In strand 2 , as discussed in the case study , the Good Shepherd group moved from inside to outside , then into two separate groups . It was paused as YDance were not allowed onto the grounds . Unfortunately , the group were unable to go online as they could not come together in one space .
During January to March 2021 , as restrictions lifted YDance gained access to Kibble Education and Care Centre which supports at risk children and young people that have experienced significant trauma in their lives . The young people live together in the same residential centre so can meet in the same space . Work has also commenced with ‘ Sparks of Genius ’ a provider of education and residential care in North Ayrshire , Dundee and Perth . Kibble and Spark of Genius therefore offer potential for case studies as young people continue their journey in year two .
For Strand 3 with communities , one attempt to engage participants with Y-Sort it in West Dunbartonshire was cancelled due to low uptake . Dance film distribution was also tried with community-based providers . Success came from a cross-borders project that was devised with North Ayrshire Council Community Learning and Development , East Adolescent Team at Dundee Council and YMCA Tayside . From this 15 young people were registered for the SQA Personal Achievement Award in Performing Arts . Bringing these young people together to build their friendship groups and support networks was a great achievement for the programme .
Throughout this phase efforts went into risk assessments that responded to the Covid restrictions , as well as plans to deliver flexible live-online sessions , pre-recorded tutorials , as well as face-to-face delivery outside in playgrounds and carparks . There were also press releases , leaflets , and website updates ; as well as signing young people up for attainment opportunities . The experience of working through the pandemic has contributed to wider learning for YDance and Glass on new ways to achieve the outcomes .
A highlight of this period was having an online meeting with Humza Yousef MSP , the Justice Secretary who declared :
“ CashBack is a unique and potentially life-transforming programme that helps expand young people ’ s horizons and supports them to realise their ambitions and reach their full potential .
I am delighted to see the positive impact that Phase 4 has had on our young people and look forward to building on this good work as we move to the next phase of the programme which will see £ 19 million invested between 24 organisations .
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