Gwent youngsters to speak up for friends (From South Wales Argus)

Gwent youngsters to speak up for friends

6:30pm Tuesday 29th May 2012 in Gwent news

TEN youngsters from Gwent have become the first people to complete a qualification which will see them become peer advocates.

The youngsters from Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Caerphilly were presented with the qualification at a special award ceremony in Senedd on Thursday from local Assembly Members Lynne Neagle, Alun Davies and Jeff Cuthbert.

They are now trained to support other children and young people to speak up about things they want stopped, started or changed.

Children’s Commissioner for Wales Keith Towler said: “Too often we hear negative stories about our young people so this event is a breath of fresh air - it provides us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate young people’s achievements and wish them well in their new venture helping their peers across South Wales.”