CashBack for Change

Launched in September 2020, CashBack for Change is a three-year project funded by Scottish Government Programme CashBack for Communities. The project is run by YDance and Glass Performance with activity taking place in Falkirk, Renfrewshire, Angus, North and East Ayrshire, Dundee, Perth, and East and West Dunbartonshire.

CashBack for Change uses dance and theatre as a tool to engage and positively influence young people aged 10 -21 who are most at risk of displaying anti-social behaviours and/or entering the criminal justice system. The project targets young people living in areas of high deprivation and crime, those not engaging in mainstream education and in alternative education centres, and those already in the criminal justice system at HMP & YOI Polmont. 

By providing free, weekly dance and drama sessions the young people have the opportunity to build their confidence and resilience whilst developing core skills such as communication, team-working and commitment. Sessions also encourage the participants to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment that nurtures their ideas and creativity whilst improving their overall health and wellbeing. Each year a celebratory performance event will be held to bring together the groups from the different local authorities to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

CashBack for Change also includes a programme of qualification opportunities for the young people including the SQA Personal Achievement Bronze Award, Arts Award, Sports Leaders Award in Dance Leadership and the Dynamic Youth Achievement Award.

Strategic Outcomes

The strategic outcomes of the project are that the young people taking part will:

• build their confidence and resilience, benefit from strengthened support networks and reduce risk taking behaviour
• develop their physical and personal skills
• improve their health and wellbeing
• participate in activity which improves their learning, employability and employment options (positive destinations)
• contribute positively to their communities

A robust and in-depth evaluation will be carried out by Catch the Light to measure the outcomes of the project.

Funders

YDance was awarded £410,000 for CashBack for Change from Scottish Government Programme CashBack for Communities.

Partners

CashBack for Change is run by YDance and Glass Performance in partnership with HMP & YOI Polmont, Scottish Prison Service and Barnardo’s.

Contact

For further information on CashBack for Change please contact us:

Tel: 0141 552 7712

Email: kelly@ydance.org 

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