Youth Service inspires Llanfair teen

The 16-year-old from Llanfair Caereinion has developed a passion for photography through her involvement with Powys Youth Service, which began five years ago in her home town.

Now she is studying for a BTEC qualification in art and design at Coleg Powys in Newtown, which she hopes will pave the way towards a dream career.

Gabby is one of nearly 300,000 young people in Wales benefiting from a wide range of voluntary and council-run youth activities and support services throughout the year.

All of this work is being celebrated during Youth Work Week (November 1-7) when special events are being held across the country to encourage even more youngsters to get involved in activities in their localities.

Gabby's stunning close up photographs of flowers and bees won her first prize in the arts category of Montgomeryshire's Got Talent 2009, an annual competition for young people that marks Youth Work Week.

This year's Talent auditions in Llanfair Caereinion gave Gabby the chance to enter more of her photographs and she also volunteered as photographer for the night.  The Montgomeryshire finals take place next week at Theatr Hafren, and Gabby, as a previous winner, has been asked to judge.

She attributes her self-confidence and passion for photography, art and design to her membership of Llanfair Caereinion Youth Forum, participation in a host of activities and the positive influence of area youth worker Helen Coleby.

“Before joining the youth forum, I had no self-confidence, but meeting new people, making new friends and encouragement from Helen has helped me an awful lot,” she said.  “There are a lot of young people like me out there who lack self-confidence and would benefit from making new friends through their local youth service.”

Accrediting activities in Powys Youth Service has meant that Gabby has gained a Gold Record of Achievement with the youth service for her commitment to many projects during the past five years as well as an Agored Cymru qualification in babysitting.

Helen Coleby said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Gabby over the years and to watch her emerge as a confident and well balanced young lady with a talent for the creative arts.”

Huw Lewis, Deputy Minister for Children said Youth Work Week was a great opportunity to applaud the huge contribution made by Wales’ 20,000 workers to the wellbeing of Wales.

He said: “Young people experience many challenges and opportunities as they grow to adulthood and it’s important they take advantage of the many excellent services provided by voluntary groups and statutory agencies across Wales to help them overcome hurdles, develop their potential and prepare for a fulfilling future.”

For information on Youth Work Week and events planned in Powys visit: www.thankssam.org.uk.