Published: Thursday, 31st December, 2009 8:00am

Cash back scheme benefits young people

by Jim Stark

MORE than £56,000 of cash seized from law breakers across Scotland is being pumped into Fife to encourage young people to get involved in free activities in their local area.

The investment comes from the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities scheme, which funds youth groups (and sporting bodies) to deliver free diversionary activities for young people.

And among the projects getting backing is plans to run sessions at Kelty Community Centre to develop young talent.

More than 243 projects across Scotland are benefiting from a total investment of £1.4 million, which is being awarded to YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work.

In Fife, the numerous projects benefited from this latest round of funding include, Glenrothes YWCA- YMCA, Windygates Youth Club, Rio Community Centre, Youth at Kennoway, Kelty Community Centre Management Committee, Levenmouth Youth Initiative, Revolution Bus Steering Group, Kirkcaldy YMCA, Fife Young Carers, Mayhem, Fife Council and Levenmouth YMCA. Since Scottish Government Justice Minister, Kenny MacAskill, launched CashBack for Communities in June 2007, more than £13 million has been invested in projects across Scotland and over 100,000 young people have taken part in CashBack-funded activities.

Kenny MacAskill, commented, "We're working together to build a safer and stronger Scotland by taking cash from criminals and reinvesting it into the affected communities.

"The work taking place in Fife is offering young people the chance to experience different activities and develop new skills for life."

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