This week, Wales celebrates youth work week (1st -7th November) and young people across the country are showing their full support by taking part in a variety of activities which highlight how they are getting involved in community life and how they are helping to shape services.
From talent nights, art and interactive theatre shows to discussion forums and young people’s conferences, Wales’ 22 councils have organised a jam-packed programme of events aimed at raising awareness of younger people’s issues and their important contribution within the community, as well as encouraging more young people to come forward and get involved in local decision making.
WLGA spokesperson, Cllr Peter Fox (Monmouthshire) said:
“Young people make an invaluable contribution to society and this week is an opportunity to celebrate their participation and involvement, both in the media and amongst the general public. From helping to protect the local environment to making local areas prosperous places to live and work, the roles and contributions of young people must be recognised. Of course, none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of Wales’ youth workers who are committed to ensuring that younger people’s issues are kept at the forefront of local authority policy and service development.
Over the next five years councils will have to make very difficult decisions around resource prioritisation. To under-invest in young people during this period would be devastating, particularly given the impact that the recession is already having on this group. Younger people’s input will be vital to shaping the delivery of tomorrow’s services and local authorities’ challenge over this difficult forthcoming period will be to ensure that the valuable work of youth workers continues to be supported and indeed celebrated.”
There are a number of fun and informative events taking place across Wales this week which will highlight how young people are getting more involved in different aspects of community life and local authority business.
Local authority planned activities include:
- Young People’s Conference (Monmouthshire)
- Graffiti Art Challenge (Powys)
- Youth Gig and Talent night (Cardiff)
- Interactive Theatre Shows (Gwynedd)
- Photography Competition (Flintshire)
- Live band night (Conwy)
- Being part of the decision process- Consultation Event for young people (Conwy)
- Radio Idol (Neath Port Talbot)
- Sporting barbeque (Swansea)
To find out more about what is happening in your local area, contact your local authority youth worker or press officer. Contact details are attached.
Alternatively, for further information on Youth Work Week or to find out more about what is happening across Wales, visit www.thankssam.org.uk
