ALEXANDRIA youngsters gathered at the Scottish Parliament last week to launch the ‘My travels’ postcard campaign as part of the U-Turn Project from CashBack for Communities.

The campaign, run by YouthLink Scotland, asked MSPs to walk 500 miles in five minutes through an interactive postcard map of Scotland, as youngsters explained what CashBack money has done for them.

CashBack for Communities is a Scottish Government programme which takes funds recovered from the proceeds of crime and invests them into free activities and programmes for young people across Scotland.

Zander Campbell, 16, from Haldane said: “My experience of being part of the group has been good as it has allowed me to be on the youth board, give me something to focus on and learn skills for the future.”

Abby Montague, 13, also from Haldane added: “I have made lots of new friends and I am more confident because before I was very shy when I started the group.

“Through my experience with the project I have developed as a person and feel that I have been able to gain people skills which I feel will be helpful for me later in life.”

The campaign is being organised to demonstrate the life-changing impact of the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund.

Michael Matheson, the secretary for justice, said:“Through CashBack we are supporting Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people to reach their full potential in life, helping them to learn new skills, boost their confidence and become responsible people.

“I was delighted to attend YouthLink Scotland’s postcard campaign and meet some of the young people from U-Turn who have benefited from the unique approach of CashBack. Through the CashBack programme we have committed £92 million to support nearly two million opportunities and it is great to hear about the impact that money is having on young people’s lives.”