Neath Port Talbot’s first ever Welsh-medium youth club launched for young people in the Swansea and Amman Valleys

Neath Port Talbot’s first everWelsh-medium youth club has been launched for young people living in the Swansea and Amman Valleys.

ClwbIeuenctidSymudolhas been launched by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Youth Service to give young people the chance to develop their Welsh language skills and to tackle social isolation. The club will give young people the opportunity to meet new friends, take part in fun activities and learn new skills within a safe environment.

The club, which will be conducted in Welsh, willinitially be open to 11 to 18 year olds living in Cwmllynfell, Pontardawe, Ystalyfera, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Godregraig, and Lower Brynamman.However there will be future opportunities for young people living throughout Neath Port Talbot to join. Non-Welsh speakers are also welcome to join the club.

Whilst the club will be predominately be held virtually, there are in-person activities planned over the coming months. Materials and resources will be sent to members in advance of meeting so they can join in the planned activities via a Microsoft Teams link. Members do not have to register an account with Microsoft to be able to join. The in-person activities will be arranged in line with COVID-19 regulations which includes a planned residential trip to Llangrannog, the outdoor activity centre based on the West Wales coast.

Cllr Peter Rees, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said: “We are delighted to announce our first ever Welsh language youth club is now open to young people living in the Swansea and Amman Valleys.”

“With many young people feeling isolated due to the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ClwbIeuenctidSymudolwill be a great way of encouraging young people to interact, have fun and improve their overall wellbeing.”

“It is also a great opportunity to encourage young people to use and develop their Welsh language skills outside of a classroom setting.”

Erin Sandison, the Youth Mayor of Neath Port Talbot said:“I think that this is a great opportunity for young people to use and build their Welsh Language skills. It makes me happy to know that young people are taking up opportunities such as this to keep the Welsh Language going for future generations.

“I wish the club every success as it grows and I am happy to support this project in my role as Youth Mayor.”

The Council’s Youth Service was successful in securing funding for the club through LEADER which is jointly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

For more information and to register your interest, please email the Youth Service at youth.service@npt.gov.uk .