Llanrwst youth project aims to keep children off the streets

The Llanrwst Youth Project has been given �34,250 to employ two more staff members at its centre in a converted wool warehouse in the town.

The charity was set up in 1998 to tackle problems caused by disruptive behaviour by young people in the area.

It provides activities to keep children up to the age of 18 away from "undesirable influences", petty crime and drug problems.

The project's secretary, Idris Hughes of Trefriw, Llanrwst, said: "The object is to give young people their own space off the streets.

There will be someone available on tap throughout the week to organise activities and network with other establishments Idris Hughes, Llanrwst Youth Project

"The urban sprawl is spreading into rural areas and bringing its own problems with it, but we don't have facilities for young people."

The centre already offers youngsters in Llanrwst and the surrounding area a place to hang out and educational trips to centres like Walton jail.

With the new grant, a full-time project leader and part-time assistant will be recruited.

"The centre is run mostly by volunteers but the grant means there will be someone available on tap throughout the week to organise activities and network with other establishments," said Mr Hughes.

"And the assistant will be able to give a level of supervision."

The centre's range of activities include playing pool, watching TV, talks about bicycle maintenance and teaching about drug awareness and health education.

The project ... will enhance the lives of the children who have been rendered desperately unhappy or even scarred by effects of domestic violence Children in Need spokesperson

South Gwynedd Women's Aid has also received a �11,595 grant from the 2002 appeal.

The donation is a continuation of Children in Need's long standing support for a child worker in a refuge in Blaenau Ffestiniog which provides shelter for victims of domestic violence in Meirionnydd and Dwyfor.

A Children in Need spokesperson said: "The project is much needed and will enhance the lives of the children who have been rendered desperately unhappy or even scarred by effects of domestic violence."

A refuge spokeswoman said: "It has been very successful - the child worker allows mothers to share simple activities with their children.

"We visit the theatre and places like the Llechwedd Slate Caverns as well as doing one-to-one session work and allowing children to get to know each other in small groups."

Other successful projects in north west Wales sharing in the �13.5m raised last year are Women's Aid in Aberconwy, the Cwm Community Action Group in Penmachno and the Aspergers and Autism Support Group for Gwynedd and Anglesey.