Groups of young people across Swansea have explored issues such as knife crime and bullying through art, film and music.
Fifteen groups of 11 to 25-year-olds will be presenting their ideas on a variety of community safety themes with support from the Swansea Youth Action Network in an event at the Taliesin Arts Centre on Friday evening (October 2) at 7.30pm.
Racism, drugs, the environment and youth identity are among the other issues being explored via art forms such as drama, mosaic and digital photography.
A multi-agency partnership provided guidance for the young people to help them with their preparations.
The celebratory event is being supported by Swansea Youth Service, the Swansea Youth Offending Service and the Swansea Council for Voluntary Services.
Gemma Bevan, of the Swansea Youth Action Network, said: “The Swansea Youth Action Network is important because young people matter.
“The 15 groups we have worked with this year have identified a range of important issues around the theme of community safety and they’ve also taken action and made a positive impact on their communities.
“Our celebratory event at the Taliesin Arts Centre will give the young people the opportunity to share their work with friends and family as well as community leaders.
“This process has allowed the young people to explore subjects that matter to them in their communities
while learning new skills at the same time.”
Cllr Alan Robinson, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Regeneration, said: “A great deal of work is undertaken across the city to ensure the views of young people are heard and acted upon.
“The Swansea Youth Action Network is made up of groups who have already done some terrific work to raise the profile of the contributions made by young people to Swansea life and all those taking part at the Taliesin Centre should be congratulated for their innovation and dedication in tackling important issues.
“We will look at their ideas in detail to see if they can be implemented in Swansea with a view to further improving safety in our communities.”
Joining Swansea Youth Action Network means that young people can often get access to free courses in a range of subjects and their work can be accredited through schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Youth University and the Millennium Volunteering scheme.
Swansea Youth Action Networks can also help young people to set up projects, organise activities and events, have a say about community issues and work in partnership with other community groups.
Contact Gemma Bevan for more information on how to join or set up a youth action group by either emailing her on [email protected] or calling 01792 522800.
