As part of Welsh Charities Week / Wythnos Elusennau Cymru, we’re sharing reflections from our team in Wales.
First up is Chris Mann, our Programme Officer for North Wales. Chris brings deep local knowledge, a love of the Welsh landscape and language, and a commitment to supporting young people across the region. Here, he shares what motivates him, what shaped him, and what he sees in the young people of Wales today.
On organisations in North Wales
I think it has been so encouraging and brilliant to hear from so many organisations that are interested in helping out and wanting to talk to our young people of North Wales. The genuine interest in young people’s futures is alive and well which is so good to see and can only mean positives for the future of local businesses and careers.
On the Working Options team
I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside such dedicated and passionate colleagues. Something I really appreciate is how helpful everyone is, we can all help each other out when we need it, and there is always someone there to bounce ideas off. This helps massively when your colleagues are some of the nicest people ever! With a key goal to try and showcase changing career landscapes for the whole of Wales, we have a very good common goal that we all feel strongly about in helping our young people of Wales.
On the Welsh language and Welsh education
For me, something that is so important about the Welsh School experience, and that makes learning and living in Wales so amazing is the Welsh Language. It is something that is so important for the identity of Wales and is brilliant that all young people get the chance to learn it from KS1 all the way to KS3. Having amazing volunteers in North Wales that are Welsh Speakers, and passionate about attending sessions in educational settings is fantastic, and I am hopeful that can help further promote the Welsh Language from our sessions we run.
On formative memories of growing up in Wales
Always one of the biggest moments for me when I was in primary school was when we went to Pentre Llyn-Cymmer, an outdoor pursuits centre. It’s located right in-between Llyn Alwen and Llyn Brenig, and I remember being fascinated by the nature the Welsh Countryside had to offer, as well as some involvement with Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) who taught us a bit about the importance of water and the water cycle – certainly a key memory and why I love being outside in Wales as often as I can!
On the pride and spirit of Welsh students
I think something that is always true, is that Welsh Students are proud to be Welsh, and to come from Wales. Whether that be in supporting Wales in sporting events, celebrating Welsh artists, or taking part in the Eisteddfod. Students can carry this spirit of pride and culture into their working lives!
On another Welsh charity making a difference
I wanted to give a shout out to a charity called Youth Shedz. They have safe spaces all across North Wales for young people to come to spend time with other young people, learn vital life skills and to grow as humans. They are able to arrange and organise great activities such as bike maintenance courses, vr projects and more for young people to get involved with! It’s brilliant to see initiatives like this pop up in North Wales, and is something that I think everywhere in the UK would benefit from.
On his favourite part of the job
I think my favourite part of my job at the moment has got to be meeting and hearing back from all of the volunteers we have up here in North Wales. I think there is already some excellent ideas and people wanting to make an impact, which brings me a lot of joy to hear!
We’ll be sharing more voices from our Wales team throughout Welsh Charities Week / Wythnos Elusennau Cymru, each with their own experiences, memories and motivations.
Check back over the week to hear from colleagues across Wales.
Interested in joining the team, we are currently recruiting a Project Coordinator to the team, find out more here.
