News

£27m EU-backed investment to boost prospects of young people in Wales

Published

10 years ago

July 20, 2016

TWO major projects backed by EU funding to boost the prospects of young people in Wales will be announced today (Jul 20) by Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford.

The projects will provide individually-tailored programmes of support, including training, volunteering opportunities and paid work placements, for more than 9,000 people over the next three years.

Around 4,500 young people aged 11 to 24 years, living in South West Wales will benefit from Pembrokeshire Council’s £19m Cynnydd scheme. This includes £13m of EU funds.

A further £5.8m of EU funds will support the £8.3m expansion of the Active Inclusion Fund to include opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds in North and West Wales and the South Wales Valleys.

Professor Drakeford said: “I’m delighted to announce EU funding for these projects, which will translate into improved skills, prospects and new opportunities for thousands of young people in Wales, helping them to reach their potential.

“These are important projects which are benefiting from the millions of pounds Wales receives from the European Union, which in turn are helping people into work and training; are supporting businesses; improving our roads and infrastructure and helping to regenerate communities.

“This is why it’s essential that we get a guarantee from the UK Government that Wales will not lose a penny of this funding as a result of leaving the EU.

”While arrangements are being made for the UK to leave the EU, we are pressing ahead with the delivery of our existing EU programmes in Wales, investing in projects to ensure continuity for citizens, communities and businesses.”

The Cynnydd scheme aims to help young people progress further in education and training and improve their future job and career prospects.

Support will include individual mentoring, coaching and counselling; courses to improve basic skills, self-esteem and life skills and work experience and volunteering opportunities.

The investment in Cynnydd follows £30m of EU funds invested earlier this year for similar schemes to support young people in North Wales, the South Wales Valleys and South East Wales.

Pembrokeshire Council’s cabinet member for the economy and communities Councillor Keith Lewis said: “The new Cynnydd project is a wonderful opportunity for us to improve the future for young people who without this support might have struggled against life’s challenges.

“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all project, but one that will be tailored to the needs and aspirations of each young person.”

The Active Inclusion fund, which is managed by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, will benefit almost 5,000 young people, providing skills programmes and paid work placements for those who are out-of-work.

Phil Fiander, the WCVA’s director of operations, said: “Almost 5,000 young people will benefit from the expansion of the Active Inclusion Fund, including many from disadvantaged backgrounds who need this type of support to turn their lives around.

“This funding will create community-based opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds to improve their skills and take part in paid work placements that will suit a wide range of interests, talents and abilities.”

Entertainment

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

1 hour ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

1 hour ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair