A new scheme aimed at encouraging young people to take Pride in their Community has been launched on Anglesey.
The Community Pride project is an Anglesey Community Safety Partnership initiative, grant funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The scheme is a follow-up to the former “Dreamscheme project” which was previously held in Gaerwen.
Police Community Support Officer, Adrian Williams said: “The aim of the project is to encourage youths to show pride and give something back to their community. It also allows me to get to know them better and help break down barriers between the police, the Community Safety Partnership and local young people. Local residents will also benefit from the work carried out by the youths.”
He said they started off in Valley by holding a litter pick in Cae Mwd, the village park when two local volunteers, Sandy Roberts, a member of the community council and Geraint Williams helped with the supervision of the youths. The Valley group plans to paint the gates and fencing of the village church and to hold a sponsored walk to raise money for the Valley youth club which desperately need new equipment. More litter picks are also planned.
A few days later youths in LLanfachraeth helped to spring-clean the village hall with youth club leader Iola Owen-Griffiths helping with the supervision and planning of various events. The LLanfachraeth group also plan to hold a coffee evening on Monday April 4th to raise money for the Village hall. CBM Howell Owens also recently ran in a 10k run to help raise money for the village hall and the youths collected the £100 sponsorship money on his behalf in just a few days.
PCSO Williams said:”If the pilot project is successful and the funding continues next year we hope to expand during the Summer to other communities in my area. We are also looking at holding a summer football academy in Valley and coaches and volunteers are currently being sought with a view of starting youth football teams next season.
“We are also looking for any volunteer work for the youths in the Valley and LLanfachraeth community to carry out such as painting or cleaning work for charities, elderly residents or churches.”
Tony Wyn Jones, Community Safety Manager said: “The Community Safety Partnership is pleased to sponsor this project; we want to see young people working closely with their local Town and Community Councils to encourage pride in their own areas. The scheme rewards good and responsible behaviour, and promotes engagement with young people. Early involvement in Community Projects has a positive influence as it’s those young people who are the future custodians of their towns and villages”.
The young volunteers will be rewarded for their work and for keeping out of trouble and from the attention of the police while also promoting respect for their community and each other. A trip to Alton Towers has already been arranged for Saturday April 16th for those who have earned a reward.
If you have a project for the young people then please contact PCSO Adrian Williams on 07966 567292 or email him at [email protected].
