more than £13 million in a range of projects for young people. This represents £2.5 million to the Scottish Football Association, £1.4 million to Scottish Rugby Union, £1.7 million to BasketballScotland, £2 million to the Sports Facilities Fund, £0.6 million to Arts and Business Scotland, £1.2 million to Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council and £4 million to YouthLink to distribute to local organisations.