A project run by The National Autistic Society Scotland aims to provide support for young people in Glasgow and the West’s most disadvantaged communities.

Moving Forward+ with CashBack is a service run by us, which has just received continuation funding from CashBack for Communities as it aims to help more autistic young people to prepare for employment!

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.

The focus of the project will be autistic young people from the most disadvantaged areas within Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and West Central Scotland.

Through one-to-one coaching and group work, the project will assist participants to build their confidence and develop strategies to improve their resilience and mental health. It will introduce participants to their peers, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.

Previous Moving Forward+ with CashBack graduates will act as positive role models, providing inspiration and helping participants to raise their own aspirations. As healthier and happier citizens, project participants will be better equipped to re-engage with education and move on to other positive destinations for the future.

The project is aimed at autistic children and young people aged 10-15 from Glasgow and North Lanarkshire who have either stopped engaging with school or have been excluded from school, as well as autistic young people aged 16-25 from Glasgow and other local authority areas across West Central Scotland who are no longer in education and are not yet engaged in a positive vocation.

For more information about eligibility or how to sign up to the project, email moving.forward@nas.org.uk.

Jim Doherty, Prospects Programmes Manager at the National Autistic Society Scotland, said:

“We are thrilled to be a part of CashBack for Communities Phase 6. Our trauma-informed and person-centred Moving Forward+ with CashBack programme will offer autistic young people a safe space from which to build their confidence and resilience and prepare for a positive future.”

All of the team behind this project work extremely hard to make it possible, and we’re very thankful for their hard work. We’re also very grateful for the young people who have taken part and those who will do so in the future for their efforts, and we’re always delighted to see the positive progress they’ve made. This service would also not be possible without the funding of CashBack for Communities, who have been steadfast in their support.

It is the greatest pleasure to see participants in this project go on to fulfil their ambitions and reach positive destinations, and we’re keen to see more autistic young people sign up and reach their goals!”

A previous Moving Forward+ participant said:

“Before Moving Forward+ with CashBack, I wasn’t quite sure where I was going. But now, thanks to all the help and advice I’ve gotten from the team, I feel like I’m ready to take the next step in my life as well as my career.”