About

CashBack for Communities is a Scottish Government programme which reinvests criminal assets recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) into projects delivering positive futures for our young people. The programme has strong links to the Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice in Scotland.   

Since 2008, £156 million has been committed to community initiatives to improve the quality of life of young people right across 32 local authorities in Scotland. So far, the programme has supported over 1.4 million children and young people. 

The current funding (Phase 6) for CashBack for Communities will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026. Our 29 funded partner organisations deliver a range of trauma-informed and person-centred services and activities for young people between the ages of 10-25 that: 

• Support young people most at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour, offending or reoffending towards or into positive destinations; 
• Provide person-centred support for young people, parents and families 
  impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma; 
• Support young people to improve their health, mental health and 
  wellbeing; 
• Support people, families and communities most affected by crime. 

Partners deliver projects within six broad themes of work: Culture, employability, mental health, mentoring, sport for change, and youth work. 

CashBack projects include diversionary youth work and longer-term life-changing intervention projects. The activities are designed to support young people to turn their lives around and offer opportunities to move into employment, education or volunteering. 

The next funding (Phase 7) for CashBack for Communities will run from April 2026 to end of March 2029. Projects supporting young people are to receive up to £26 million over the next three years. 

In Phase 7, CashBack for Communities partners will deliver early and effective prevention activities for children and young people aged 10-25. By strengthening ties with local communities, we will provide positive activities for young people facing the greatest challenges. 

This phase will focus on: 

• Providing safe spaces and suitable activities for young people to combat boredom, frustration, and isolation, which can contribute to antisocial behaviours. 

• Supporting young people to understand their own value and become positive influences and leaders within their communities. 

• Delivering holistic support for particularly vulnerable young people which includes their family or care environment. Where a young person may have the potential to come into conflict with the law, support will be extended for family and caregivers. 

• Offering support for young people who are already in conflict with the law to reflect on past behaviours and work towards a more positive future.