Project name: CashBack Gateway to Opportunities
Age range: 16-25 years
Celtic FC Foundation’s CashBack Gateway to Opportunities project supports vulnerable young people aged 16-25, living in areas of high deprivation. Particularly those who have experience of the justice system or are at risk of offending.
Young people are referred through various routes e.g. schools, youth justice services, social work, third sector organisations and self-referral. Each participant works with a dedicated worker to agree a personalised action plan. This plan identifies individual goals and the practical steps needed to progress towards positive destinations, including, employment, further or higher education, training and volunteering.
Participants receive regular one-to-one support and take part in structured group workshops focused on personal development, employability, confidence building, communication skills and teamwork. The project provides access to accredited training courses and supports young people to gain recognised qualifications.
We also deliver sessions within local prisons, offering short taster sessions to individuals approaching release. These sessions introduce participants to the support available through the project and give them the opportunity to begin planning for their next steps before liberation.
Recognising the impact of trauma and poor mental health, the project includes access to professional counselling and wellbeing support. This helps participants address personal barriers that may affect attendance, engagement and progression.
Through consistent support, structured activity and clear progression routes, the project supports young people to reduce risk-taking behaviour and move into positive, sustained destinations.
Local authority areas:
East Dunbartonshire; Edinburgh City; Falkirk; Glasgow City; North Lanarkshire; Renfrewshire
