Youth Club News

‘Crime cash’ boost youth groups
December 2009 from Ross-shire Journal

Youth groups across Ross are set to benefit from the proceeds of crime with more than £25,000 being pumped into a raft of projects.

Christmas came early for the Victoria Hall in Cromarty which was the largest single local beneficiary of the Cashback for Communities YouthLink Scotland payout with almost £10,000 being awarded for a host of activities run through successful youth cafes there.

Youth schemes in Dingwall, Invergordon, Alness and Milton were amongst others to score a share in the £1million of money seized from organized crime gangs and returned to communities to encourage healthy activities.

A 'thrilled' Wanda Mackay, youth development officer at the Victoria Hall said, "This will help get young folk off the street, bring about less antisocial behaviour, encourage youngsters to work towards awards and achievements provided through opportunities and keep them fitter and healthier."

She said it would also encourage them to promote better relationships between young and older people in the community.

The cash will help fund a summer/winter programme of events over a 36-week period as well as the two youth cafes and outdoor activities.

The youth cafes have been credited with reducing issues with police and have also seen young people achieve a number of awards and improve general fitness.

There was an extra helping of Christmas cheer in Cromarty this week when it emerged that stalwart volunteer and 'human dynamo' Fraser Thomson was runner-up in a Young Person of the Year award scheme.

Nominated by youth worker Wanda Mackay, Fraser picked up a cheque for £200, half of which he is splitting between the youth cafe and a local old folks' group.

Said Wanda, "Fraser helps put on all sorts of fun days for other young people that gives them a chance to engage with other young people from different places.

"Really there is not a day goes by where Fraser is not doing something helpful and caring towards the other young and older people in our community.

"He is such a caring young person. He is a human dynamo — whatever needs doing he is there. Cromarty is a better place for him being there."