The accomplishments of young people, youth volunteers, and youth workers from the Vale of Glamorgan were celebrated at an award ceremony at Barry Town United Football Club this week.

Youth volunteers and Vale Youth Service Staff were both celebrated at the event for their work in contributing to youth opportunities in the Vale, their positive impacts on the youth community, and their dedication to improving youth services.

Winners were announced across 8 different categories highlighting the vital work that volunteers and Youth Service staff perform across the Vale.

Cllr Ewan Goodjohn, Youth Champion for the Vale of Glamorgan, said: "As the Vale of Glamorgan Youth Champion, I'm passionate about ensuring all young people from the Vale are celebrated and encouraged to be the best they can be. 

"It was such a fantastic evening at the Vale Youth Service Celebration to recognise some of the amazing achievements of young people from across the Vale."

26 individual young people were nominated for Youth Achievement, Youth Inspiration, Youth Volunteer, and Youth Hero awards, with the addition of youth groups for the Project of the Year Award.

Vale Youth Service Staff were also celebrated with the Youth Worker of the Year and Staff Dedication Awards, as well as the Adult Volunteer Award.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and Welsh Language, said: "It was an absolute pleasure to be part of such a wonderful evening celebrating so many different achievements.

"Not only was the event about celebrating the accomplishments of many young people from across the Vale, but it was also an opportunity to recognise Vale Youth Service Staff.

"It was so wonderful to see the variety of projects and support that they offer young people across our County.

"I would like to thank the Vale Youth Service for their hard work and dedication in making such a positive impact to so many young people and for organising such a brilliant event."

The award ceremony formed part of the Vale Youth Service's Youth Work Week Wales program, which showcases and celebrates the impact and diversity of youth work across Wales.

Youth Work Week Wales also aims to promote a wider understanding and support for youth work. The Vale Youth Service have spent the past week showcasing and promoting all the wonderful opportunities which are available to young people in the Vale of Glamorgan. 

The Categories and Winners:

Young Volunteer - Ashleigh Watkins

Celebrating time and dedication given on a voluntary basis.

Youth Achievement – Dionne McCarthy

Celebrating outstanding achievement and new skills gained.

Youth Inspiration – Macey Young

Celebrating positive impact and a positive role model to others.

Youth Hero – Belle Louise Evans

Celebrating exceptional positive personal change along their personal journey.

Project of the Year – Her Voice Wales

Celebrating a Vale Youth Service project or team for having a transformational impact

Adult Volunteer - Owain-Rhys Perkins-Rudge

Celebrating time and dedication given on a voluntary basis.

Youth Worker of the Year – Tracy Mills

Celebrating a staff member that has gone above and beyond and is an inspiration to all.

Staff Dedication Award - Peter Williams

Celebrating time, dedication, and length of service.