Photo credits : Eden Court Highlands
Across Scotland, CashBack for Communities supports organisations that use creativity and the arts to help young people build confidence, develop new skills and create positive pathways for the future.
Through music, performance, dance and filmmaking, these programmes provide safe and supportive spaces where young people can connect with others, express themselves and discover new opportunities.
Partner Spotlight 1: musicALL (Glasgow)
Photo credits : musicALL
CashBack Project: CashBack x musicALL: Banding Together
Through CashBack for Communities, musicALL delivers CashBack x musicALL: Banding Together, a project supporting disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14-25 across Glasgow.
The project offers young people a safe, welcoming environment where they can learn instruments, sing, write songs and create music together. Through weekly small-group band sessions, participants build confidence, reduce isolation and develop meaningful connections with others who share similar interests.
Participants also have opportunities to showcase their talents through live performances and intensive music projects delivered during the summer holidays.
Partner Perspective
“CashBack x musicALL: Banding Together is a brand-new project from musicALL, delivered in partnership with CashBack for Communities.
The project focuses on bringing neurodivergent and disabled young people aged 14-25 from across the city together in a safe, supported environment. Alongside their peers they are forming bands and friendships, working together to learn to play their favourite songs, as well as create their own original works.
We are in the early stages of this exciting new project and have recently had our first few bands getting together to play, write and create music together for the first time. The bands will meet weekly at a professional studio and utilise the experience and expertise of our tutors to grow as musicians.
Expected outcomes include growth in confidence and self-worth, stronger social and interpersonal skills, a sense of community and ownership, and new musical skills.”
One parent shared:
“He absolutely loves the sessions, he comes home full of energy and loves to talk about what he was doing at that day’s session with his band. He loves music and singing. There aren’t many music groups around for autistic adults and we appreciate him getting the opportunity to do what he loves doing.”
Learn more about the project: musicALL – CashBack for Communities
Partner Spotlight 2: Live Music Now Scotland
CashBack Project: CashBack | Sound Tracks
Through CashBack for Communities, Live Music Now Scotland delivers Sound Tracks, supporting care experienced young people aged 10-17 in Rothesay and Dunoon.
The programme uses music to engage young people who may be at risk of exploitation or coming into contact with the justice system. Through regular music sessions led by trauma-informed musicians and wellbeing workers, participants can develop confidence, emotional wellbeing and social skills in safe and supportive environments.
The programme also supports young people to engage with education, gain qualifications and work towards positive destinations through personalised support and meaningful opportunities to participate in their communities.
By combining music-making with tailored wellbeing support, Sound Tracks helps young people build trusted relationships, explore their creativity and develop skills that can support their future aspirations. Families and carers are also encouraged to take part in key events throughout the year, helping to strengthen the support networks around each young person.
Learn more about the project: Live Music Now Scotland – CashBack for Communities
Partner Spotlight 3: Eden Court Highlands
CashBack Project: CashBack Next Gen Creatives
Through CashBack for Communities, Eden Court delivers CashBack Next Gen Creatives, a youth-led project supporting young people aged 12-16 across the Highlands.
Working alongside industry professionals, participants can explore disciplines including acting, dance and filmmaking before choosing their own creative pathway. The programme aims to help young people develop confidence, creative skills and employability skills while building positive relationships and new experiences.
The project works with schools and community organisations to engage young people who may be at risk of criminal exploitation or coming into contact with the justice system.
Partner Perspective
“Participants will work with a team of artist practitioners and receive dedicated pastoral support throughout their journey. Through taking part in the programme, young people will build confidence, make new friends and develop both creative and employability skills.
In addition to the main programme, a smaller cohort will take part in a work experience placement at Eden Court, gaining valuable real-world experience within a creative organisation.”
Learn more about the project: Eden Court – CashBack for Communities
