Barry News
Barry community project nominated for prestigious youth work award
8:30am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
A BARRY community project has been nominated for a prestigious award celebrating excellence in youth work.
The Bassett Park Art Project has been nominated for an award in the Community Group Project category of the Youth Work Excellence Awards.
The awards, which are organised by the Welsh Government, recognise the contribution youth workers make to their communities and young people.
The presentation evening takes place at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff on Thursday, February 23, and will be hosted by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens.
Ian Bazzard, co-ordinator of mobile youth provision for Vibe Experience, which has been carrying out the painting of the walls at the park, said: "The aim of this project is community respect. We were invited to do a consultation to see what the young people would like to see in their park.
"As part of that, the youngsters asked if they could paint themselves on the wall, so we made sure everyone who took part has a silhouette of themselves in paint.
"In a couple of years they can see how much they’ve grown!
"The aim of the project is to get young people involved from start to finish, to help reduce the chances of vandalism in the area," he added.
"We have come back to finish it off now, after starting it in summer last year."
Phase Two of the art project, which is running through half term, is being completed by local youngsters under the age of 11.
The latest artwork will feature designs of 123, ABC and a clock that youngsters can write the time on.
Ian, who has co-ordinated both phases, added: "I’m really proud of the nomination.
"It’s for the community and young people that have taken part.
"Winning an award, or even getting to the final, shows that the community can work together if they put their minds to it. It also gives them self worth and pride."
Emma Hancock, a landscaper architect who was involved in project management, said: "The park was in need of refurbishment, so we are really pleased that we have managed to get it done, and we recognise that the local residents and community will benefit from it.
"It’s great that the kids have been involved in it and they now have a real sense of ownership of the park.
"I see it as a successful project and we have had really good feedback from local users of the park."
Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert, a qualified youth worker, will present some of the awards. Simon Weston OBE and Daily Mail TV critic Jaci Stephens are also attending, while Boys Aloud will perform at the event.