08/09/21 

Cardiff's Youth Service is part of the Council's Education department. The team works with young people aged 11-25 to develop their personal, social and educational development through a variety of opportunities. During the pandemic, they have continued to offer services at a time when young people needed them the most.

Nevaeh, a pupil from Whitchurch High School, struggled with anxiety and school attendance since her older brother sadly passed away in a tragic accident. Her mental health and engagement decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic and she was struggling with her online lessons whilst school was closed.

A Youth Worker from Cardiff Youth Service EOTAS team began working with Nevaeh weekly at Gabalfa Community Centre where they took part inwell-being walks, cookery sessions and arts and crafts.

Nevaeh has gained confidence, strength and resilience whilst continuing to process her grief and her progress has been outstanding and inspiring.

She is now attending school and volunteering at Gabalfa community centre and intends to become a qualified youth worker in the future to support others in similar situations.

Her Youth Mentor Josie said: "I am so grateful to have been part of Nevaeh's journey and I can't wait to see everything she continues to achieve in her future, a bright one for sure."

Nevaeh wrote a thank you card to Josie, her Youth Mentor which reads: "Thank you so much for helping me with everything. I appreciate everything you do for me. Thank you for listening to everything I say, THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU. You're the most amazing person I have worked with I can really open up to you, so again thank you."

A huge thank you to Cardiff Youth Service for everything that you do to support our city's young people.

A celebration event was recently held at the community centre to showcase the film thatNevaehmade documenting her journey. This can now be found on our website  Cardiffyouthservices.Wales

ℹ️ Young people can also access a range of support and advice from qualifications to mental health, by visiting one of the following websites:

👉  www.cardiff.gov.uk/whatsnext

👉  https://hwb.gov.wales/zones/keeping-safe-online/support-services/confidential-support 

👉  https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/supporting-teachers-and-learners-during-coronavirus/your-wellbeing 

👉  https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people 

👉  http://www.cardiffyouthservices.wales 

We're sharing the stories of our children and young people each week on Cardiff Newsroom and our social media channels - just search  #PositiveFuturesCDF  #ChildFriendlyCDF

We hope you find these stories helpful and inspiring.