CWVYS members may be aware that there is a new Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, and that Youth Work sits within that portfolio.
Anna Brychan MS has been appointed, and you can find more about what else is included in the Minister’s portfolio here; https://www.gov.wales/anna-brychan-ms#204386
Our members Mess Up The Mess (MUTM) are looking to appoint a Treasurer and also a general Board Member to join their board of Trustees.
They’re an Award-Winning Youth Theatre based in Ammanford and the Amman Valley. Since 2005, MUTM has worked with some of the most vulnerable and isolated young people using theatre and the arts as powerful tools to engage and empower.
You can find all the details here;
If you would like to discuss this opportunity or have any questions about the role, email hello@messupthemess.co.uk.
If you have any vacancies of your own or other opportunities to promote, please send the details to me so I can share with the network
Writing reports is part of everyday work in many youth organisations – which it can also be time-consuming and repetitive.
In this AI Coffee Break, We’ll walk through a real-life example and show a practical workflow – from preparing your materials to generating and refining text. At the same time, we’ll reflect on what still requires human input and critical review.
No long lectures – just a practical example, open exchange and space for your questions. ☕
🔹 Third session: Using AI for Report Writing
🗓 May 21, 2026
⏰ 13:00–14:00 CET
💻 Online (Zoom) | Language: English
👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/QkbRRLSiKjBhFMhN8 (Link to the meeting will be sent to all registered participants shortly before the event)
This session is designed for youth workers, youth information workers, and anyone working with young people who would like a simple introduction to AI. No prior experience with AI is required.
The session will be recorded so participants can revisit the content later. You are welcome to keep your camera off if you prefer.
Best regards,
Sanja Barišić
On behalf of the entire AI youth work Navigators team
Find out more about the AI Youth Work Navigators project here; AI coffee break_ChatGPT in youth information work
19 May – Urdd Gobaith Cymru Peace Message Day
For over a century, since 1922, Urdd Gobaith Cymru has created a Peace and Goodwill Message, sharing it with young people across the world. The purpose of the Message is to unite children and young people everywhere, inspiring them to take humanitarian action and to build positive international connections.
This year, the Urdd’s Message of Peace and Goodwill focuses on Minority Languages.
With over 7,000 languages across the world, and experts predicting that half of them will have disappeared by the end of the century, this clearly highlights the need for us to protect minority languages before they disappear forever.
The aim of the Message is to educate people around the world about these languages, and to encourage them to value, learn, and use them.
The words of the Message are available in multiple languages, along with an education pack by Dr Ianto Gruffydd on our website.
How to support the Message on 19 May:
Read the Message on the Urdd website — available in several languages
Please help us spread the word about this important message.
Diolch yn fawr for your support
Peace speaks every language
#Heddwch2026
Please see below, an update from the Welsh Government’s Youth Engagement Branch regarding the Youth Work Excellence Awards 2025:
Annwyl bawb
I am writing to provide an update on our plans for the Youth Work Excellence Awards 2025.
Following the nomination period, which ran from June to November 2025, three judging panels met in March 2026 to agree on a shortlist of three finalists per award category. A huge thank you to the panel members for their invaluable help with this.
Judges had a difficult time shortlisting from a very strong field of nominations. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination to share stories of excellence and innovation from right across Wales.
In terms of next steps, profiles of each finalist will be published on the Youth Work Excellence Awards website and Welsh Government channels in June, culminating in the announcement of winners during Youth Work Week (23-30 June).
There will not be a traditional awards ceremony this year. I know this will come as disappointing news to some of you. However, we will be using alternative approaches to raise the profile of youth work to those outside the sector who may lack an appreciation of the breadth and impact of youth work on the lives of young people.
Thanks for your continued support on celebrating the very best examples of youth work in all corners of Wales.
Cofion cynnes,
Dyfan Evans
Youth Engagement Branch
Welsh Government
The sign up links also contain further information on each of the events.
4 day residential, North Wales, from Monday 25 May:
Adventurous 4 day residential trip with RSBC to National Outdoor Centre for under 16’s · Luma
6 June – Blind Baseball family day Cardiff:
Blind Baseball ‘Give it a Go’ Family Day, Cardiff · Luma
14 June Climbing and Paddleboarding event in Snowdonia, North Wales:
Paddle Boarding and Climbing event with ClimbSnowdonia · Luma
4 Jul Blind Baseball family day, Carmarthen:
Blind Baseball ‘Give it a Go’ Family Day, Carmarthen · Luma
15 Aug Blind Baseball family day, Wrexham
Blind Baseball ‘Give it a Go’ Family Day, Wrexham · Luma
They are also going to be running 2 Goalball events in Carmarthen in July and August, dates etc will be coming out soon.
Brook Cymru offers free education and training to professionals and young people on the topics of Pornography and Misogyny.
Here you can find details of what they offer in more depth;
If you’d like to know more please get in touch with SouthWales.education@Brook.org.uk
Ensure you are following their Eventbrite to keep up with their opportunities.
The next free online training is on the topic of Pornography and Youth Produced Sexual Imagery on the 20th of May from 2.30 – 4.30pm, book *here*
The Electoral Commission is currently looking for organisations to maintain and facilitate a youth voice network from 2026-2030.
This is a funded project which will run from 22 June 2026 to 31 March 2027, with the possibility of an extension to March 2030. Organisations who are interested can find out more information here.
Also, they are looking for support from youth groups to raise awareness of the upcoming elections in Wales which 16 year olds are eligible to vote in. More info on how you can get involved here and below; Voter Info – social media template posts – May 2026 – WALES updated (1)
Hi all,
I’m getting in touch directly to ask for your support in engaging with young people on social media in the run up to polling day next week. We recently undertook some social media listening research, and found two common misconceptions ahead of the Senedd election which were particularly prevalent amongst 16–24-year-olds:
We are therefore encouraging our partners that work with young people in Wales to amplify voter information messaging ahead of polling day next Thursday. Some useful resources and social channels are listed below:
If you would be interested in collaborating with us on any social media content, please get in touch.
Many thanks in advance for your support,
Ella
Senior Communications Adviser
The Electoral Commission, Wales
07770 703688 | 029 2034 6824
Our initiative focuses on effectively capturing and amplifying their voices, ensuring their insights shape the policies that affect them.
🎤 Find out more and participate here; https://voicesforimpact.ai/
🎯 By doing this, we strive to advocate for increased investment in youth services, ensuring that young people’s voices are not just heard but are central to decision-making. This approach underscores young people’s proactive role as active and influential members of society.
💻 If you are a young person who wants to join the Wales Advisory Panel you can sign up by following the link here; https://tinyurl.com/mus8h263