Youth Team - Why not follow us on twitter - twitter@forsythiayouth

The 3Gs youth team lead the way in their participatory practice with children and young people. The 3G’s Forsythia youth project are the first organization in the Borough of Merthyr Tydfil to receive The National Children and Young People Participation Kitemark for Wales. The National Children and Young People’s Participation Standards for Wales have been developed to improve the process of children and young people’s participation in decision-making. The Participation Standards measure the ‘quality’ of the process of children and young people’s participation against key agreed indicators. The award was presented to both young people and youth workers at the youth Mayor Inauguration that was held at Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre on Friday 28th November 2011. This award demonstrates how ‘the voice’ of children and young people are both heard and listened to at the Forsythia Project.

The 3Gs Youth Team work across the areas of Gurnos and Penydarren. They engage with young people aged from 8-25 years of age. The Youth Team run two projects namely The Hut Community Gym in Galon Uchaf and The Forsythia Youth Project based in the Gurnos. The Youth Team also conducts outreach and detached youth work across the area. Forsythia Youth Project is situated opposite Prince Charles Hospital. The project is open for 51 weeks of the year for young people from the ages of 8 to 25 years of age. The centre is also used as a training venue and meeting area for all organizations and community members. Sessions held at the centre include:

• Health and beauty

• Healthy eating

• Sexual health awareness

• Monthly pool competition

• Arts and crafts sessions

• Volunteer support and peer led sessions

• Organisation and planning skills

• Job search and CV writing

• Music workshops

• Media workshops

• Training and life skills

The Hut Community Gym is situated at the bottom of 8th Avenue in Galon Uchaf. The Hut is open to young people and community members and is overseen by a young board of directors ‘The Shining Stars Association’. Sessions held at The Hut include:

• Health and Nutrition

• Boxercise

• Fun and Fitness

• Substance Misuse

• Healthy Lifestyles

• Circuit Training

The Youth Team can also be found pounding the streets of the 3Gs area, locations are Monday-Thursdays 12.00-1.00 Gurnos Shops area. Wednesday night Penydarren area 6.00-9.00pm.

The youth team also run a varied and extensive summer activity programme, with young people taking the lead in the planning and implementation of the activities.

Are you interested in having a say in what goes on in your area? Would you like to take an active role in the decision making affecting you and other young people?

Then why not join the Forsythia Youth Forum. This forum is made up of young people from across the 3Gs area, who are there to help deal with young peoples issues.

The Youth Team run football training sessions every Thursday at Pen Y Dre Astro turf centre. These sessions enable young people to keep fit, participate in a teambuilding sport and improve their skills. Participation in these free sessions have also enabled young people to compete in and win various competitions across Wales.

If you are interested in learning more about the work and opportunities offered through the Youth Team please contact the youth team on: 01685 384428

For More info on Forsythia Youth Project partnership work please feel free to visit the following websites:

www.philiplawrenceawards.net / www.funkydragon.org / cinetig.co.uk / www.southwalespoliceauthority.org.uk / www.ironmenofmerthyr.org