Vikki visits youth homelessness project in Mountain Ash

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells has visited a youth homelessness project at Mountain Ash YMCA to find out more about how they support young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf who have been made homeless.

The project offers a temporary home to young people aged 16 to 21. In addition to providing much needed accommodation, the service, run by Gwalia housing, assists the young people with education and employment opportunities, promoting resilience and responsibility.

Vikki Howells AM said:-

“The work being carried out by this project is inspirational. Speaking to the young people who live at the YMCA brought home to me just how easy it is for any young person to find themselves homeless through no fault of their own. To be young and homeless at Christmas is an incredibly challenging situation. However, the drive and ambition shown by these young people, and the sheer determination to improve their lives, was very humbling. The positivity they display is a reflection of the great work done by project leader Ann-Mari Bennett and her team”.

Following her visit, Mrs Howells returned to donate some Christmas gifts to the young people being supported by the project.

Volunteers from the local Mothers Union also provide practical assistance to the project in the form of ‘moving on packs’ containing basic items to set up a home, and offer a friendly ear for those seeking advice. Donations to local Foodbanks are also passed on to the project.

If you would like to donate to the youth homelessness project at Mountain Ash YMCA then please call into the YMCA directly or contact your local branch of the Mothers Union.