This evaluation report explores the impact of and lessons learned from Phase 5 of CashBack for Communities, which ran from April 2020 to March 2023. It explores:
• the profile of participants
• the impact of the programme
• the key success factors and barriers in bringing about impact
• lessons learned around programme management, planning and support.
The report found that at programme level both participation and outcome targets were exceeded reaching more than 72,000 young people. This is 11,500 more young people than expected and the report found this was due to flexibility, strong joint working and community connection. This achievement in the context of a global pandemic is significant.
Despite these challenges, more than 56,000 young people improved their health and wellbeing.
“It’s had a good impact on my mental health, it’s got me talking more and it’s got me laughing. It’s a very good environment, it gets you smiling.”
– Young person, Scottish Professional Football League Trust
The report also found that nearly 30,500 young people felt less inclined to get involved in anti-social behaviour.
“I think I have the ability to say no to anything that will put myself at risk or anything that will get me into trouble as before I would have went along with whatever was happening.”
– Young person
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said:
‘I believe in the potential of all our children and young people. This report shows the
value of the CashBack programme in providing early interventions and support to
help improve the lives of thousands of children and young people in Scotland. CashBack Phase 5 has been an outstanding success. I would like to offer my congratulations to the 24 CashBack organisations and the supporting partnerships that helped to make it happen. Most importantly, I congratulate all the young CashBack participants who were at the heart of the programme’.
