News

Following the success of the Foundation’s first ever CashBack For Communities – Towards New Futures programme, we are delighted to announce that a second course will start on 8th March 2021 and we are currently accepting applications to participate.

This new and innovative employability programme is for young people with current or past convictions who want a fresh start. The programme aims to re-engage them and help them move towards a more positive future including working, volunteering or further education.

One of the first participants, Melissa Stanulis, has achieved a place on a course as a result of the programme, which will help her achieve her ambition of working in childcare.

Melissa commented: “I am a mad, mad Rangers fan. That’s what really made this course stand out for me. I’ve now got a course on Zoom with Enable Scotland which Derek and the Foundation helped me get on.

“This is going to help me apply for college to learn more about childcare and hopefully get a placement in a nursery. It’s amazing.” 

Another participant Marco Connelly added: “Derek and everyone give us as much support as possible and they’ve told us they are always there if we need them.

“They’ve helped to give me so many more skills I’ll be able to use to find a new job. If people are thinking about doing it, they just have to do 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.

The project is delivered within Ibrox Stadium 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.

Participants will 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.

Participants will have continued support after completion of the course to help them stay motivated and on track to achieving their goals.

The programme is free and is run four days per week for eight weeks. 

For more information, or to get involved, email derekrhoddan@rangers.co.uk. 

Three participants from the Cashback course put their new skills to good use recently when they saved a women’s life by using their first aid knowledge.  Find out more here.