Inspirational youth workers from Rhondda Cynon Taf have been celebrated for their dedication and tireless work at the Youth Work In Wales Excellence Awards.
The Council’s Services For Young People team came away with two top prizes and four shortlisted in their individual categories at the Oscar-style awards ceremony held in The Quay Hotel, Llandudno.
Organised by the Welsh Assembly Government in conjunction with local authorities and voluntary Youth Service, the Awards are a chance for youth workers, youth projects and young people involved in youth work to be recognised by the communities they serve.
The Intergenerational Project based at Llys Ben Bowen sheltered housing complex in Ystrad won the Outstanding Detached Youth Work Project. Lynne Jones, a 27-year-old Communities first Detached worker from Stanleytown, set up a mosaic project in Ystrad with support of local councillors and partners to encourage different generations to work together.
The street based youth worker based in Coleg Morgannwg Communities First offices found that residents at Llys Ben Bowen Thomas and young people in the area had a problematic relationship. But by working together to create a piece of unique mosaic art, a dialogue has opened up which has brought the two groups closer together.
Lynne was accompanied to the ceremony by representatives of the group including Callum Nash, Alex Fisher, Adam Jones, Jack Hitchings and Ryan Evans.
The other winner from Rhondda Cynon Taf was Martyn David who received the Arts & Entertainment Award for his outstanding efforts at the Services for Young People E3+ project in Hawthorn.
Martyn is the project manager for the successful Hawthorn ‘WAZZUP’ magazine, and delivers a WICID lunchtime session supporting young people to update their stories onto the website. His exceptional creative skills are seen in his work with theatrical make-up and art activities.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s four shortlisted awards were:
- Bravery & Courage Award – Leir Rockett from Rhydyfelin
- Outstanding Full-Time Youth Worker – Stacey Oliver from the Hawthorn cluster
- Arts & Entertainment Award – Ricky Paveltish from the Mountain Ash cluster
- Commitment for Sports Awards – Lisa Roberts from Aberdare
The Welsh Assembly Government’s Deputy Minister for Children Huw Lewis congratulated both winners for their continued dedication to work with young people in their communities.
Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Skills and Lifelong Learning said, “Congratulations to the Council’s Services For Young People for this excellent news in winning two Wales-wide awards and being shortlisted for a further four. Their success is fully deserving as the commitment they show towards young people is exemplary.
“There are thousands of unsung heroes working diligently around Wales in order to support and help young people. There are countless examples of how young people’s lives have changed forever thanks to the influence and guidance of their youth worker.
“Rhondda Cynon Taf has first-class Services For Young People and the awards are testament to this ongoing success.”
With continued investment in their award-winning Services For Young People, the aim of staff is to support individuals during the transition from childhood to adulthood, enabling them to explore opportunities to fulfill potentials and to empower them by providing opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and attitude to fully participate in the community in which they live.
The Service offers a wide range of activities, such as sport, food hygiene, first aid, drama, kayaking, computing, art and craft, trips and outdoor adventure. Any projects or activities that young people are interested in can usually be supported.
Due to the substantial investment by the Council, a fully integrated service is being delivered throughout the entire County Borough in 12 cluster areas. All of which are based around a secondary school and can respond directly to a young person’s need through key service areas.
For further information on Services for Young People in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.wicid.tv or call 01443 744000.
