A man from Ystrad Mynach who has devoted his life to helping others has been recognised at a national awards ceremony.
Ken Pritchard has been a volunteer leader at the Ystrad Mynach Boys’ and Girls’ Club (BGC) for over thirty years, and has been credited with developing the organisation into a state-of-the-art community facility.
The 68-year-old was presented with the award for Outstanding Volunteer Youth Worker at at the Youth Work Excellence ceremony in Cardiff on Friday June 23 to coincide with the start of the nationwide Youth Work Week.
Mr Pritchard, who was involved with the BGC prior to taking up a role as volunteer leader in 1987, was awarded for giving up his time every evening to help change the lives of the young people in his community.
As one of the oldest youth organisations in Wales – the first clubs opened in 1928 – there are currently more than 170 Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs across Wales helping over 30,000 youngsters gain new experiences and develop vital skills.
Ken was praised for his ability to listen, support and guide the many young people he has worked with across three decades. He was also instrumental in ensuring the club would serve the community, by hosting crèche groups, after-school clubs and community sports activities, as well as the evening youth club.
Mr Pritchard believes youth work is a vital service because it offers youngsters somewhere to go, something to do and most importantly, someone to talk to.
Speaking after being awarded, Ken said: “I am thrilled to be recognised for something that I love doing. Having benefited from youth work myself at the age of ten, I knew it was something I wanted to do and so I could give back.
“I would like to thank my wife and son for their support, without them I couldn’t have continued doing what I love for so long.”
Alun Davies, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language, praised Ken’s commitment to helping the young people of Ystrad Mynach.
He said: “This award is a fitting tribute to a man who has devoted his life to helping others. The Youth Work Excellence Awards is our opportunity to say thank you to the individuals and organisations across Wales that go above and beyond to ensure our young people are supported and empowered develop their voice, influence and place in society and to reach their full potential.’
The Ystrad Mynach Boys and Girls Club meet between 5pm and 9pm each weekday evening. Children aged eight and above are welcome, with activities including sport, games, arts and crafts. For more information phone 01443 815766.
For further information on Youth Work Week, visit www.youthcymru.org.uk/youth-work-week.
We need more of these people in our community, praise where praise is due