Carmarthenshire Youth Service will be well represented at the prestigious Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards 2010 at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff on March 18.
The Awards Ceremony recognises and rewards the hard work, innovation, dedication and best practice shown by youth workers and projects that are making a real difference in the local community.
Alsion Owen-Yeates, Carmarthenshire Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Development Officer, Cerys Thomas, Outreach Youth Worker and officers from the SMART Projects have all been recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Since Alison took up her role as the Carmarthenshire Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award Officer in June 2006, the Award has gone from strength to strength in the County. In 2008, more young people (504) achieved the DofE Award in Carmarthenshire than in any other Unitary Authority area in Wales and 10.4% of all Welsh DofE Awards were achieved in the County.
Outreach Youth Worker Cerys Thomas, has been shortlisted for her work in targeting NEET young people (not in education, employment or training) aged 16-25 years. The projects she has delivered have ensured that the most vulnerable, disadvantaged young people are provided with help and support systems enabling them to make the right decisions in life.
The three SMART Projects in the County – Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli – have helped the most vulnerable young people in the county and through the personal and social development support offered by the skilled youth workers, young people have made significant changes in their lives that assist them to develop their knowledge and attitudes. By the end of the project the young people leave with a host of qualifications and attainments that prepares them for life in the workplace, further education or employment.
Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge, Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services said:
“This is a great achievement for Carmarthenshire Youth Service and to reach the short list of such a high profile Award should be highly commended.
“The Youth Work Wales Excellence Awards celebrates the innovative and inspiring initiatives taking place all over Wales and Carmarthenshire Youth Service has certainly set a high standard.
“Congratulations to all involved and for giving such fantastic opportunities and support to young people in the county.”
