Cwmbran team up for award make a difference (From South Wales Argus)

Cwmbran team up for award make a difference

7:10pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News

OUR latest nominee for the Argus Gwent Active Citizen award is not just for an individual, but a whole team striving to make a difference.

The 20-strong team, plus an army of volunteers at Victory Outreach in Cwmbran were nominated by Nigel James for the work they do trying to get vulnerable people back on their feet.

The charity has four homes in Gwent, which are used to house homeless people and ex-prisoners who have expressed a desire to turn their lives around.

Director Richard Taylor said the homes are more than a hostel and they aim to provide a family environment.

People stay for between 12-18 months and Mr Taylor said some people they have helped in the past have come back to help as volunteers and mentors.

It is also the aim of the charity to build peoples' confidence and equip them for employment so they are able to get back on their feet.

The charity, headed up by CEO Andrew Parsons, has annual running costs of £600,000 and has around 60 people in their programme at any given time. They have helped around 5,000 people over the past ten years.

Mr Taylor said: "I'm amazed someone would nominate us, I'm blown away. I'm really proud of the team and Andrew Parsons whose work goes far beyond 9-5."

Mr James added: "Victory Church Cwmbran is instrumental in saving our precious youths from a life of crime, turning their lives around away from drugs and alcohol, putting things back and making amends with society.

"Take a visit one Sunday and see the amazing Church and "past" offenders dressed like businessmen and transformed mindsets to match. It always leads to a tear running down my cheek. It's totally mind blowing."

Polls close at 5pm Wednesday 20th March

ANYONE can nominate a member of the public for the Argus Active Citizen Award and there is no age limit - but you have to hurry as nominations close at 5pm tomorrow.

We are looking for the unsung heroes of Gwent who have done their bit to help out in their communities. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges, including Argus deputy editor Nicole Garnon.

A special certificate will be presented to the winner at an awards ceremony at the Drybridge Centre, Monmouth, on May 8.

To make a nomination, e-mail ben.frampton@southwalesargus.co.uk, including 'Argus Active Citizen Award' in the subject line or write to: Ben Frampton, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 3QN.

Include your name, contact information, who you are nominating and why.