The latest stage of Torfaen council’s pioneering project to ensure residents have access to 21st century technology, regardless of their background or social circumstances, has been launched by Torfaen MP Paul Murphy.
State of the art facilities, including laptops and video conferencing facilities, have been installed at Torfaen Young People’s Support Service (TYPSS) to help deliver vital skills to support vulnerable young people looking for employment.
Mr Murphy officially opened the new training facilities at a special launch ceremony on Friday 5 March.
“I am constantly surprised and amazed by the great strides Torfaen is taking in this area, particularly in relation to young people,” he said, adding that he was proud to be the MP for a local authority which is leading Wales and probably the UK, in terms of digital technology.
“It has given me huge pride to see TYPSS go from strength to strength over the past few years. The world is changing rapidly and it’s up to local authorities to ensure that young people, particularly those who are less advantaged, have access to digital technology.”
“It’s absolutely brilliant,” said Mark Lloyd, 18, who uses TYPSS regularly.
“It’s amazing that somewhere like this small office has something so up-to-date and so 2010. Having the technology here is just a major help when we do job club and training and means we don’t have to go to libraries.”
TYPSS is a multi-agency support service for care leavers and young people aged between 16-21 years (up to 25 years for care leavers in higher education).
Just two years after it was set up, TYPSS is now firmly established and is regarded as a ‘flagship’ service, the only one of its kind in Wales. It currently supports more than 250 young people from the area.
Councillor Brian Mawby, executive member for vulnerable children (including care leavers), said:
“These first class new facilities will help TYPSS build on its success and is strong evidence of the council’s commitment to ensuring this flagship service continues to transform the lives of some of Torfaen’s most vulnerable young people.”
The project is the latest stage of a much-larger council-led initiative called Digital Torfaen which aims to give all residents access to modern technology, regardless of age, financial situation or social standing.
In addition to the new equipment, the council has also made a successful bid for ESF convergence funding. The funding will be used to employ a Learning Coach/Education Support Worker and a Training and Employment Manager to help young people acquire the skills to support them into employment.
TYPSS service manager, Gary Jones, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new equipment and funding which will make a significant difference to the lives of many vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Torfaen.”
TYPSS is based at Gwent House, Gwent Square, Cwmbran Town Centre (above Cwmbran library).
For more information about TYPSS, contact Gary Jones, Service Manager, on 01633 647525.
