Cardiff Youth Service is celebrating a major win, securing TAITH funding for a pioneering staff development programme. This exciting initiative is set to transform the support offered to some of the city’s most vulnerable young people, including those who are LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, or experiencing homelessness.
The programme is truly international, drawing inspiration and learning from leading youth organisations in Toronto, Canada, to better equip Cardiff’s youth workers.
Following a successful application process, nine dedicated staff members have already taken part in intensive workshops and training sessions with a range of expert youth agencies. The core focus has been on cultivating inclusive spaces and providing staff with the most current skills and knowledge to address the unique and complex challenges faced by these young people.
The benefits of this project will extend well beyond its initial completion, ensuring a lasting, positive change in youth services across the region.
The new training will have a far-reaching impact, aligning with Cardiff Council’s commitment to building a Stronger Fairer Greener Cardiff and its status as the UK’s first Child Friendly City:
- Enhanced Support for Vulnerable Youth: Staff will gain specialist expertise in effectively supporting LGBTQ+and neurodiverse young people, particularly those at a higher risk of homelessness, family breakdown and social exclusion.
- Truly Inclusive Service Delivery: The programme will drive the creation of dedicated support pathways, guaranteeing that all young people, regardless of their identity or neurodiversity, feel genuinely safe, understood and empowered.
- A Culture of Knowledge Sharing: Participants are developing a brand-new training and curriculum programme. This means that the best practices learned will be shared with colleagues and partner agencies throughout Wales, amplifying the positive effect.
- Staff Wellbeing and Development: In a fantastic move towards internal inclusion, elements of the training will also be adapted to better support neurodiverse staff members, fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
Cllr Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People, underscored the long-term significance of this work:
“This training will have a considerable long-term impact, helping our Cardiff Youth Services to create truly inclusive spaces and support systems for all young people, especially those who need it most. By learning from international leaders, it will assist the service to address discrimination, economic hardship, and vulnerability to homelessness, making a real difference in the lives of young people across Cardiff and Wales.”
This initiative powerfully champions children’s rights, ensuring young people in Cardiff feel safe, heard, cared for and are truly able to flourish.
For more information on the vital work of Cardiff Youth Services, please visit: https://www.cardiffyouthservices.wales/
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