Leighton Andrews, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning has witnessed first-hand the innovative support and guidance made available to young people by the environmental charity Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot.
The Minister visited the Groundwork Trust at its offices in Tondu, Bridgend, where he met Becky Hallett and Connor McDonald, both of whom are gaining skills and experience through employment on ‘Youth Works’, a successful youth diversion programme which reduces crime, antisocial behaviour and other related problems in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
Other Youth Works projects on show included local environmental regeneration, emotional and mental health support, vocational training and ‘Skills for Living’, which works with pupils who are excluded, or about to be excluded, to positively engage them in education, skills and training.
Mark Evans, Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot Executive Director said: "By supporting young people through education, training and employment opportunities we are helping them to deliver sustainability and prosperity for communities across Wales.
"Groundwork Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot is celebrating its 21st anniversary, as part of the Groundwork in Wales network we are committed to supporting individuals, communities and enterprises across the country for the long-term."
Leighton Andrews, Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "It is important we encourage young people to fulfil their potential, whether that’s through education, training or employment.
"Groundwork in Wales provides young people with an opportunity to gain new skills which benefit their personal development and contribute to a prosperous community.
"The charity is also helping to bring employment opportunities to Wales through the Future Jobs Fund programme, which has been of considerable value to many young people across Wales."
Groundwork offers targeted support programmes that can benefit young people in employment or preparation for employment. The support and guidance available almost always has a social, economic or environmental benefit.
Groundwork in Wales is supporting the Welsh Assembly Government, Local Authorities and partner organisations in responding to the challenges of tackling climate change, reducing economic inactivity and child poverty.
During the last year Groundwork in Wales has created and safeguarded over 400 jobs, supported over 840 projects, planted more than 5,900 trees and worked with over 450 schools. For more information or to get involved with Groundwork in Wales visit the website at www.groundworkinwales.org.uk.
