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A North Wales initiative that helps support local young people is celebrating after receiving funding to set up a new base using money taken from the proceeds of crime. Youth Shedz was established in 2018 with its original location in Denbigh and now has 11 established sheds in towns across North Wales, such as Llandudno Junction, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay, Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Holyhead (along with Betsi, a mobile shed that can visit communities across the region).
A Youth Shed is similar to a community or youth centre and having a shed in a town significantly reduces the amount of anti-social behaviour. This is because it provides somewhere for young people to get together and get involved in positive and worthwhile activities. The ethos is that no young person is excluded and Youth Shedz aims to reach people who may be less likely to engage with mainstream traditional youth services.
The organisation recently received funding from the Your Community, Your Choice fund to establish a new Shed in Mochdre, near Colwyn Bay. Your Community, Your Choice helps support grass-roots projects across North Wales and is supported by the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, and North Wales Police. The funding for Your Community, Your Choice comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest coming from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Dave Evans from PACT, local Denbigh PCSOs, and PCC Andy Dunbobbin visited the founding Shed in Denbigh on March 12 to hear more about plans for the Mochdre hub and to hear from Youth Shedz staff and young people about the difference the organisation is making in communities across North Wales.
The visitors heard how the new Mochdre hub will be a space where Youth Shedz can bring together and create an environment where young people feel safe and secure and that it will hopefully create opportunities for them to move towards a more positive relationship with society. It will also offer a chance for local children and young people to be actively involved in the setting up of the centre to increase their sense of belonging and taking pride in their community. With this in mind, a group of ten 16-to-24 year olds is helping form the working group to help establish the hub. The centre will also act as a forum for other support agencies to use in the area.
Scott Jenkinson, Founder, Youth Shedz said: “Nearly every aspect of the work that Youth Shedz does is underpinned by our desire to see young lives impacted. We want to see young people diverted away from the criminal justice system and we want to provide opportunities for young people to get the support and the help that they need. We employ staff and volunteers that have lived experience of issues ranging from homelessness to offending behaviour.
“Our aim is that the Youth Shedz Cymru Community Hub in Mochdre will be a focus for positivity, understanding, and empowerment. Through small group sessions and individualised programmes, we aim to equip young people with essential life skills, promote emotional well-being, and build a sense of community among participants.”
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “Delivering safer neighbourhoods and supporting victims and communities are cornerstones of my plan to fight crime in North Wales and Scott and the team at Youth Shedz do a fantastic job in spreading the message of positive citizenship among young people throughout all the towns and villages where they have a presence. I have seen first hand the difference they make and I wish them every success in their new shed in Mochdre.”
PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers commented: “PACT is delighted to support Youth Shedz in helping set up their latest hub. It is important that all the communities of North Wales are able to gain from Your Community, Your Choice and to benefit from money seized from criminals and wrongdoers. Youth Shedz’ presence across the region is a great example of how these benefits are being brought down to community level across North Wales.”
North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop said: “North Wales Police recognises that that having positive diversionary activities helps reduce anti-social behaviour across our communities and Youth Shedz offers young and often vulnerable people a worthwhile outlet for their energy, interests and creativity. I am pleased we have been able to help them with funding.”
Over the eleven years since Your Community, Your Choice started, almost £600,000 has been awarded to nearly 200 projects working to reduce crime in their neighbourhoods and also to support the priorities in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.
To learn more about PACT visit: www.pactnorthwales.co.uk
To find out more information about Youth Shedz, visit: www.youthshedz.com