Vibe to launch youth-run base (From Barry And District News)

Vibe to launch youth-run base

BARRY'S teenagers will soon have their very own town centre base.

The Vibe Experience, one of the the area's most successful youth groups, is putting the finishing touches to its latest project.

The team are all set to open up Area41.info at 42 Holton Road as a new centre run by young people, for young people.

Set in the old Pear Tree Cafe, the base will be supervised by 'facilitators' - eight young people especially picked to make the project a success.

But the ultimate aim of the scheme is to provide these positive members of the community with both skills for their own development and to help them deal with the concerns of their peers. Issues raised could include health, housing or benefits.

Facilitator Kayleigh Alexander, 15, told the News: "Area 41 will be somewhere young people can go but because it's run by young people, they'll feel less threatened.

"We've been taught basic skills in Youth Work, and as a peer-led group, we're ready to put our work into practice."

Others like Gareth Roderkerken stress the importance of the whole Vibe project itself. The 17 year-old openly admits his future was uncertain before he found Vibe.

He said: "I became a facilitator to give something back to the Vibe, to give other people the chances I've had.

"It has helped me see my goal to train as a Youth Worker."

Chairman of the facilitators Lee Macliston, 18, added: "Vibe gave me chance to train with IMMTECH as a sound engineer.

"I'll work closely with the project's sound studio, which should be up and running shortly after Area 41 opens.

"This will be the first provision in this area run by young people for young people. We can't wait to get started."

n For more information, e-mail the Vibe, who are working closely with the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Youth Service, at facilitators@vibeexperience.com or call the information line on 01446 421555.