80 Wrexham Youngsters to take part in the Big Welsh Walk

Early next month an eighty-strong group of young people from Wrexham will be taking part in the Big Welsh Walk. The walk takes place on 3rd November and is part of this year’s Youth Work Week.

They will embark on a 40 kilometer walk from Selattyn on the Oswestry Border to Moel Famau in Flintshire – following the Offa’s Dyke path. Participants will be split into groups of 10 and will each walk 5 kilometers. They will be joined by workers from 22 Welsh local authorities and the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services throughout the walk.

Wrexham Council has a diverse range of voluntary youth activities and support services and the walk next month serves to highlight just one aspect of these. Out of the 300,000 youngsters who benefit from these schemes 8,000 are from Wrexham. The services are geared towards helping young people gain independence and skills as they make the transition to adulthood. Across the country special events are being held to mark Youth Work Week and it is hoped they will provide a platform for young people to engage with their local area.

Cllr Mike Williams, Lead Member for Children’s Services and Education, said:

“This is a marvellous opportunity for Wrexham’s young people to be involved in such a unique event. It will celebrate the excellent work undertaken by our youth services and celebrate the achievements of the young people themselves. I hope the weather does not bring any problems and that they all enjoy the event.”

Craig Mathews, who is organising the event on behalf of Wrexham’s Youth Service, said:

“Young people often get bad publicity for the behaviour of the minority and this is an opportunity for them to shine – they are all looking forward to the event and to taking in the beautiful scenery and celebrate their successes and those of the youth service.”

The Big Welsh Walk 2012 takes place on Saturday 3 November. For more information or to get involved visit your local youth centre or contact [email protected]