Supporting Communities across Bridgend

Last Thursday evening saw the second Active Young People Development (AYPD) Leadership Pathway event, named ‘The Road to Rio’, celebrating the achievements of young people, schools and communities across Bridgend.

The Leadership Pathway was set up by Bridgend County Borough Council to create a pool of volunteers who deliver physical activity sessions in their local community, saving the local economy a substantial amount of money whilst creating a skilled workforce. Over the last 12 months, pupils have delivered 2880 hours of work, equating to an impressive £24,000 at minimum wage.

Leading recruitment and training provider, New Directions Education were proud to support the Bridgend community and the AYPD Leadership Pathway event as sponsors of the Year 1, 2 and 3 Leader Award.

Rhian Vernall, Branch Manager at New Directions Education attended the event, “I have been overwhelmed by the talent I have seen. Bridgend is home to some truly inspiring young people who I am sure have a bright future ahead of them. I am honoured to have been invited to attend and present the young leader award.”

Beth Littlewood, an ambassador of the Leadership Pathway was helped by the initiative whilst recovering from cancer, “The skills I developed through the pathway, such as patience and positivity, helped me focus on my future outside my illness when I had lengthy spells in hospital undergoing treatment.”

Presenting many of the awards was Bridgend born, Welsh Paralympian athlete, Aled Siôn Davies MBE and Steve Brace, former long distance runner for Wales was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award for his own personal achievements and the commitment to helping others within the community to reach their goals.

To find out more about AYPD and the work that they do throughout Bridgend, visit http://www.aypd.org.uk/.