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When Steven* first walked into the CashBack for Communities Scotland youth rehabilitation programme, he was determined to make a change. His past weighed heavily on him, but he saw the opportunity to reset and rebuild with the support of the Rangers Charity Foundation’s ‘CashBack – Towards New Futures’ course.

Just a few years earlier, Steven had made decisions that took him down a dark path, resulting in a sentence at Polmont Young Offenders Institution. Looking back now, he reflects honestly on where those choices led him. He said:

“I was involved in some really stupid stuff a couple of years ago and I ended up being sentenced to three years in Polmont for knife crime. Right now, I’m out on license and have a tag on so I’m determined to try and get my life sorted out now.”

Steven explains that his desire to turn things around actually began before his sentence was handed down. By the end of 2023, his lifestyle had reached breaking point, and he realised things had to change. He continued:

“Near the end of 2023, I would just be drinking all the time and I thought to myself ‘what’s even the point’ and at that moment I knew it was time to sort myself out. Obviously, I knew what was coming my way and started settling down, but I still had to do the time for what I’d done.”

During his sentence, Steven was introduced to the CashBack programme through our CashBack Coordinator, Zander Carruth and Community Executive, Callum Esler.

The free eight-week course for 16–24-year-olds with experience of the criminal justice system combines accredited learning, employability skills, and practical experiences to prepare participants for work. Steven embraced every opportunity and valued the chance to meet employers and organisations that could open doors to real careers.

Zander and Callum visited Polmont to share information about the CashBack for Communities programme. Their visit left a lasting impression. Steven added:

“When I was in Polmont, Zander and Callum came in to talk to a group of us about opportunities that were available once we were out and I really liked what they were saying. They came in and helped us work through qualifications, so I knew that when I was out, I was going to contact them about the CashBack programme and finish what I started when I was in Polmont.”

For Zander, those first introductions inside Polmont are often where the seeds of change are planted. Steven was one of the young men who responded positively, showing a willingness to listen and to think about his future differently. Zander said:

“We were able to go and present to Steven and other young people housed in Polmont so that they could see first-hand what is on offer after release through CashBack.”

“That initial connection planted the seed that upskilling was possible and that barriers to employment could be broken down.

“The work we do in prisons is hugely valuable in preparing people for release, and once they join the Foundation’s CashBack for Communities course, they can explore potential career paths and gain practical tools through employer sessions, site visits, CV workshops, and interview preparation to help them take the next step.”

For Steven, this wasn’t just a passing interaction. It was the beginning of a plan for the future, and a reason to believe something positive could come out of a challenging time.

On release, Steven made good on his intention and signed up. The programme, delivered at Ibrox Community Complex, immediately provided him with structure and support. What stood out most was the way he was treated, not as just another participant, but as a young man worth investing in. He said:

“The whole thing was great from start to finish. Zander and Callum will check in on you, talk to you and take time out to help you if you’re stuck with something. They’ll give you their time and it makes you feel like you’re more than just a number in a classroom.”

“The things that are available through this programme are amazing. Having employers and companies coming in to talk to you kind of opens your eyes and helps you understand what you could go on to do. I was given help with my CV, worked towards qualifications and had interview advice over the course of the programme and it’s been really good because a lot of the stuff I didn’t know before.”

Moments like this reminded Steven that his life didn’t have to be defined by his past. There were still opportunities out there that he is now in a better position to grab.

He doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the harm caused by his actions. Instead, he uses his experience to encourage others, particularly younger friends, to avoid making the same mistakes. He said:

“Looking back, I know I’ve done some pretty horrible things and I’ve spent time in jail because of that. If I could speak to myself a couple of years ago, I’d just say ‘Why are you doing it? It’s just not worth it at all.’

“I’ve got younger pals, and I’ll say that to them now. Older boys said it to me and if I’d listened to them then I might not have ended doing what I did. I’ve learned the hard way and we’ve seen where it goes.”

Now, with qualifications under his belt, renewed confidence, Steven is ready to move on. His focus is on employment and on giving back to society in a positive way. He continued:

“Looking forward now though I want to get a job and start looking ahead and make a positive contribution to society.”

By combining employability training, personal development, and unwavering encouragement, our CashBack For Communities programme helps young people with convictions or at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system, take control of their futures. For Steven, it has meant turning regret into positive change.

CashBack for Communities is a unique Scottish Government programme which takes funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and invests them into community programmes, facilities.

For more information about our CashBack programme, please contact Zander Carruth via: zandercarruth@rangers.co.uk

*Name changed to protect identity.