Ceredigion Youth Service has strengthened early-intervention and prevention work across the county through the Home Office–funded Bridges and Safe Spaces (BASS) programme, delivered in partnership with Dyfed‑Powys Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) Hotspot Action Fund.
This investment has enabled youth workers to provide trusted adult support, positive community-activities, and a visible presence in key hotspot areas.
A major highlight has been the youth-led graffiti project at Cardigan RFC, designed to reduce anti-social behaviour by giving young people meaningful ownership of public spaces that they enjoy. By working with local artists and youth workers, the project channels creativity into improving the environment, creating pride and reducing anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
A spokesperson for Cardigan RFC said: “The graffiti project has shown the value of taking a community‑based approach. Working alongside the Youth Service has helped us build stronger relationships with local young people and understand the issues that matter to them. The transformation of the stand has brought new energy and pride to the club, and it has created a positive connection between the young people who use this space and the wider rugby community. We’re extremely grateful for their hard work and for the Youth Service’s support in making this happen.”
Across Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Cardigan, the Service delivered 300 hours of outreach and detached support, including increased youth club provision, and offered targeted sessions such free gym access, wellbeing programmes and intergenerational activities. These combined activities ensure young people have safe, supportive alternatives during evidenced periods of vulnerability including after-school and evening periods.
Project BASS also continues to broaden its preventative reach through work with Promo Cymru to establish digital services for engaging and educational online engagement, and with EYST to strengthen local conversations on inclusion and community cohesion. Both partnerships reinforce the Youth Service’s commitment to anti‑racist, trauma‑informed, and bilingual practice.
BASS has also funded Saturday sessions at Depot, Area 43’s youth café and support service in Cardigan. Depot welcomed over 10,000 young people in 2025 and remains a vital resource. Operations Manager Ruth Pilcher said the funding has been crucial for keeping their busiest day running, noting the importance of safe spaces, diversionary activities, and needs‑led support. She added that working closely with the local Youth Service has strengthened their shared commitment to providing consistent, joined‑up support for young people in Cardigan.
Gwenllian Morris, Team Manager for Community Youth Work and Prevention, said: ““This project has strengthened our partnership with Cardigan RFC and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, giving young people a meaningful role in shaping a space they use every day. By bringing the school, the club and the Youth Service together, we were able to support young people to learn new skills, connect with positive trusted adults and contribute something lasting to their community. The mural celebrates 150 years of Cardigan RFC, but it also reflects the creativity, pride and teamwork of the young people themselves. We’re proud to have delivered this through the Dyfed‑Powys Hotspot Fund, which has been vital in helping us expand preventative youth work across Ceredigion.”
Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Through Age and Wellbeing said: “This project is a powerful reminder of the difference youth work makes when we place an emphasis on prevention. By offering young people support, creativity and a sense of belonging, we reduce the risk of anti‑social behaviour and strengthen our communities from the ground up. The partnership between the Youth Service, Cardigan RFC and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi shows exactly how local organisations can come together to give young people positive opportunities and a real voice in their community. Ceredigion is proud to champion preventative services like this, and we will continue to prioritise youth work as a vital part of our county’s long‑term wellbeing.”
