Photo credits: Elgin Youth Development Group
Across Scotland, CashBack for Communities supports projects that create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop skills and make positive contributions to their communities.
Through youth work, outreach activities and community-led initiatives, these projects provide opportunities for young people to connect with others, develop their strengths and play an active role in shaping the places where they live.
Partner Spotlight: Elgin Youth Development Group (Moray)
Photo credits: Elgin Youth Development Group
CashBack Project: CashBack @ The Warehouse
Through CashBack for Communities, Elgin Youth Development Group (EYDG) delivers CashBack @ The Warehouse, supporting young people aged 11-18 across Moray.
The project provides a safe and inclusive space where young people can socialise, access support and take part in community-based youth work activities, including drop-in sessions, holiday programmes and targeted group work. Through an early intervention and preventative approach, the project helps tackle boredom, frustration and isolation while supporting young people who may be impacted by or at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.
CashBack funding has enabled EYDG to strengthen its offer by increasing youth work capacity, running weekend sessions and engaging with more young people across Moray through outreach activities, school visits and community partnerships.
Partner Perspective
Youth Takeovers have become a core part of EYDG’s work, giving young people a leading role in planning and delivering community events that raise funds, build confidence and strengthen relationships with local people.
The project enables young people to work alongside youth workers to plan, lead and participate in activities that support the charity while developing valuable life skills. By opening its building to the wider community and showcasing the positive contributions young people make, EYDG also aims to improve perceptions of young people following periods of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The group’s most recent Youth Takeover, held in September, was its busiest and most successful event to date. More than 100 people attended the community curry night, making it the first Youth Takeover to attract over 100 attendees. It was also the first event delivered in partnership with another charity, Busega Scotland, and the first to receive community sponsorship.
Working alongside youth workers, 14 young people aged 12-17 helped run the event, welcoming guests, serving drinks, preparing desserts, running a raffle and sharing information about the organisations involved. Guests also enjoyed a buffet provided by local restaurant The Qismat and live music from young local musician Cameron Thomson.
The event raised more than £1,100 each for EYDG and Busega Scotland, supporting young people in both Moray and Tanzania.
The project has developed a dedicated core group of young people who regularly take part in Youth Takeovers, while attracting new participants at every event. Many of the young people involved work closely with the youth team to build their confidence, wellbeing and skills. Some participants are neurodiverse or face challenges with school attendance, and the project provides opportunities for them to thrive and demonstrate their strengths.
One board director said:
“I can see a huge difference in young person. It is wonderful to see him getting fully involved and engaging directly with customers. It is also great to see him beginning to take the initiative and do things independently.”
Another volunteer commented:
“You can see clear growth in their confidence, and their social skills are greatly enhanced.”
One young person involved in the project said:
“During Youth Takeovers I run the till and make drinks, this helps me to gain confidence, social skills and teamwork skills.”
This young person is always among the first to volunteer for events, regularly helps with planning and preparation, has logged more than 250 volunteering hours over the past three years and is currently working towards a Silver Youth Achievement Award.
Reflecting on the impact of the project, a youth worker said:
“As a youth worker who has been involved since the beginning of this project, you see young people attend their first event, often nervous and requesting a behind-the-scenes role doing dishes, get to the point where they are confidently serving tables, greeting customers, planning future events and acting as peer mentors to newer young people and it is amazing to see!”
Restaurant partner Atif Ali from The Qismat Elgin said:
“It was a real pleasure to be part of such a successful event. Bringing the two charities and the Qismat together showed what can be achieved when everyone works towards a common goal. The collaboration, support and enthusiasm from everyone involved made the event truly special. It was particularly rewarding to see the young people getting involved, taking responsibility and doing such a fantastic job. We were proud to be part of it and look forward to more opportunities to work together in the future.”
Learn more about the project: Elgin Youth Development Group – CashBack for Communities
Through initiatives such as Youth Takeovers, EYDG continues to provide opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop new skills and make a positive contribution to their communities. By placing young people at the heart of community events, the project helps them realise their potential while strengthening connections across Moray.
Want to learn more?
To learn more about CashBack for Communities and its work supporting young people and communities across Scotland, see our 24-25 Impact report
