Project name: CashBack for Young Parents
Age range: 12-25 years
CashBack for Young Parents is a Fife-based early intervention project for parents under 25, with babies aged 0-2, who are affected by, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. Delivered by Starcatchers and Fife Gingerbread, the project is rooted in a distinctive Artist-Support Worker model that blends creative practice with specialist family support.
At its heart, the programme uses high-quality, trauma-informed arts experiences to strengthen attachment, build confidence and nurture wellbeing. Parents and babies take part in creative group sessions across two communities, led by professional artists skilled in early years practice. These sessions create joyful, nurturing spaces where families can bond, play and grow together.
Creative sessions sit alongside holistic one-to-one support, providing tailored guidance in areas such as mental health, relationships, routines, budgeting and creating safe, stable home environments. Learning is further enhanced through Mellow for Young People delivery in local high schools and PEEP accreditations embedded within artistic experiences.
Parents are active collaborators, co-producing sessions and developing life and employability skills. Each year culminates in a cultural event created by the families, celebrating their voices and achievements.
By combining creativity with holistic, relationship-based support, CashBack for Young Parents builds resilience, reduces isolation and helps young families break harmful cycles, empowering them to shape safer, brighter futures.
Local authority areas:
Fife
