YELLOW Wales works with young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or newly accommodated in Bridgend Borough. We offer them the opportunity to gain vocational skills, practical work experience, and encourage them to try new experiences in a supportive and safe environment, in addition to promoting personal development. Our aim is to assist in achieving their ultimate objective of attaining life skills, education, vocational training and employment.
As a registered charity we offer young people accommodation, support and personal development, by providing learning and work opportunities. A number of training and development opportunities are shown below.
Asdan award:
- Home management
- Health and survival
- Expressive arts
- IT
- World of work
Duke of Edinburgh:
- Service
- Physical
- Skills
- Expedition
Open College Network:
- Health and Safety
- Personal Profile
- Self awareness
- And many more
Record of Achievement:
- Must attend between 4 and 5 sessions
As well as the opportunities to gain qualifications, the youths are provided with suitable accommodation, support, and information. Yellow Wales aims to help young people to become more independent to benefit their futures.
History of Yellow Wales
Prior to the formation of Yellow Wales there was no service that linked accommodation and support to training and work opportunities. The multi agencies that formed the Development Group identified that young people were dropping out of education and work due to homelessness. The Development Group was formed in June 2000 bringing a team of like minded people from the community, voluntary and statutory services to address a common problem.
Following this a feasibility study 2001 was undertaken. This identified that learning provision is sufficient in the locality. However, there was no link between accommodation & support and training & education. The study recommended developing partnerships rather than developing a ‘Foyer’ building.
Throughout 2001-2008, an ongoing consultation of young people’s needs has taken place.
A Development Officer was appointed, February 2003.
A Management Agreement was produced by Yellow Wales in 2004 and partnership agreements implemented.
The Yellow Wales Business Plan and Board were created in 2004.
Charitable and Company Limited by Guarantee status was obtained June 2004.
Funding was obtained and a training officer appointed September 2005..
Subsequently, seasonal employment of training support worker/s and a participation worker took place in 2006. The Yellow Wales Business Plan was also updated to reflect changing needs and sustainability issues.
Sustainability planning through contract, Service Level Agreements, partnerships and procurement have been explored and are being implemented from 2007 onwards. A three year business plan for a trading arm ‘Yellow Enterprise Wales,’ will provide a vehicle for Yellow young people to develop vocational and entrepreneurial transferable skills and create regular revenue for the charity Yellow Wales. Development of links with industry and commerce, local regeneration and the economy provide support for Yellow Wales and its young people.
2008 Yellow Wales enter the Hendre Housing Association Group Structure as a subsidiary of Hafod Housing Association