Caerphilly Youth Service have been formally recognised for the quality of their provision, receiving the gold Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales (QMYW).

The prestigious award was presented by QMYW assessor Catrin James at a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, youth staff, community members, and young people engaged with the service.

The QMYW (which is administered by the Education Workforce Council (EWC)) is a national award which demonstrates an organisation's excellence. To receive the accreditation, youth work organisations must self-assess against a set of quality standards and pass an external assessment.

Over the last 18 months, the Caerphilly team have achieved all three levels of the QMYW – bronze, silver, and now gold.

During her presentation, Catrin summarised the team as being professional, tenacious, and caring. Elements of the assessor’s final report included how impressed they were by the commitment of the staff, volunteers, and the leadership group. They felt the professionalism of staff provided a bedrock of compliancy to the principles and purposes of youth work in Wales, and that inclusive practice and equality were ingrained in the staff’s DNA.

Speaking after the presentation, Catrin said: “It’s been lovely to celebrate the achievement of Caerphilly Youth Service here in the opening of their new youth centre in Virginia Park.

“In their report the assessors called the service wonderful, and praised the commitment of the staff, how caring they are towards the young people and volunteers, as well as each other. Everything they do, is for the benefit of the young people.”

As well as recognising the achievements of the service, the award also recognises and celebrates young people’s achievements, as well as the impact youth work and youth workers have made on their personal journeys.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Regeneration and Climate Change said “It is fantastic to officially open the Virginia Park Youth Centre and celebrate Caerphilly Youth Service achieving the Gold Quality Mark. I send my congratulations to all those involved for this outstanding achievement.”.

For more information about the QMYW, including how your organisation can gain accreditation, or how you can become an assessor, visit the EWC’s website.