Generation Cashback was a life saver to my unit
This Challenge Poverty Week we have been speaking to leaders from units across Scotland who have been a part of the Cashback project.
Generation Cashback is a Scottish Government project which uses proceeds of crime to expand opportunities for young people in areas of need. It’s delivered by a partnership involving Girlguiding Scotland, Boys Brigade Scotland, Scouts Scotland and Youth Scotland. Check out our third blog in the Challenge Poverty Week series where we explore how Cashback has helped units across Scotland.
Fiona and Kirsty, 19th Motherwell Guide Unit
I’m pleased to share a case study for Challenge Poverty Week that reflects how our Girlguiding unit connects with the community while developing valuable life skills.
Recently, the girls learned about a local woman who is deaf and living with dementia. She had fallen and was hospitalized, and the girls were concerned she might feel lonely. With support from their volunteer leaders, who also work at the community centre she attends, the girls wrote her letters. These letters provided companionship, offering her comfort during a difficult time.
This experience not only brightened the woman’s days but also taught the girls compassion and the importance of supporting those in need. Our volunteers truly value the opportunity to instil these life lessons in the next generation, showing them how small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. We’re proud of the meaningful engagement our unit fosters.
Ann , 49th Paisley Guide and Ranger Unit
The Generation CashBack project was a life-saver to my Guide unit. We struggled to increase our membership numbers in Foxbar. With your financial assistance we managed to hire a hall and pay our membership fees, thus enjoying the Guide and Ranger Programme. Since moving venues we have enjoyed a weekend at South Newton Guide Camp and our numbers have increased to 10 Guides and 4 Ranger Guides.
One of my Young Leaders, has completed her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and has been helping with archery instruction with The Renfrewshire Guide Team at South Newton and has registered her intention to work for her Queen’s Guide Award.
Rene, 292nd Glasgow Guide Unit
Our unit is in a deprived area of Glasgow with high drug and crime rates. Guides provide a safe environment, to meet new friends, share, learn essential life skills. Unfortunately our Guides families are unable to pay yearly census, as they just don’t have the money. Cashback helps us to cover this cost. We buy some uniforms from our funds to give out to guides who cannot afford a uniform. I also source guide & leader uniforms from second hand shops, wash & iron them to be handed out to anyone that needs.
Cashback helps us with community links, our unit had been asked last year to come along to a Care home in Pollok to sing songs with the residents. Residents, guides and leaders all enjoyed the experience, we are going back again this year at Christmas to sing again.
