Caerphilly scheme helps young people at risk of homelessness
Caerphilly Council's youth service is working with schools and other organisations to support young people aged 11 to 18 who are at risk of being not in education, employment or training (NEET), or of becoming homeless.
Their preventative approach focuses on early identification of risk and information sharing with schools, colleges, Careers Wales, and third sector organisations.
This is to help young people build a positive future.
John Poyner, the engagement and progression co-ordinator at Caerphilly youth service, brings together organisations to support around 400 young people.
The intervention comes as tailored support to help young people transition into education, employment or training after leaving school.
Mr Poyner works closely with the youth homelessness co-ordinator, Nichola Davies, to identify and support those young people who might also be at risk of homelessness.
Kaide, aged 18, is now studying for his Level 1 qualification in sports at MPCT Sports and Exercise College in Caerphilly after receiving support from the service.
He said: "I didn't really enjoy school, I was struggling academically and didn't know what I wanted to do.
"After joining the summer camp at the Virginia Centre I started using the gym and socialising, which built my confidence.
"I realised I could train to be a personal trainer, something I never thought I'd be doing.
"I'm a new person now, physically and mentally stronger."
Mr Poyner said: "Where a young person in Year 11 has been identified as at risk of becoming NEET, I meet with them to establish relationships and explain available support.
"The key to our success is the positive relationship they build with our service and with lead workers assigned to support them."
The programme is supported through the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework and Welsh Government funding for youth work and youth support services.
Lynne Neagle, the Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for education, said: "We want our children to have the support they need to thrive and achieve their potential.
"This initiative showcases the power of organisations coming together to provide that network of support for young people."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
9 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro classroom expansion finished!
Caerphilly council has announced the completion of a new extension at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro Allta in Ystrad Mynach. The project forms part of the authority's wider commitment to expanding Welsh medium education, aligned with its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and the Welsh Government's vision of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The scheme, fully funded through a Welsh Government grant for Welsh medium provision, includes a modern four-classroom extension and the removal of outdated demountable buildings. Staff and pupils outside the new extension at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro Allta in Ystrad Mynach. (Image: Caerphilly Council) The development increases the school's capacity by 50 additional places, significantly enhancing opportunities for learners to access high-quality Welsh medium education in the area. Bro Allta is one of five schools across the county borough benefitting from strategic investment aimed at increasing and improving Welsh medium provision. Other projects include developments at YGG Y Castell, Ysgol Ifor Bach, YGG Cwm Derwen and YGG Penalltau. Councillor Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Council commented: 'The expansion of Ysgol Bro Allta is an example of our Place Shaping programme in action. "This investment has significantly improved the provision we are able to provide to pupils for years to come and helps the council encourage more children to embrace the Welsh language.' Councillor Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities, said: 'We are incredibly proud of this investment, which reflects our ongoing dedication to the Welsh language and the communities we serve. "The extension at Bro Allta ensures more children can thrive in a Welsh medium environment.' Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Allta in Ystrad Mynach. (Image: NQ) Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro Allta continues now with the facilities to support even more young learners on their educational journey. Headteacher Meinir Jones commented: "This fantastic new extension is a real boost for our school. "It allows us to welcome more pupils into a vibrant, supportive environment where the Welsh language and culture are at the heart of everything we do." According to the Welsh Government there are a total of 440 Welsh medium schools in Wales which educate 23% of the total school population in the country. It plans to increase this number under the 2050 plan.
South Wales Argus
14 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Tredegar House to be transformed into bumblebee sanctuary
Tredegar House in Newport is part of a new project by National Trust Cymru and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to protect declining bumblebee species, including the rare shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum). The estate, located on the Gwent Levels, is one of just five areas in Wales and England where the shrill carder bee still survives. Chris Flynn, head gardener at Tredegar House, said: "We are pleased to be working alongside the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on this important conservation project. "Bumblebees urgently need our help, and we want to ensure species such as the shrill carder can continue to thrive here at Tredegar House." Orchard Garden in Tredegar House, on the Gwent Levels, one of five areas in England and Wales where the rare shrill carder bee still survives (Image: James Beck) The work is part of the Natur am Byth programme, Wales' largest-ever species recovery initiative, funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Planned habitat improvements will take place across 90 acres of gardens and parkland at Tredegar House, focusing on the creation of flower-rich meadows to support the shrill carder and other pollinators. Mr Flynn said: "Our aim is to enhance the diversity of plants in the garden, thoughtfully extending flowering periods throughout the year to provide crucial nectar sources from early spring through to late autumn. "We are carefully introducing nectar-rich grassland plants such as cowslip, crocus, snake's head fritillary, red clover, ivy, and bird's-foot trefoil. "We hope these subtle, yet significant changes continue to support and attract bumblebees and other pollinators, while also enriching the beauty and biodiversity of our gardens for everyone to enjoy." Other bumblebee species expected to benefit include the brown-banded carder bee and the more common garden bumblebee. To monitor the impact of the project, National Trust staff and volunteers have joined the Bumblebee Conservation Trust's BeeWalk scheme, a citizen science programme that collects monthly bumblebee sightings from March to October. Tom Bucher-Flynn, shrill carder bee project officer for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: "We're delighted to announce that National Trust Cymru and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust are teaming up at Tredegar House."
Leader Live
18 hours ago
- Leader Live
Free bike health checks to take place in Wrexham next week
The event allows anyone to bring their bike to the rear car park at Plas Gororau in Wrexham Technology Park on June 10 for a free Bike Doctor session. This will run between 7.45am and 5.30pm. A team from The Mobile Bike Mechanics will carry out safety checks, perform minor repairs, and offer advice on any major work needed. The initiative is part of Bike Week, which runs from June 9 to June 15. It is funded by the Welsh Government's Active Travel Fund, through Wrexham County Borough Council, and organised by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Senior health improvement practitioner, Robin Ranson, said: "We hope this opportunity will help more people in Wrexham to get on their bikes – whether travelling to and from work, or cycling outside of work time – and to reap the health and wellbeing benefits of getting active and moving more." READ MORE: Lucky Flintshire street named People's Postcode Lottery winner TODAY A health board report published in December urged greater efforts to support people in becoming more active, more frequently. As a signatory of the North Wales Healthy Travel Charter, Wrexham Council has pledged to promote cycling and other healthier travel options. Members of the health board's Public Health Dietetics and Health Improvement teams will also be present at the event to offer lifestyle and wellbeing advice.
