Jointly funded by the Welsh Government’s Supporting People Programme Grant and Children’s Services in Newport, the project supports young people with complex needs who are leaving residential or secure units. Staff are trained to take a therapeutic approach and build on each individual’s strengths. The service has seen a huge increase in young people engaged in training or employment and securing longer term housing. 

The Cabinet Secretary met some of the young people living at George Street and the staff who have been supporting them. 

He said:

“I have been very impressed with the George Street Project and all the people I have met today, both staff and residents. I am committed to ensuring young people have the same life chances and are equipped for success as they move to adulthood. 

“The young people who are being helped by the ‘Move In’ service have sadly already experienced several Adverse Childhood Experiences, which we know affect their chances later in life. They are lucky to have the support of Solas Cymru to overcome these experiences and it is heartening to hear of their plans to move into their own homes, undertake training and plan for their future careers. I wish them the very best for their futures.”

Following consideration of a business case from the University of Wales Trinity St David, the Economy Secretary has agreed to allocate £3m of capital funding  to support  Yr Egin – a project that will see an innovative hub for the Creative Industries being established in Carmarthen.

Speaking about his decision, Ken Skates said:

“Having considered the overall potential  economic, cultural and educational benefits of this project I am pleased to announce that the Welsh Government will be investing £3m in 2017/18 to support  Yr Egin. 

“The investment will  help to deliver the infrastructure needed to support the University’s vision of a  cluster of creative businesses in Carmarthen. 

“This in turn will help to inject new life into  the local economy, bring additional and high quality jobs to Carmarthen and enhance  Wales’ growing reputation as an enabler of talent, imagination and productivity. 

“It also supports our  wider commitment to promoting Welsh as a living and vibrant language and will  help cement links between academia and creative businesses.

“Our support for Yr Egin will help Carmarthen to capitalise and build on S4C’s decision to locate its headquarters there and will help provide space and networking opportunities for other businesses, the University,  students and entrepreneurs.”

The Welsh Government’s £3m investment will support the construction of a new building to provide accommodation for companies, incubator space to develop new businesses in the creative and digital sectors as well as and  event space, an open auditorium, and  production and edit suites that can be used by both companies and the University.