Forsythia Youth Project
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These young people refuse to be written off by their postcode, getting involved in volunteering, setting up a community gym and taking part in positive activities. They are proving that given respect and opportunities, every young person is capable of greatness.
Who we are
Young people aged 8-25 living in the Welsh Assembly Communities 1st wards of Penydarren and Gurnos (3G’s Area) Merthyr Tydfil.
Where we're based
Gurnos Estate, Merthyr Tydfil
When we started
2001
How we started
The project was set up as a result of extensive street work with young people. Some of the founder members had been excluded from various other establishments and organizations and felt let down, with nowhere to go. Funding to refurbish a block of 4 flats was secured off 3G’s Development Trust, Groundwork Trust Wales and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, The project was designed by young people for young people and has kept this theme throughout the past 7 years.
Our work
Our work is to enable all young people, including the most hard to reach to realize their latent potential and enable them to make something of their lives by equipping them with new skills and by restoring their self belief and building on their self confidence. This is achieved through various activities, workshops and programmes organized by young people for young people (with a little help and support from youth workers). The project has an open door policy and is focused on fairness, trust and inclusion. Volunteering is embedded within the running of the centre, thus raising young people’s profiles amongst their peers and wider community.
Future plans
The group have now set up a young board of trustees ‘The Shining Stars Association’ to ensure that young people are involved in all aspects of the projects development. This includes the recent launch of a community fitness gym that provides free training and education for all young people around healthy lifestyles.
Project website
Thought I was a no-hoper. Proved wrong!
A former young person, now a full time youth worker for the project.
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