Young people’s training partnership goes from strength to strength

The efforts of two charities to increase opportunities for young people to develop new skills are paying off.

Shelter Cymru and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Wales have been working with young people in housing associations, using the life skills element of Shelter Cymru’s Housemate resource to support young people through the Skill section of their DofE Award.

The aim is to provide young people with valuable experiences as well as the essential life skills to live independently. Six housing associations have so far shown significant interest in delivering the programme, while Shelter Cymru’s Education Officer is currently working with Newydd Housing and North Wales Housing Association on their in-house 12 weeks life skills programme.

Rebecca Evans, education officer at Shelter Cymru, said: “These are exciting and positive times as we see two National organisations working together to provide more opportunities for young people while ensuring they have the basic knowledge to lead an independent life.’

David Williams of the DofE Award said: “The last six months have seen our partnership go from strength to strength. Working together we have been able to provide young people with the tools they need to support themselves not only in their own tenancy but also through a wider DofE programme provide an opportunity to reach their own potential.