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Recent graduate, “Brad”, from the Foundation’s CashBack For Communities – Towards New Futures programme said the project helped steer him away from the wrong path.

The Foundation’s Cashback For Communities – Towards New Futures programme aims to re-engage young people with current or past convictions and help them move towards a more positive future including working, training or further education.

Brad explained what his life was like before being involved in the CashBack initiative. He said:

“Before I started coming here, I was getting involved in maybe the wrong types of stuff you know like, drinking and fighting and stuff like that.”

“I wanted to distance myself from that behaviour and grow up and things because I knew that if I continued, I could end up in jail or something.”

The course is delivered at the Ibrox Community Complex and works in partnership with four Scottish prisons and Govan Thriving Place (as well as other referral routes) to target and support a variety of young people aged 16 – 24 from the local area and beyond.

With a wide variety of referral routes available for the programme Brad talked about how the opportunity to join arose for him and how the Foundation’s approach to delivery was different. He said:

“My support worker that I was assigned through the court let me know about the CashBack programme here and thought it would be good for me.”

“I support Rangers and the fact that the programme was run through the Rangers Charity Foundation definitely made me feel more keen to come along.”

“On the first day I wasn’t too sure what to expect but the staff that run the programme were great. They were both really nice guys and approachable and like normal people too. I’ve been to other places where I maybe wasn’t given as much help as I needed but the staff here made sure that I was alright and would help me out if I felt I needed it.”

Participants on the course can improve their physical and mental health by taking part in accredited fitness and coaching sessions and a mental health first aid course. The initiative includes a variety of formal and industry recognised awards (including utilising the Foundation’s SQA Centre status), vocational work experience and the development of core skills which will greatly enhance their employment prospects and CVs.

With the ability complete qualifications while on the programme, Brad wanted to set himself and target before he finished the course. He said:

“My end goal when I first started on the programme was to come away with new qualifications and have a job lined up. Thankfully I got something sorted and I’m now a loader at Graham’s in Port Glasgow so I’m out loading up trucks and vans and stuff like that.”

“Looking back, it’s definitely not something that I could have done before coming here and I’m glad the staff gave me that bit of encouragement and help so that I can go and try sort my life out because it was going down the drain and I needed to do something about it.”

Foundation CashBack Coordinator, Zander Carruth, added:

“Brad’s journey through the Cashback Programme has been great. Watching him grow in confidence and maturity was a privilege, and his work rate was second to none.”

“He consistently demonstrated a strong willingness to better himself, and it’s fantastic to see him now thriving in full-time employment. His dedication and determination have truly paid off, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far he has come.”

The CashBack programme is free and is run four days per week for eight weeks. Participants will also have continued support after completion of the course to help them stay motivated and on track to achieving their goals.

When asked to reflect on his experience and his personal development Brad added:

“If I could have a conversation with myself before the course, I would say that version of me ‘grow up and get a grip and listen to the people that are trying their best to help you.”

“Anybody that has the chance to do this course should one-hundred percent do it because it can help you change your life and give you a bit of responsibility. Don’t just come and mess about and don’t listen because you’ll throw away a great opportunity if you don’t try and make the most of it.”

CashBack for Communities is a unique Scottish Government programme which takes funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and invests them into community programmes, facilities and activities largely aimed at diverting young people at risk away from potentially criminal or anti-social behaviour.

Register your interest or email Foundation CashBack Coordinator, Zander Carruth, via: zandercarruth@rangers.co.uk.