The efforts of two youth workers in Wrexham have been recognised at a national awards ceremony.
Kerry Jones and Jackie Jakish, who work for Wrexham Council, won individual awards at Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards 2010, which were held at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.
The awards aim to celebrate the innovative and inspiring initiatives taking place all over Wales and a way of communicating some of the quality and best practice that is being delivered with youth services.
Kerry was recognised for her work in helping establish ‘Inspire’ Youth Work in Hospital Project, a Big Lottery Funded project. Inspire is a multi-agency team consisting of youth workers, a primary mental health worker and an assistant psychologist, who support young people in hospital, particularly those admitted for self-harming behaviours.
It delivers an essential service to 11-18 year olds who have attended hospital due self harm injuries, drug or alcohol misuse and other health related issues.
Working on a voluntary basis with hospital departments, local schools and partner organisations, the project has made a significant impact on building awareness of young people’s mental health problems. And through confidence building activities, and working in conjunction with young people, the Kerry and the ‘Inspire’ team have supported hundreds of young people to overcome their problems, improve their self worth and make life-changing decisions.
Jackie was praised at the awards for here ‘energy, tenacity and exuberance’ in helping bring an allotment to Garden Village Youth Club.
Her youth club wanted to create an allotment to help improve the team working skills of her young people and teach them about the environment, healthy eating and cooking. Jackie was instrumental in bringing in the support of the Police, Fire Service, elected Assembly Members, local residents, businesses, councillors and the Community Service to complete the project within a miniscule budget.
Clare Field, Strategic Director for Children and Young People at Wrexham Council said:
“I am delighted that both Kerry and Jackie have been recognised at such a prestigious ceremony. They have provided high quality support to young people in Wrexham and their efforts deserve to be recognised. They are involved in truly innovative projects that have improved the lives of young people throughout the county borough.”
