A SUMMER programme which set out to involve youngsters in a range of confidence-building, positive experiences has been hailed a huge success after attracting more than 500 participants.

West Dunbartonshire Youth Alliance, which incorporates West Dunbartonshire Council’s Working4U team in partnership with Clydebank-based youth charity Y Sort It, delivered the six-week summer programme of events ? backed by £13,250 from the Scottish Government’s Cashback for Communities fund.

Originally aiming to sign up 80 young people between the ages of 10 and 18, the project team actually registered 512 youngsters on a wide range of activities that included sporting activities and cultural visits.

Activities were spread between Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven.

Councillor Diane Docherty, the council’s convener of housing and communities, said: “It is quite remarkable how successful this summer programme has been and I’m thrilled to see how far the organising team has made the Cashback for Communities money go.

“The idea behind these activities was to offer young people the kind of interaction and stimulation that could stand them in good stead as they move forward into employment or further education and clearly this is a project that we would very much like to continue in the coming years.”

Councillor Iain McLaren, vice-convener of housing and communities, added: “The feedback from the summer programme is very encouraging.

“I would like to thank every volunteer and member of staff who worked so hard on this project and every youngster who took part and to congratulate them on their success.”

The Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for justice, Michael Matheson MSP, recently to met some of the West Dunbartonshire Youth Alliance volunteers.

He said: “As a government we are committed to tackling inequality. The CashBack programme allows us to use money seized from criminals and invest it into facilities and activities which benefit local communities throughout Scotland and offers real alternatives to crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Feedback found 92 per cent increased their feeling of being very safe and nurtured throughout; 90 per cent increased their sense of feeling very respected during the programme; and 70 per cent felt a greater feeling of belonging to their community.