Annual Report - CashBack for Communities

Youth Work Fund
Annual Report
2014-2015
#youthworkchangeslives
CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund
Summary
YouthLink Scotland continues to administer the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund open grant
programme in order to resource community based youth work organisations so that they can provide a
range of diversionary activities for local young people which builds their capacity and increases their
opportunities to develop interests and skills in an enjoyable, fulfilling and supported way in line with the
SHANARRI indicators.
The CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund supports projects which meet the following criteria:








Target young people aged 10 – 19 years
Offer free youth work activities for young people to increase the opportunities they have to develop
their interests and skills in an enjoyable, fulfilling and supported way
Focus resources in areas where there is a demonstrated need, taking account of local priorities
Fill gaps in provision for young people or add value/build on existing provision
Support young people who are currently involved or at risk of becoming involved in violence,
alcohol, drugs and/or anti-social behaviour
Promote equalities and be open and accessible to young people
Support and encourage the involvement of local young people in the development, management
and running of the project
Demonstrate sustainability (whether in attracting other resources or in leaving a legacy)
YouthLink Scotland administers the open grants programme by;
 managing an application and assessment process,
 monitoring the delivery of the activities,
 actively promoting the projects supported,
 conducting an evaluation of the programme
 producing a comprehensive report for Scottish Government
The fund opened
in May 2014 using
the online
application
system.
The projects ran
from 11th August
2014 and 30 June
2015
169 awards were
made with the
smallest amount
being £280. The
largest amount
was £11,910. The
average size of
grant was £3,357
289 applications
were submitted,
reveiwed and
scored by the
relevant assessors
using the new
online scoring
system.
1
16,921 young
people from across
Scotland benefitted
from programmes
delivered by Youth
Groups with the
CashBack for
Communities Youth
Work Funding
277,221 Young People participating in Youth Work Fund
opportunities from 2008 to 2015
100000
90000
2008 - 09
80000
2009 - 10
70000
60000
2010 - 11
50000
2011 - 12
40000
2012 - 13
30000
2013 - 14
20000
2014 - 15
10000
0
Young People
Youth Work Fund Cumulative Totals for 2008 – 2015
2014 – 15 CashBack for Communities
Youth Work funding provided 32,680
activity hours for young people in
Scotland
2
Summary of the Assessment Process
Panel Membership 2014 - 15
34 Local panels were formed
covering every Local Authority
(Glasgow having 3 area panels)
YouthLink Scotland recruited the
following Assessors:
Category
Community Learning & Development
Community Safety Partnership
Voluntary Youth Organisation
Young Person
Total Assessors
No.
50
23
45
23
141
Panel Recruiting & Training
Training sessions were held across Scotland prior to the applications deadline date to provide all new and
existing panel members training on the new online scoring system. Copies of the Assessment Panel Terms
of Reference were distributed and the criteria of the fund clarified during these sessions. Out of pocket
expenses were offered to encourage assessors to attend a training or refresher session.
Panel Meetings
34 Panel meetings were facilitated across each of the 32 local authorities for each phase of the 2014 - 15
CashBack for Communities Youth work fund. All panels were chaired by YouthLink Scotland.
All outcomes were recorded and agreed with the panel prior to the applicants being notified. Unsuccessful
applicants were provided with full and comprehensive feedback from the minutes of the panel meeting.
141 assessors were involved in the assessing, scoring and decision making process for the awards. Some
panel members also went on to offer additional support to groups, for example, providing them with
information on accessing resources or developing links with other local groups.
3
Assessment Process Support Tools
The following tools provide a comprehensive picture of the assessment processes
CashBack for
Comunities
Youth Work
Online
Assessment
Tool
Assessment
Panel Terms
of Reference
Guidance for Panel
Chair
Assessment Panel Meeting Record
All decision were recorded and agreed with the panel prior to the applicants being notified. Unsuccessful
applicants were provided with full and comprehensive feedback and invited to contact YouthLink Scotland
to discuss, should they wish.
(Fife Council CLD Groups)
4
Finance
EXPENDITURE
Annual Budget
Annual Grant Fund to be distributed to the Youth Work
600,000.00
Sector
NB: The remaining £21,542.00 was distributed as part of the 2015-16 allocation
Organisation Name
Printfield Community Project
Denis Law Legacy Trust - StreetSport Project
Aberdeen Foyer
Printfield Community Project
Police Scotland
Aberdeenshire Youth Council
Mintlaw Academy - Sports Club
Barnardos Scotland
Aberdeenshire Council DofE
Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Council: Kemnay Community Learning
Aberdeenshire Council: Kemnay Community Learning
Tayside Council on Alcohol
Brechin Youth Project (The Attic)
Oyster Trust
The Drug initiative Group Forfar
Showcase the Street
Project 81, Youth & Community enterprise Ltd
Mid Argyll Youth Forum
Mid Argyll Youth Development Services
Oban Youth Cafe Project
Bute Youth Forum
Tarbert Youth Group
Kintyre Youth Cafe
Jack Kane Community Centre
The BIG Project
Pilton Youth & Children's Project (PYCP)
The Rock Trust
Edinburgh City Youth Cafe - 6VT Youth Cafe
Pilmeny Development Project
The Green Team (Edinburgh & Lothians) Ltd
Venture Scotland
YMCA Edinburgh
Wester Hailes Youth Agency
Epilepsy Scotland
SCOREscotland
The Yard Adventure Centre
5
Local Authority Beneficiaries
Aberdeen City
Aberdeen City
Aberdeen City
Aberdeen City
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Angus
Angus
Angus
Angus
Angus
Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
Actual
578,458.00
Award
2,946.00
5,000.00
2,400.00
6,510.00
1,030.00
3,310.00
2,845.00
7,500.00
2,186.00
5,389.00
900.00
2,924.00
1,700.00
3,057.00
3,980.00
3,000.00
4,060.00
4,736.00
2,898.00
1,330.00
1,740.00
1,584.00
1,597.00
1,588.00
1,667.00
4,047.00
5,220.00
3,456.00
1,978.00
2,980.00
3,647.00
886.00
2,000.00
4,296.00
1,483.00
1,539.00
1,212.00
2,978.00
Granton Youth Centre
St Teresa's Youth Club
The Ripple Project
Play Alloa
Xcel Youth Trust
Youth Alive Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway Council
BIKE-IT
LGBT Youth Scotland
The Shore
Hot Chocolate Trust
RockSolid Youth Project
Young People Sport and Diversion, Vibrant
Communities, East Ayrshire Council
Stewarton Annick
Barnardo's East Ayrshire Families
Positive Achievements
Kirkintilloch Skatepark Initiative
LGBT Youth Scotland
North Berwick Youth Project
Wallyford Community Centre
Tranent Youth and Community Facility
East Renfrewshire Carers' Centre
St Luke's High School
Eaglesham & Waterfoot Youth Club
St Luke's High School
St Luke's High School
LGBT Youth Scotland
Falkirk Council
Falkirk council
KIRKCALDY YMCA
Cupar Youth Cafe
Gallatown Gala and Community Group
LGBT Youth Scotland
The Savoy X-Plosion Youth Club
FIFE COUNCIL
Fife Council
Fife Council
Fife council - The Studio
Fife Council
Fife Council
Peek
Parkhead Youth Project
Glasgow Life
Fuse Youth Glasgow
Tollcross YMCA
6
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
Clackmannanshire
Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee City
Dundee City
Dundee City
Dundee City
Dundee City
East Ayrshire
2,700.00
3,345.00
4,101.00
4,632.00
3,088.00
7,080.00
11,686.00
3,012.00
1,800.00
5,822.00
2,118.00
2,500.00
2,710.00
East Ayrshire
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Lothian
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire
Falkirk
Falkirk
Falkirk
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Fife
Glasgow North East
Glasgow North East
Glasgow North East
Glasgow North East
Glasgow North East
500.00
3,872.00
4,725.00
4,900.00
3,000.00
3,736.00
4,048.00
2,598.00
4,443.00
280.00
4,400.00
480.00
300.00
4,520.00
4,200.00
7,008.00
5,234.00
1,970.00
2,996.00
5,728.00
2,201.00
3,617.00
4,418.00
2,740.00
3,671.00
3,763.00
1,800.00
2,558.00
2,594.00
7,900.00
4,110.00
3,216.00
Aberlour Child Care Trust
North United Communities Ltd
Temple/Shafton Youth Project
The Maryhill Hub Steering Group
44th Glasgow Scouts
Greater Maryhill Outreach Project
The Prince's Trust
Gorbals Youth Run Drop in Cafe
Southside Youth Work Support Agency
Ormlie Community Association Ltd
Grantown-on-spey YMCA
The Place
Highlife Highland
LGBT Youth Scotland
Tain and District Youth Cafe YMCA
I Youth Zone
32nd Greenock & District Scout Group
Y2K Project
Midlothian Council CLD
Newbattle Youth Project-Kickbop One Shop Drop-in
Elgin Youth Development Group
The Loft Youth Project
The Wall of Rock Initiative
Moray Sea Cadet Unit
Broomlands-Bourtreehill Baptist Church (Noonday)
Youth Under Construction
Getting Better Together Ltd
Focus Youth Project
Bellshill and Mossend YMCA
Glenboig Neighbourhood House
Parent Action for Safe Play
Caldercruix Youth & Community Development Project
The Safety Zone
Cumbernauld YMCA-YWCA
Reeltime Music
Utheo Ltd
North Lanarkshire Council
The Orkney Youth Cafe
Orkney Islands Council - Community Learning
Sanday Parent Council
Voluntary Action Orkney
PERTH & DISTRICT YMCA
LGBT Youth Scotland
Logos Centre
Strathmore Centre for Youth development
7
Glasgow North West
Glasgow North West
Glasgow North West
Glasgow North West
Glasgow North West
Glasgow North West
Glasgow North West
Glasgow South
Glasgow South
Highland
Highland
Highland
Highland
Highland
Highland
Inverclyde
Inverclyde
Midlothian
Midlothian
Midlothian
Moray
Moray
Moray
Moray
North Ayrshire
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire
Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands
Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross
3,275.00
2,490.00
3,508.00
2,230.00
3,200.00
2,500.00
2,795.00
3,760.00
3,803.00
4,050.00
4,661.00
2,500.00
6,032.00
6,206.00
4,944.00
7,678.00
2,240.00
3,094.00
4,300.00
3,756.00
2,875.00
4,227.00
350.00
850.00
5,000.00
11,910.00
2,230.00
7,132.00
3,682.00
4,680.00
868.00
4,211.00
4,260.00
3,698.00
1,254.00
1,866.00
1,000.00
600.00
1,880.00
800.00
2,720.00
2,257.00
4,545.00
2,960.00
2,182.00
PKAVS Carers Services - The Young Carers Project
The Acoustic Cafe
Johnstone Castle Learning Centre
Loud n Proud
Renfrewshire Council Youth Services
LGBT Youth Scotland
Escape Youth Services
Saltire Inspire Awards Event 2015
Eildon West Youth Hub (TD1 Youth Hub)
Scalloway Youth Centre Management Committee
OPEN Peer Education Project, Voluntary Action
Shetland
Shetland Islands Council
AYR HOUSING AID CENTRE
LGBT Youth Scotland
South Ayrshire Council
South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership
South Ayrshire Council
Universal Connections Hamilton
Springhall Community Youth Project
Hillhouse Youth club
Hamilton Information Project for Youth
Regen:fx Youth Trust
Biggar Youth Project
Machan Trust
Cambuslang Universal Connections
East Kilbride Universal Connections
Larkhall Universal Connections
Eddlewood Youth Project
Whitehill Universal Connections
Fernhill Hyper Cyber
Burnhill Youth Project
LGBT Youth Scotland
Callander Youth Project Trust
EXIT Youth Group
Stirling Council Youth Services & The Tollbooth
Unit23 Skatepark
Haldane Youth Services
West Dunbartonshire Council (Youth Alliance
Creative Industries Programme))
The BUSY Project (The BASICS Trust)
Linlithgow Young Peoples Project
West Lothian Youth Action project
Bridge Community Centre
Lewis & Harris Youth Clubs Association
8
Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross
Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire
Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders
Shetland Islands
Shetland Islands
4,500.00
1,580.00
1,862.00
2,400.00
5,150.00
3,200.00
6,720.00
3,864.00
2,997.00
3,045.00
3,900.00
Shetland Islands
South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
Stirling
Stirling
Stirling
Stirling
West Dunbartonshire
West Dunbartonshire
West Dunbartonshire
3,190.00
1,413.00
1,942.00
4,000.00
4,560.00
3,960.00
3,055.00
1,500.00
1,419.00
2,256.00
5,390.00
2,640.00
2,159.00
1,500.00
4,995.00
2,250.00
2,050.00
1,265.00
2,156.00
746.00
1,800.00
4,240.00
1,819.00
3,852.00
2,340.00
3,360.00
4,475.00
West Lothian
West Lothian
West Lothian
Western Isles
Western Isles
5,536.00
7,500.00
4,500.00
3,894.00
6,200.00
Local Authority Funding Allocation Formula
The Funding formula used in the allocation of funds is calculated on the following basis 80% Population: 10% Level of Deprivation: 10% Rurality. The original formula was calculated by Scottish
Government and the same ratio is used to calculate the distribution of funds on an annual basis. This
formula has been and remains relevant to ensuring a consistent allocation of funds across 32 LA’s
In 2014/15 £570,000 of the £600,000 was allocated using this formula with the remaining £30,000 used as
a top up fund to ensure that every Local Authority Area in Scotland received at least £10,000 to distribute,
ensuring the grant fund offer a viable programme in each area.
Local Authority Allocations
Local Authority
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
Angus
Argyll & Bute
City of Edinburgh
Clackmannanshire
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
Falkirk
Fife
Glasgow NE
Glasgow NW
Glasgow S
Highland
Inverclyde
Midlothian
Moray
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
Orkney
Perth & Kinross
Renfrewshire
Scottish Borders
Shetland
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
Stirling
West Dunbartonshire
West Lothian
Western Isles
2014-15
Allocations
£18,543
£31,097
£12,826
£12,240
£40,576
£10,000
£19,486
£15,201
£14,271
£11,166
£10,455
£10,000
£15,863
£40,231
£20,048
£20,048
£20,048
£28,417
£10,000
£10,000
£10,797
£16,083
£35,037
£10,000
£16,923
£17,643
£13,583
£10,000
£12,014
£33,361
£11,385
£10,073
£18,711
£10,000
9
Outcomes: #youthworkchangeslives
Distinctive to the youth work approach is that young people’s engagement is not predicated on their
existing knowledge, abilities, attitudes, experiences or circumstances… Barriers to engagement are actively
removed no matter how bad childhood, school, family or community life has been. There is no predetermined point of entry or well-marked finish line.
Youth work is predicated on the formation of constructive relationships with adults working alongside young
people to build the resilient character traits and attributes they need for a more successful transition into
adulthood. First and foremost youth work’s job is simply to be there for the young person, wherever they
are on life’s journey when they first make contact and to continue to be there through the ups and downs of
adolescence.
CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund Interim Report
Youth work plays a key role in delivering the principles outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child, particularly Article 12, the right of the young person to voice their opinion, have their views listened to
and be taken seriously. By engaging young people in social activism, youth work builds citizenship, respect
for human rights and a sense of mutual responsibility.
The Nature & Purpose of Youth Work
We know that youth work changes lives for the better. We remain committed to supporting and working
collaboratively with national youth work organisations to give young people the skills that they need – and
indeed deserve – to succeed in life.
Aileen Campbell MSP: Minister for Children and Young People
(Youth Under Construction)
10
The sector uses many different methods, for example the arts and cultural activities, outdoor learning,
physical, activity and single topics to engage effectively with young people and is present in many different
situations and learning environments. Its uniqueness and value is in the way youth workers engage
with young people through building trusting and supportive relationships, also through using social group
work and mentoring skills to negotiate with young people. Diverse activities help young people gain
confidence, develop important skills for life and achieve success but also to have fun, and engage with
others as they progress through adolescence to adulthood. Ultimately, we are building stronger, more
resilient and inclusive communities.
Alex Linkston CBE: Chair of YouthLink Scotland
Dr Bill Maxwell: Chief Executive of Education Scotland
The youth work projects awarded a grant through the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund
contributed to the achievement of the following outcomes for the young people involved.
Nos of Young People 2014-15
1. Increased Participation in positive
community-based activity
2. Increased participation by difficult
to engage and equalities groups
2736
12182
14149
3. Increased opportunities to try new
things
11409
11329
5677
10904
7406
4. Increased opportunities to develop
interests and skills
5. Increased involvement in structured
pro-social and healthy activities
6. Young people have places to go
where they feel safe and comfortable
7. Greater confidence and self-esteem
among young people
8. More young people have achieved
accreditation for their learning
The effectiveness of youth work methods has led to an increasing number of organisations developing
youth work approaches, for example those working in youth justice and health improvement programmes.
This demonstrates the range of ways youth work can be applied, enabling young people who might
otherwise be alienated from support to get the services they need.
The Nature & Purpose of Youth Work
11
Case Study
Pillar Youth Group, LGBT Youth Scotland: Inverness
Award: £6,206
An LGBT youth group has existed in the Highlands since 2013. Receiving the CashBack funding provides a
lifeline for the group to continue to have the support of an LGBT specific sessional youth worker to run
groups and provide 1:2:1 support. Having a dedicated LGBT group in the Highlands helps alleviate the
isolation that young LGBT people feel from their peers as they navigate their adolescence which can be
compounded greatly by the geographic isolation of the area.
The group in Inverness – Pillar Youth Group are a small group of young people who attend to receive
specialist support, advice and to participate in issue based workshops and active engagement. By
providing a weekly group and one to one support the project is now in the position to help young people
with their mental, emotional and social wellbeing. Referrals are growing with recent requests from Brook
and Waverley services and more referrals coming from schools across the area from Kingussie to Ullapool.
Continued support provides the group and individuals with greater opportunities to grow and learn through
the development of a robust issue based programme of workshops, one to one support and a safe and
welcoming place to meet in Inverness. The project is in the process of building and maintaining local
partnerships and positive relationships with other agencies. Through this continued support young people
will have more opportunities and be better equipped to have their voices heard on a local and national
level.
Individuals in the group have been supported to take part in giving a presentation at an Education Scotland
Event in May. Three young people from the group attended and took part in a presentation.
Another participant was chosen to represent the Highlands at Youth Pride Sports Event in Carlisle in
August. The event brought LGBT groups together from England, Wales and Scotland and gave the young
people an opportunity to meet other LGBT young people from across the UK and take part in sports
activities.
By participating in these and other group activities the workers have noted a growth in confidence and
resilience within the group.
“I went to
Pride for the
first time and it
was great”
“Pillar is fun and we
do lots of great
activities and have
the chance to take
part in national
projects, like going
to Pride”
“I have gained new
friends, much more
confidence and
participated in
talking at events!!”
“Attending the National
Youth Summit was a
great highlight for me in
2014”
12
“I would like Pillar to grow and
work with more groups across
the Highlands to raise
awareness of the issues faced
by LGBT young People”
“Pillar Youth Group provides a
space where you can be
yourself, meet likeminded
people and feel free to express
yourself how you want to”!
“It helps put
LGBT young
people from the
Highlands on the
map”
Summary of outcomes achieved:
Increased participation in positive community-based activity: 86 attended event (10 young people took
the lead in the development. planning and delivery of the event)
Increased participation of difficult to engage and equalities groups: young people attended from the
detached work team and the Specialist Education Base for young people with social emotional behaviour
problems or supported through Activity Agreements
Increased opportunities to develop interests and skills/Increased involvement in structured prosocial and healthy activities: Several young people are now involved in Duke of Edinburgh Awards and
the Looking Forward Not Back Action Research and other youth work programmes.
Young people have places to go where they feel safe and comfortable
Greater confidence and self-esteem among young people
More young people have achieved accreditation for their learning: young people have signed up for
accreditation through Youth Achievement Awards & Duke of Edinburgh Awards
NB All projects in receipt of an award of £5,000 or more are required to submit a case study alongside their
end of project report. In 2014-15 we had 23 projects in this category
13
Equalities information
YouthLink Scotland carried out a comprehensive Equalities Impact Assessment of the CashBack for
Communities Youth Work Fund Programme in November 2013.
The results demonstrated that the programme is open, accessible and utilised by young people from all of
the protected characteristic groupings.
It recognised that because the project criteria stipulates that projects should ‘Support young people who are
currently involved or at risk of becoming involved in violence, alcohol, drugs and/or anti-social behaviour’
this potentially reduces the likelihood of involvement of a number of disability groups. Their application is
less likely to score well.
The recommended actions to increase interest from disability groups and increased involvement of young
people with disabilities included;

Targeted promotion to disability groups/organisations offering youth work. This was done by
individually contacting YouthLink Scotland members working with young people with disabilities
such as RNIB, National Deaf Children's Society, The Yard etc.) Completed May 2014 and again in
November 2015 via the YouthLink Scotland member networks We have utilised our extensive
network of member organisations representing all of the ‘protected characteristic groupings’ within
Scotland’s communities to target any under-represented group who meet the criteria of the Youth
Work Fund.

Additional guidance to assessors around positively discriminating in favour of disability groups
where appropriate. This was delivered at the assessor training events and also at the panel
meetings. Completed June/July 2014 and again January 2015
Specialist Disability Groups funded in 2014/15 are: Epilepsy Scotland & The Yard Adventure
Centre. In addition a number of the other awardees have indicated that they are working with young
people with disabilities within a universal youth work provision. The numbers of young people with
disabilities involved in the programme will be captured within the end of project reports. From the
2015/16 tranche of awards we have three specialist disability groups accessing funding; The Yard
Adventure Centre, Art Angel and Interest Link Borders. Again a number of the other awardees have
indicated that they are working with young people with disabilities within a universal youth work
provision.

Recruitment of young people and adults with disabilities to act as assessors on the local
assessment panels. All recruitment information includes YouthLink Scotland Equal Opportunities
Policy and actively encourages young people and adults with disabilities to apply to become
volunteer assessors. Access issues will be considered in relation to all elements of the assessment
process. Progress Update: No increase in the numbers of Assessors with disabilities for the
2015 Assessment Panels. Further promotion will be carried out when recruiting for the next
round of funding.
14
External evaluations/Lessons Learnt
YouthLink Scotland has engaged the services of Catch the Light to conduct an evaluation of the
programme over the three year term of the funding. Taking advantage of the three year funding
commitment the main purpose of the forthcoming review is to build up longer-term evidence of progress
and develop a deeper understanding of the impact the funding has in adding to and consolidating excellent
youth work practice.
The methods will therefore focus on examples of both generic and targeted youth work practice being
funded. It is proposed that there should be six core case studies which are followed over the three year
period with potential to look at up to two additional examples that show the diversity of youth work practice
being funded. Each example will reflect particular areas of youth work, or demonstrate a particular model
such as a partnership approach, creative methods, outdoor learning, rights and democracy, accredited
learning or other topical areas that contribute to national policy. The hope is that those selected and
agreeing to act as case study groups see Catch the Light’s role as a valuable resource, undertaking an
evaluation on their behalf. It is also hoped that the work developed will provide a template for evidencing
good practice in future.
Catch the Light has identified the six projects to be evaluated and initial meetings took place during January
2015 to begin the longitudinal evaluation the process. The projects/organisations selected are: Midlothian
Council CLD (Midlothian), Regen:fx Youth Trust (South Lanarkshire), Brechin Youth Project (Angus), LGBT
Youth Scotland (Stirling), 1 Youth Zone (Inverclyde) and Temple Shafton Youth Project (Glasgow NW)
Phase 1: January – February 2015
In January and February Catch the Light carried out individual meetings with the 6 lead officers of
organisations taking part in the CBC study. The primary purpose of these meetings was to share the detail
of our approach, the scope of the study and explore the mutual support required to ensure we maximise the
impact of the work being funded. People were really enthusiastic about the study’s potential to evidence the
value and benefits of adopting an approach that reflects the underpinning values of youth work in the work
they are delivering.
Phase 2: March – May 2015
This phase has involved visiting each organisation to identify Youth Work practice in action. This is
achieved through observing a session and recording Youth Worker / Young people interaction. Workers are
given a summary of observations recorded and it is intended to bring all six organisations together in June
to share in full what’s been observed and use this to assist and inform how we progress in years two and
three.
NB The full CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund Interim Report by Catch the Light produced in
November 2015 is available on request.
15
Communications
There was an extensive media and communications exercise carried out following the announcement of
awards for the 2014/15 Youth Work Fund. In addition to the National Press Release we successfully ran
targeted local press releases in August 2014 (38 local press releases) featuring the local projects. In
November we also utilised our networks and media channels to promote the launch of the 2015/16 round of
funding. It has resulted in a 13% increase in the number of applications received.
Press Example
NEWS RELEASE
20 August 2014 - For immediate release
Minister for Young People welcomes over £10,000 CashBack
investment for local youth work projects
Thousands of young people across Scotland will benefit from CashBack for Communities youth
work grants totalling half-a-million pounds which have been announced today for 2014-15.
Three Aberdeen youth work projects have benefited from £10,346 in funding for this year.
Printfield Community Project received £2,946.00 to work with local youngsters, StreetSport, part
of Aberdeen City Council’s Streetwork programme, have been awarded £5,000 and Aberdeen
Foyer, a project which helps prevent and alleviate youth homelessness and unemployment, have
been given £2,400 for their work with young people.
Commenting on their award, Leanne Sinclair of Aberdeen Foyer said:
“Cashback for Communities Awards enables us to provide high quality meaningful activities for the
young people we work with, many of whom are facing multiple barriers to living a successful and
fulfilling life. The opportunities we've been able to offer as a result of Cashback for Communities
has made a very real difference to their progress and development as well as our ability as an
organisation to help those most in need.”
Tom Holt who runs the StreetSport project in the city welcomed this new cash injection:
“Streetsport are delighted to receive funding as it allows us to fully utilise our resources by getting
our portable pitch out and about 5 nights per week visiting the most deprived areas in Aberdeen
offering local youths alternative sporting activities.”
16
Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell welcomed today’s announcement.
Ms Campbell said:
“Since Cashback for Communities was introduced by this Government in 2007, thousands of
young people have benefited from more than 1.5 million sporting, cultural and educational
activities and opportunities, all funded from ill-gotten cash seized from crooks. I am delighted to
see so many great organisations are receiving this latest share of funding, which will help them
take their important work even further.
Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, said:
“Our young people are the future of this nation so it is crucial they all have the opportunity to
flourish. Putting the cash from criminals back into Aberdeen communities has offered many local
young people the chance of a more positive path in life. Investing in youth work changes young
people’s lives. It is an investment in all our futures as it helps create young people who are
confident, engaged and a credit to society.”
Allocations from the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund for the first year, administered
by YouthLink Scotland, have been made to 161 community groups supporting young people the
length and breadth of Scotland. Between them, they are sharing an initial £533,036, which marks
the first awards from a £2.094 million fund over the next three years.
Ends
For media enquiries and further information please contact Sarah Paterson, Head of Media,
Communications and Public Affairs for YouthLink Scotland on 07741 208625 or 0131 313
2488 and at [email protected]
17
Future
YouthLink Scotland will continue to administer the current grants programme by;




monitoring the delivery of the activities,
actively promoting the projects supported,
conducting an evaluation of the programme
producing a comprehensive report for Scottish Government
The 2015/16 Youth Work Fund was launched in November 2014;





Number of Awards made: 213
Total Funds Awarded: £624,812.00
Average Award: £2,947.23
Total number of young people: 31,714
All projects will run between 1st April 2015 and March 2016
The 2016/17 Youth Work Fund was launched in November 2015.
(Orkney Youth Café, Lewis & Harris Youth Clubs Association, Y2K)
18