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Youth project means 'bad deed no more'
19/02/2010
The Proclaimers teamed up with Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to see how CashBack funding has turned misery to happiness today for a Lanarkshire project.
The Reeltime Music project in Newarthill is one of over 200 youth projects to have benefited from a share of CashBack for Communities YouthLink Scotland funding - money seized from crooks and returned to communities to encourage healthy activities.
The project offers opportunities for disadvantaged young people to get involved in music - performing, recording and DJ-ing - and the Justice Secretary dropped by today with the Reid twins to see and hear how well the youngsters are doing.
Mr MacAskill said:
"Organised crime brings misery to individuals and communities. It is only right therefore that their ill-gotten gains are put to use in improving lives.
"CashBack for Communities has allowed thousands of young people across Scotland to access sporting and creative opportunities that they might not otherwise have got. For example, the young people involved here at Reeltime Music have been allowed to develop their personal, social and career skills through their involvement with music.
"All of them will benefit - and some might follow the likes of the Proclaimers in making a successful career in the music industry. But thanks to projects like this, no young person in Scotland need walk 500 miles to get the chance.
"These projects demonstrate to young people that there is more to life than petty crime and getting out of your head on drink and drugs. The benefits to the young people are clear - and the benefits are felt in the wider community.
"It is in recognition of these benefits that we will continue our commitment to CashBack for Communities - investment in our young people and their communities will always be money well spent."
Craig and Charlie Reid, aka the Proclaimers, said:
"We are delighted to support the Scottish Government's imaginative policy on community based funding for worthwhile projects, using the confiscated funds from criminal activity."
Reeltime Music is a registered charity which provides opportunities in the creative industries for disadvantaged young people. The project was started by local young people in 1997. It has received a total of £23,800 from YouthLink funding to allow a range of work to take place, the most recent award of £1,800 to help fund, among other things, DJ workshops.
YouthLink Scotland, through CashBack for Communities, was tasked with leading a £4 million grants programme, which supports a range of activities for young people. The first two rounds distributed £3 million to successful projects, and the third round - announced in December - distributed a further £1 million.
CashBack for Communities is a programme of diversionary activities for young people to increase the opportunities they have to develop their interests and skills in an enjoyable, fulfilling and supported way. Using funds recovered from the proceeds of crime, the Scottish Government has committed to investing over £13 million in a range of CashBack projects for young people.