Category: youth matters

Although we may have enjoyed the long hot days of summer, the recent heatwaves are a stark reminder of the threat of global warming and the climate crisis. With the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) highlighting the global priority of climate change, many people (young people in particular) are reportedly experiencing what’s being described as ‘eco anxiety’. For those struggling (young and old), it can help to feel more connected to nature and understand what can be done to help, both individually and collectively. Welsh charity ‘Size of Wales’ is aiming to support young people by engaging them in climate change and political issues. Working with the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA), the charity is running digital ‘MockCOP’ interactive sessions this September for young people aged 14-18. The sessions will give students across Wales the chance to learn about the UN and the annual climate change talks, acting as different nations whilst discussing the global issues before agreeing an international resolution. To get involved find out more here.

While the summer holidays are a welcome relief for many teenagers, for others the lack of schedule and separation from friends can prove to be more difficult, particularly for those who live in more isolated rural communities. The Mental Health Foundation report that a fifth of adolescents will experience mental health problems in any given year, and 50 % of problems are established by the age of 14. So, it’s important to ensure our children feel more comfortable in coming forward about mental health issues and to offer them some useful self-help tools.
Created with and for young people, the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families has developed an excellent resource of self-care tips and advice for teenagers. The strategies cover a wide range of topics, with helpful advice on everything from physical exercise and hobbies to goal setting and personal hygiene. Not only is the information useful for teenagers themselves, but it’s well worth a read if you’re a parent who wants to find ways to support their children through those sometimes challenging teenage years.
To access the resources, click here.

Playing outside isn’t simply lots of fun, here are just some of the reasons why it’s an important part of a child’s development.

Leaving school soon but don’t know what you want to do? Perhaps you’d like to learn a trade but aren’t sure where to start? If you live in Ceredigion and are 16 – 18 years old, Ceredigion Training’s employment engagement programme offers guidance and advice on finding jobs, work placements and apprenticeships.
The scheme is designed to help school leavers enhance their literacy and numeracy and learn the skills they will need to join the job market, covering topics like how to search for a job, write a CV and useful interview techniques. You can even try introductory sessions to find out whether a particular trade is right for you, from plumbing, carpentry and electrics to childcare, hairdressing, and business administration.
For more information, visit the Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training webpage or call 01970 633040.

With the summer exam period looming for students across Wales, WJEC Wales’ largest awarding body have developed a range of resources to help students stay positive and motivated when under pressure. With a focus on mental health and wellbeing the resources include blogs, articles and guides full of helpful tips and tricks. With topics covered such as; ‘the psychology of revision’, ‘supporting your immune system through nutrition’ and ‘how to help a friend who’s struggling’ the resources promote an emotionally healthy approach to learning to help you look after your mental health. Find out more here.

Henry Hedgepodge Academy of Art invites young carers for a series of wacky weekend workshops this Spring. From 15th May until 26th June. Young carers can take part in the weekend workshops free or charge, which include fun and creative activities such hand and mind drawing gymnastics, free style painting to music and rhythms, clay sculpting and tile making, willow and papier mache sculpture, printmaking and fabric design. The workshops are taking place every Sunday afternoon from 1pm- 4pm at Paul Sartori, Letterston.
The Henry Hedgepodge Academy of Art is a centre for creative therapies and expressive arts and is run by Deborah Withey, expressive Arts practitioner.
To find out more and get involved, contact Deborah at cheesepicklesstudio@gmail.com

Outer Reef Surf School in Pembroke are offering after school sessions for children across Pembrokeshire, to help them to keep fit, have fun and learn new skills this summer. The surf club takes place across weekday evenings in May and June, with dates ranging for individual school groups. Winner of Wales Surf School of the year, Outer Reef Surf School has been running activities and working with the local community, Pembrokeshire country council and The National Trust for the past 22 years – and approach all activities with safety in mind. Outer Reef Surf School have lessons available for all ages and abilities.
To find out more, visit the website here.

A new initiative aimed at delivering a programme of outdoor play activities for pre-school children has been launched by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust.

Tips on sleeping better, dealing with stress and panic attacks