Project name: NextGen Empowered by CashBack
Age range: 12-25 years
This project will support Black young people aged 12 to 25 across Edinburgh and West Lothian who are at risk of becoming involved in crime or exploitation, as well as their families. The project will prioritise young Black men who are not engaged in school or work and who spend time in local town centres where they are vulnerable to grooming and drug-related activity. Many participants will come from migrant, refugee or asylum-seeking families affected by trauma, poverty and social exclusion.
Young people will take part in regular, structured diversionary activities including football sessions, hip hop education, therapeutic support and practical workshops. These activities will be delivered in culturally safe spaces by trusted adults and will provide positive alternatives to spending time on the streets.
Young people with intense needs will receive one-to-one mentoring, with a focus on building confidence, improving decision-making and supporting safer life choices. To maintain impact, the project will work with a smaller cohort while offering more consistent and intensive support to those at highest risk.
The project will also deliver weekend and short residential programmes, giving young people time away from negative influences and opportunities to build relationships, teamwork skills and self-belief. Alongside this, parents and carers will be supported through a peer-led group, helping them manage stress, share experiences, learn supportive strategies and strengthen family relationships.
Through trusted relationships and targeted support, the project will help young people stay safe and access positive alternatives to criminal pathways.
Local authority areas:
Edinburgh City; West Lothian
