THE Vale of Glamorgan Council Youth Service has been awarded the Bronze Quality Mark for youth work – one of the first local authorities in Wales to receive the honour.

Members of the group were presented the award in the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, after a conference opened by minister for lifelong learning and Welsh language, Alun Davies.

At the end of the conference, Sally Holland, children’s commissioner for Wales, handed Vale Youth Service their prize

This was achieved following an assessment by Louise Atkins of Atkins Associates, who said that the team and young people were so welcoming, demonstrating the very positive relationships between them.

The young people had spoken to her honestly and passionately about the impact the Youth Service had on their lives.

The Quality Mark is a badge of excellence and enables the organisation to identify its strengths and areas for development, ensuring that what is provided meets young people’s needs.

At a time when resources for public services are reducing, it provides solid evidence of impact and cost effectiveness.

Paula Ham, Vale of Glamorgan Council director of learning and skills, said: “I am so pleased that the hard work, positivity and commitment of the Youth Service to improving outcomes for young people has been formally recognised.”