Latest news with #SiobhianBrown
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Ayr MSP urges local organisations to apply for CashBack for communities funding
Organisations across South Ayrshire can apply for a share of £26m available through the next round of the The Scottish Government initiative. An MSP, in her capacity as Minister for Victims and Community Safety, has announced £26m of funding available through the CashBack for Communities programme. SNP politician Siobhian Brown is encouraging organisations across South Ayrshire to apply for a share of the cash available through the next round of the Scottish Government initiative, which channels money recovered from criminal activity into community projects, will support initiatives working with young people at risk of involvement in crime or antisocial behaviour. Funding will be awarded for the period 2026 to 2029, with applications opening on June 12 this year. Projects eligible for support will work with young people aged 10 to 25, offering a wide range of activities, including access to trusted adults, skill-building opportunities, and pathways into education, employment, or volunteering. Since its inception in 2008, the CashBack programme has invested £156m and supported around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. Ms Brown said: "I'm pleased to announce this funding. CashBack for Communities transforms the proceeds of crime into opportunities, helping young people develop skills, build confidence and stay on a positive path. "Over the next three years, we're making £26 million available to organisations delivering vital work with children and young people. I urge local groups in my constituency and across Scotland to apply. This is a chance to make a lasting difference and help young people thrive." The programme is a key part of the Scottish Government's Vision for Justice and supports efforts to build safer, fairer communities.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Criminals' seized assets helped 26,000 young people in Inverclyde, new figures show
MORE than 26,000 young people in Inverclyde have been helped by a scheme set up to plough assets seized from criminals back into local communities, according to new figures. Almost £2.2 million has been spent in the area since the CashBack for Communities scheme was set up in 2008, the Scottish Government has revealed. The initiative has helped fund Morton in the Community's Off the Bench programme, which aims to help young people across Inverclyde build better futures through access to education, physical and mental health support, as well as providing sailing opportunities through the Greenock-based Ocean Youth Trust. The programme uses money recovered from seized criminal assets to provide crucial support to young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in offending or antisocial behaviour. READ MORE: Open day to show off success of Morton community programme funded by criminals' seized assets Over the years, CashBack for Communities funding has also been used to fund 'Midnight League' football sessions for local youngsters and education sessions in local schools on the dangers of carrying knives, as well as school holiday activity programmes and new play facilities for children. The Scottish Government says that £2,187,132 has been spent in Inverclyde under the programme in the 16 years from 2008 to 2024, with 26,088 young people helped as a result. In 2023-24, the most recent year for which information is available, the government says 361 young people in Inverclyde were supported by the initiative, with funding of £135,379 delivered in the area. The government is now seeking applications for funding for the next phase of the programme, which runs from 2026 to 2029 and will see up to £26m provided to groups across Scotland. CashBack for Communities funds Morton in the Community's Off the Bench programme. (Image: Supplied) Applications for funding open on June 12. More information is available at The government says successful projects in the next stage of the programme will deliver a range of activities and support for those aged 10 to 25, to help tackle some of the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity. Since 2008 CashBack for Communities has invested £156 million and supported around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authorities in Scotland. Siobhian Brown MSP, minister for community safety, said: 'CashBack for Communities is inspiring. It turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year. The scheme has funded sailing opportunities for young people with the Greenock-based Ocean Youth Trust. 'Over the course of the next three years of the programme, we are providing £26 million to organisations to deliver diversionary and support work with children and young people. "By learning new skills and boosting their confidence, it helps young people in our communities who are at risk of becoming involved in crime be diverted from that path and realise their potential. 'Since its inception more than a million young people have received support to turn their lives around, with opportunities provided into employment, education or volunteering. "CashBack's success is also testament to the work of law enforcement partners in disrupting organised crime groups – bringing them to justice and seizing their ill-gotten gains, using them to deliver a successful programme across the country.'
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scottish Government back calls to enjoy beaches safely
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, who is also MSP for Ayr, said there is "no reason" to take a knife to the beach. The Scottish Government is backing calls for people to enjoy Ayrshire 's beaches safely and responsibly. Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said the government was supporting the move and called for parents and carers to speak with their young people in a bid to reduce knife crime. Ms Brown, who represents Ayr at the Scottish Parliament, is also one of four Ayrshire MSPs who represent costal communities. Following an enquiry from Ayrshire Live, Ms Brown said: 'The recent events that took place on Irvine Beach and Portobello Beach were absolutely shattering for the families of those involved. 'We want everyone enjoying our beautiful beaches to feel safe. There is no reason to carry a weapon of any kind. 'Following these tragic events, I would urge everyone in Scotland, please speak to your young people and encourage them to never carry a knife.' First Minister John Swinney has also spoken about the incidents at Irvine Beach and said that the Scottish Government was focused on creating responsible citizens in Scotland. At First Minister Questions on Thursday, in response to a question from Conservative leader Russell Findlay, Mr Swinney said: "First of all, Presiding Officer, I want to express my sympathy to the family of Kayden Moy. It is a tragedy that they are having to come to terms with and one incident is one incident too many. "The disorder and the violence at Irvine Beach and at Portobello was totally unacceptable. "I repeat, one incident is one incident too many and we will act to eradicate such incidents." In response to a question from Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Swinney added: "Since 2008/09, there's been a 69 per cent decrease in emergency hospital admissions due to assault with a sharp object. Over time, Scottish society has become safer at the very time we have undertaken reform of the police service. "Recorded crime data shows there has been a 55 per cent fall in attempted murder and serious murder, with homicides at a near record low in our society." He added: "One incident is absolutely unacceptable and devastating, so I don't diminish that at all. But overall, Scottish society is safer today than it was before we created Police Scotland."
STV News
22-05-2025
- STV News
‘Inspiring' scheme helping youngsters funded with £26m seized from criminals
Up to £26 million over the next three years will go to an 'inspiring' scheme which uses cash seized from criminals to provide 'life-changing opportunities' for youngsters. Community safety minister Siobhian Brown hailed the impact of the CashBack for Communities project – which uses money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act to provide support to children and young people at risk of becoming involved in a life of crime. The scheme has invested £156 million since 2008, supporting 1.4 million young people across Scotland. With the next round of funding running from 2026 to 2029, successful projects will receive cash to help them provide activities for those aged 10 to 25 – with the work also expected to tackle the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour and crime. During a visit to a project supported by the scheme at Glasgow's Easterhouse sport centre, Brown said: 'CashBack for Communities is inspiring. It turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year. 'Over the course of the next three years of the programme, we are providing £26 million to organisations to deliver diversionary and support work with children and young people. 'By learning new skills and boosting their confidence, it helps young people in our communities who are at risk of becoming involved in crime be diverted from that path and realise their potential.' The minister said since the scheme was started, 'more than a million young people have received support to turn their lives around, with opportunities provided into employment, education or volunteering'. She added: 'CashBack's success is also testament to the work of law enforcement partners in disrupting organised crime groups – bringing them to justice and seizing their ill-gotten gains, using them to deliver a successful programme across the country.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayr MSP hails Prestwick Academy's construction skills initiative as 'inspiring and essential'
The demonstration was part of a the Developing the Young Workforce initiative at Prestwick Academy. Ayr SNP MSP, Siobhian Brown, has praised Prestwick Academy's efforts to prepare young people for careers in construction, calling it a "brilliant initiative" that is both "inspiring and essential." The comments came during a visit to the Scottish Parliament, where students from the school demonstrated a range of construction skills as part of their Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) programme. Ms Brown joined the pupils outside Holyrood last week and even tried her hand at marbling, a hands-on taste of the practical experiences students have been gaining through the programme. Speaking after the event, Ms Brown said: "It was fantastic to join some of Prestwick Academy's students outside the Parliament for the Construction Skills Demonstration. I even had a go at marbling myself, though I think I need a bit more practice. "This is a brilliant initiative that gives our young people practical skills and real insight into career pathways. Well done to all the students and staff involved. It's inspiring to see such energy and ambition." The demonstration is part of a wider DYW initiative at Prestwick Academy that aims to bridge the gap between education and the local job market. Earlier this year, the school hosted its first Build Your Future event, where students engaged directly with industry professionals across a range of trades including masonry, roof slating, demolition, and health and safety. The event was a collaborative effort supported by Kerr Roofing & Building (Ayr) Ltd, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Go-Wright Ltd, Stone Federation GB, the National Demolition Training Group, McTaggart Construction, the Scottish Traditional Building Forum, South Ayrshire Council, and Prestwick Academy staff. Anita Hall from Prestwick Academy added: "This initiative is part of a broader DYW strategy aimed at bridging the gap between school and the local market economy. "By working closely with industry partners, we're equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in high-demand sectors like construction. "Today's demonstration is a proud moment that showcases the hard work of our pupils and the strength of our partnerships." As a direct outcome of the programme, pupils can achieve their CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, a key credential for entering the construction workforce, with sponsorship from the Ayrshire Training Group. With the construction sector continuing to face critical skills shortages, Prestwick Academy's proactive approach offers a model for schools across Scotland looking to build stronger bridges between education and employment.
