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Estyn have published a report which looks at how voluntary youth work organisations across Wales support young people’s development of healthy relationships. It draws on evidence gathered from four voluntary organisations across Wales - Dr Mz Carmarthen Youth Project, Maerdy Youth Group, STAND North Wales CIC, and West Rhyl Young People’s Project. You can access the report here. Thank you to those who fed into this work.
The Youth Work Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding youth work projects.
New for this year is the opportunity to provide video testimony.
We have already received many excellent nominations from organisations right across Wales but many of you have asked for additional time to complete your nominations following a busy summer period.
We’re therefore extending the closing date for nominations to Friday, 31 October at midday. Further details on how to nominate are available here.
Please get in touch with any queries via the mailbox youthworkexcellence.awards@gov.wales
"The term of the Youth Work Strategy Implementation Board came to an end in September. We have been so honoured to help inform the decision that work will proceed to establish a national body for youth work in Wales. This is a key achievement that we are very happy to end with as the sector moves forward to design and establish this important part of our history. We believe a national body will secure and build a foundation of excellence for the youth work sector in Wales, provide a centre for innovation, support the delivery of the statutory framework, help develop youth policy, provide information and ensure youth work is accessible for all, all underpinned by a youth-led governance model.
We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of this movement of change - to the Cabinet Sectary for Education, Welsh Government officials and all of the youth work sector. Most importantly, we want to thank all the young people who took part in the engagement and participation events which have informed our work. We sincerely hope that youth work services thrive for you and your peers for future generations."
Sharon Lovell MBE, Chair: Nyas Cymru
Jo Sims: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
Dr Simon Stewart: Wrexham University
Deb Austin: Public Health Wales / Chair of Cadarn Housing Group
David Williams: Torfaen County Borough Council
Shahinoor Alom: The King's Trust Cymru
Marco Gil-Cervantes: ProMo-Cymru
Lowri Jones: Menter Iaith Sir Caerffili
The podcast, Little Big Actions, has added an episode on the power of placements. John Poyner, the engagement and progression co-ordinator for Caerphilly Council, and Captiva Spa’s Sarah Bruton discuss how they help young people gain meaningful qualifications, skills, and employment. Youth workers wishing to find out more, can contact John Poyner:poynej@caerphilly.gov.uk for further information on this project.
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The report on this process evaluation will be published on 30 September. This will include a summary version with a young people’s version to follow. The aim of the evaluation was to look at how the YPG was set up and how it works with the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework. It looked at how they have been put into practice. It also examined how well the YPG engages and supports young people. The report includes discussion of policy implications in terms of approaches to engaging young people in employment, education or training and associated support services. See: https://www.gov.wales/young-persons-guarantee-process-evaluation
Youth Cymru is delivering training to support professionals working with young people affected by youth violence, exploitation, or criminal activities. The course develops knowledge, strategies, and practical tools to help practitioners understand risks, recognise warning signs, and respond effectively.
The training will take place on 14 January 2026.
Event link
Free training exploring how to create safe, engaging, and effective digital spaces for youth work. It covers online platforms, digital engagement techniques, and safeguarding considerations, equipping youth workers to meet young people where they are - online.
👉Learn more and book here: Event link
Do you know, or work with, a young person aged 14-23?
Most children born in the UK between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 have a UK Government-funded Child Trust Fund. Nearly half of young people who are now eligible (18 +) to access their savings haven’t done so, many are not aware they have a Child Trust Fund account.
A young person aged 14-23 can, or anyone working with them can help them check which financial organisation holds their account and find out more at Find your Child Trust Fund
Youth Cymru, on behalf of the Welsh Government, is inviting applications to join the Steering Group for the new Youth Work Marketing & Communications Programme (2025-2027).
This programme will build a confident, bilingual national narrative about the value of youth work in Wales. Its core aims are to:
- Share information across the sector – ensuring organisations are connected, informed, and supported.
- Promote the value of youth work – raising its profile with the public, politicians, and other sectors.
The Steering Group will act as a critical friend, shaping strategy, testing campaign ideas, and ensuring the programme reflects the breadth of youth work in Wales.
What We’re Looking For
We are recruiting 6 members through this open call, alongside 6 targeted representatives, to form a diverse and experienced group of 12 people in total.
We welcome applications from:
- Practitioners in voluntary and statutory youth work services.
- Organisations working with diverse and underrepresented groups.
- People with expertise in communications, marketing, bilingual work, or creative digital engagement.
- Those with experience in grassroots youth work practice or strategic leadership.
Role of Steering Group Members
- Attend quarterly meetings (virtual or in-person).
- Contribute insight, expertise, and constructive feedback.
- Test campaign content and resources before launch.
- Act as a communication link with your networks where appropriate.
- Champion inclusivity, diversity, and representation across the sector.
Time Commitment
- Approx. 12-15 hours per year (meetings + reading/prep).
- Term: October 2025-September 2027 (2 years).
Remuneration
- This is a voluntary role.
- Expenses will be reimbursed in line with Youth Cymru policy.
Timeline
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Applications open: 16 October 2025
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Deadline: 30 October 2025
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Selection confirmed: 6 November 2025
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First meeting: w/c 10 November 2025
How to Apply
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI form). This includes a few short questions about your experience, motivations, and what you can bring to the group.
The EOI also includes a short questionnaire about your priorities for the programme, covering two strands:
- Communication of sector information and opportunities
- Raising the profile of youth work
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed against:
- Relevant knowledge and experience (youth work, communications, leadership, or specialist expertise).
- Ability to bring perspectives from underrepresented groups or sectors.
- Commitment to inclusivity and bilingualism.
- Willingness to act as a positive, collaborative voice for the sector.
A scoring matrix will be used to ensure fairness and transparency.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to:
- Shape the national conversation about youth work in Wales.
- Influence campaigns and communications that reach thousands of young people and stakeholders.
- Work alongside sector leaders, practitioners, and young people as co-producers.
- Ensure youth work is visible, valued, and recognised for its impact.
📧 Apply now
Get in touch via email (youthwork@gov.wales) if you want to contribute to the next bulletin. We'll provide a style guide for submitting articles to us, with information on the word count of articles for the various sections.
Please remember to use #YouthWorkinWales #GwaithIeuenctidCymru when tweeting to raise the profile of Youth Work in Wales.
Follow @ieuenctidcymru on X and Facebook to keep up to date with all news.
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