More than 1000 young people have engaged with The Base, a mobile youth provision bringing support, advice and positive activities directly into communities across Wrexham.
Run by the Youth Justice Service (YJS), The Base has been deployed in areas including Chirk, Ponciau Banks, Wrexham City Centre and Brynteg, with locations identified through local intelligence, community concerns and discussion with partners.
The mobile provision gives young people the opportunity to meet youth workers in a familiar and accessible environment, providing a safe space where they can talk, seek advice and take part in positive activities.
So far, The Base has engaged with over 1074 young people, including some who may not otherwise have accessed youth services.
Recent work included a six-week intervention in Brynteg, where regular weekly visits helped staff build relationships with young people and establish The Base as a recognized and trusted presence in the community.
Similar work has taken place in Wrexham City Centre, with YJS staff working alongside existing youth services to engage with young people, encourage the positive use of public spaces and provide support at an early stage.
The visible presence of youth workers has also helped provide reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors, while strengthening relationships between young people and the services available to support them.
Feedback from young people taking part has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the sessions as a safe and supportive environment where they feel listened to and included.
The programme has also developed a partnership with Active Wrexham, providing weekly football sessions that encourage teamwork, physical activity, resilience and positive engagement.
Having YJS staff working alongside Active Wrexham coaches also provides opportunities for informal conversations, early support and signposting to other services where needed.
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education said, “It’s really important that young people have access to positive activities, safe spaces and trusted adults who they can speak to, and The Base is a fantastic example of taking that support directly into our communities.
The response from young people has been extremely encouraging and engaging with more than 1000 young people shows the value of making these services accessible.
By working with partners such as Active Wrexham, we can help young people build confidence and resilience, make positive choices and feel more connected to their communities, while also helping to create safer and more welcoming places for everyone.”
Building on the work already delivered across Wrexham, YJS and Active Wrexham are also providing a programme of activities at Eagles Meadow during the summer holidays.
The programme began with an opening event on July 24 and continues with weekly sessions every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm throughout the summer holidays.
The Base was established through funding secured by Wrexham Youth Justice Service from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, allowing the service to extend its reach and provide targeted support within local communities.
The continued development of the initiative aims to ensure young people can access support within their own communities, helping them build positive relationships, develop resilience and make informed choices.
