CashBack: What Do People Say?
Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA:
"It is great to see these proceeds of crime being used for such positive purposes. Indeed, there is a sweet irony in the fact that the opportunities created by CashBack serve to divert young people away from criminal activity.
COSLA welcomes the continuation of this initiative which has created opportunities for young people to participate in a host of worthwhile activities within our communities."
Patrick Shearer, ACPOS:
"Community Police officers across Scotland have been energetic in supporting and organising diversionary sporting activities for young people for many years. The CashBack programme has allowed even more young people to participate and we are eager to see it continue to do so. CashBack offers opportunities for local police and young people to engage with each other and build trust. The message is simple - if the police and the courts can get our hands on the drug dealers and their profits, communities can reap the benefit."
Kathy Tooke, Scottish Community Wardens Network:
"Wardens deal with antisocial behaviour on a daily basis. We know that not all young people in our communities are troublemakers but sometimes they feel as though there's not much for them to do. Through these CashBack activities I have seen kids and teenagers benefit enormously: their horizons have been broadened and their energies focussed. I am delighted that Wardens are able to direct young people to a host of CashBack activities in their local areas. I am excited to see these great projects continue."
Ian Reid, Chief Executive of Scottish Sports Futures:
"As a direct result of Scottish Government Funding SSF now work closely with the SFA and SRU on community projects and this has enabled the exchange of "best practice" to the benefit of all. In short the Cashback funding has helped SSF take a giant step forward in achieving our aim of providing young people in Scotland with the information they require to make positive lifestyle decisions."
Zaki El-Salahi, Youth and Children's Link Worker, Black Community Development Project:
"I have been bringing a group of black and minority ethnic children and young people along to the club for the past 2 months, and without a doubt, the Twilight Basketball club has provided a regular safe, supportive and fun space in which young people can start breaking down the boundaries of racism and prejudice that sadly continue to separate them in society."
Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland:
"The first two rounds of the CashBack for Communities Fund has brought much needed resources to the youth work sector with £3m spread across 287 youth organisations. This has allowed more and better events, activities, opportunities and chances for young people aged 10 - 19 years throughout Scotland."
Gordon McKie, Chief Executive of Scottish Rugby:
"The Cashback funding that we have received has allowed us to extend the boundaries of rugby into areas of the country that hitherto have had no rugby experience. We believe passionately that sport and in particular rugby can play a major role in the development of safer communities contributing to young people's personal development in a way which other activities can't - without this funding our reach and impact in these areas would be restricted."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland:
" sportscotland is delighted to be providing technical and administrative support for the Scottish Government's innovative scheme that will see community clubs across the country benefit from new and enhanced sports facilities, thanks to the proceeds of crime.
Sport has a vital contribution to make to community sport at all levels and quality accessible facilities lie at the heart of this."
Margaret Lisle, DHT Hilton Primary, Inverness:
"The benefits to the children were endless. Their fitness improved, their enjoyment of the game increased, their basketball skills improved with coaching and practise, the whole team's sprit and ethos was strong between all team members and this was obvious not only when they were playing but in the class and playground. Their self esteem was raised because of the success of the team and the praise they got.
The parents have been very supportive and were delighted with the input and experiences that the children received. As a result of the Jump2It programme, some of the children have now committed to playing basketball within competitions in the Highland Region and this has encouraged the parents to get involved and help out with transport."