Caerphilly’s Youth Service has achieved a Gold Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales from the Welsh Government and Education Workforce Council. The award was celebrated at the official opening of the Virginia Park Youth Centre in Caerphilly this week.
The achievement recognises improving standards in the provision and performance of youth work services enabling young people to learn and develop personal and social skills as well as focusing on the strength of partnership working. The award also recognises achievements and celebrates young people’s development.
Caerphilly’s Youth Service had already obtained the Bronze and Silver Quality Mark in 2022 and 2023 before being awarded the Gold Quality Mark, demonstrating the continued commitment of the service to continue to improve the standards of the service.
Virginia Park Youth Centre, the newly established Youth Provision Hub for Caerphilly South offers youth support and activities for young people aged 11-25. A range of youth club activities are available from arts and crafts to cooking and Duke of Edinburgh award. Specialised support groups, support for young people to get into work and college, hot topic workshops and homelessness support will also be available.
The Youth Service works in partnership with education inclusion services and the Virginia Park Youth Centre also accommodates a fully functional pupil referral unit. This educational collaboration means that young people that attend during school hours also benefit from having access to youth work support.
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Regeneration and Climate Change said. “It is fantastic to officially open the Virginia Park Youth Centre and celebrate Caerphilly Youth Service achieving the Gold Quality Mark. I send my congratulations to all those involved for this outstanding achievement.
“We all look forward to watching our young people have a positive experience at the Virginia Park Youth Centre and I know the facility will be used and enjoyed by young people for many years to come”.
