Success for Gwynedd Youth Service in national awards

Gwynedd Youth Service has scooped two national awards at the Youth Work Excellence Awards 2022 ceremony which was held in Swansea this year.

Andrew Owen, Youth Worker with Gwynedd Youth Service won the 'Outstanding Youth Worker' award and the Wellbeing Festival: Gwynedd Youth event won the ‘Demonstrating excellence in partnership planning and delivery at a local level’ award.

The Youth Work Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding youth work projects, youth workers and those involved in youth work across Wales.

Andrew was nominated for the 'Outstanding Youth Worker' award by young people who noted that he has had a huge positive impact on their lives including helping them with their confidence as well as making them feel safe, happy and valued. Andrew works tirelessly in the Dwyfor area which includes working in two secondary schools and different communities in the area - with a very positive impact locally.

The judges drew attention to Andrew's enthusiasm for teaching and learning as well as his commitment and positive attitude.

The Wellbeing Festival 2022 was held over a period of one week throughout Gwynedd with the aim of bringing organisations together in order to promote mental and physical health and well-being among the county's young people. Young people played an important role in leading the project, with youth work practitioners supporting them throughout the period.

The judges noted how the festival has helped to develop and strengthen connections for the future, and has shown how agencies and services can work together to improve experiences for young people.

Andrew Owen, Youth Worker said:

"It was a great honour to be nominated by the young people and I felt I had already won just by being nominated, but to win the award with the young people who nominated me there in Swansea was an unforgettable moment for me. I have never felt so proud in my work and this award is for them too because without having such an enthusiastic group who are ready to take part in the sessions I provide, then none of this would be possible.

"It's a huge privilege to be a part of their lives and to hopefully develop their skills for the future. I'm also proud that these young people highlight the work that we as Youth Workers do across the county."

Annette Ryan, Youth Work Support Leader who works with Andrew, said:

"A very well-deserved award for an excellent Youth Worker here in Gwynedd. With his vast experience of youth work, and of course his qualifications, Andrew works quietly and tirelessly with enthusiasm for the benefit of young people.

"He has a very special talent for helping young people build confidence, feel safe and be an important part of their community. As young people have already noted, Andrew has a huge positive impact on their lives and everyone is happy in his company.

"I am so proud of him and we are very lucky as a service to have Andrew with us.''

Councillor Elin Walker Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children and Young People, said:

"Congratulations to Gwynedd Youth Service for their success in this year's Youth Work Excellence Awards.

"It’s so nice to see recognition for all the hard work that youth workers like Andrew carry out here in Gwynedd and the support that is offered to the county's young people to achieve excellent projects such as the Well-being Festival event. I would also like to thank all our partners who have been involved with the good work.

"Well done and I hope everyone enjoyed the awards night in Swansea."