The Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST), Conwy Youth Service and NYAS Cymru have become the latest organisations to be awarded the Quality Mark for Youth Work (QMYW) in Wales.

After a robust assessment, EYST and NYAS Cymru were awarded the bronze QMYW whilst Conwy Youth Service renewed their silver QMYW.

As part of the assessment, the organisations needed to show that their service:

• • provided a welcoming and safe environment with access to trusted and skilled staff and volunteers
  • had appropriate leadership, governance, and monitoring and evaluation processes
  • promoted inclusive practice
  • ensured provision was planned to meet the needs of young people

Assessors said that they were very impressed and inspired by the organisations’ commitment to young people.

Lee Tiratira from EYST said “We are thrilled to have been awarded our bronze Quality Mark for our youth work offer. Across the organisation, our youth team are committed to youth work and continually enhancing our practice. We see this mark as a step in the right direction in developing our work and increasing the benefit to young people and our reach in Wales.”

Rachel Simmonds from Conwy Youth Service said “The assessment process gave us the opportunity to reflect on how we involve young people in decision making, and what we can do to further improve our offer for young people. It also gave us an opportunity to showcase some excellent youth work, providing an opportunity to celebrate the youth team’s passion and commitment to making a positive difference to young people lives in Conwy.”

Sharon Lovell from NYAS Cymru said “I am absolutely delighted that NYAS Cymru have been awarded the bronze Quality Mark to recognise the outstanding work we achieve with and for young people in Wales. Youth work changes lives and at NYAS Cymru we ensure care experienced young people have access and are able to thrive through participation and engagement of all that youth work has to offer.

The Quality Mark supports and recognises improving standards in the provision, practice and performance of organisations that deliver youth work across Wales. It helps those organisations demonstrate and celebrate excellence in their work with young people.

Andrew Borsden, Youth Work Quality Mark Development Officer at EWC said: “The quality of youth work in these organisations was of the highest standard. The feedback from young people was inspiring and exemplified the dedication of youth workers in Wales.”

For more information on the Quality Mark, including details on how to apply, visit the EWC website.