Dave Butler has worked as a Youth Worker for 14 years and first joined as a volunteer. He runs the Mynydd Isa youth club which meets twice a week at the community centre adjacent to Argoed High School.
He has followed through a training process up to his current position as a Worker in Charge.
Dave said: “It’s very rewarding. It’s about trying to empower young people.
We get around 40 to 50 kids at every session and we provide a real mix of activities for them to get involved with.”
Dave said the club runs ‘traditional’ youth club pastimes such as sports and arts and crafts but also provides curriculum based activities including workshops on relationships and drug and alcohol awareness.
Dave said: “It’s really enjoyable and it’s great to get to know the young people and understand where they’re coming from. It’s fantastic to gain the respect of the kids and to be included in their community.”
The youth club runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm – 9.30pm for young people aged 11 to 18.
Brendan Mcloughlin, Assistant County Youth Officer, said: “Dave and his team are doing a great job there and the young people really appreciate them.”
For further information about becoming a youth worker working on a part time basis in the evenings in one of the many youth clubs in Flintshire, ring 01352 704032. This is an opportunity for people who are interested in making a positive contribution to the personal and social development of young people.
