Vale AM visits Social Enterprise to support Social Enterprise Day

Vale of Glamorgan Assembly Member Jane Hutt visited Barry YMCA on Friday (22 November) to find out more about social enterprises and how they are benefitting the local area.

Mrs Hutt had the chance to visit the social enterprise and hear its plans for 2014, to develop a Barry’s only dedicated Youth Hub which would provide social and more formal youth and education services during day and evenings.

The visit was organised by the Wales Co-operative Centre to coincide with Social Enterprise Day on Thursday 21 November. The Centre supports social enterprises and co-operatives and is mainly funded by Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Barry YMCA is an autonomous association founded in 1890, as a registered charity and is part of the wider YMCA movement started over 165 years ago. The YMCA aims to help all young people belong, contribute and thrive to achieve their potential.

YMCA programmes in Barry include, gymnastics, child care, a community radio station - Bro Radio, sports and fitness, youth work and personal development programmes. Five other charities are based at the YMCA and is also home to a day unit for people with learning difficulties.

Mrs Hutt said: “Social enterprises are strengthening the economy, helping tackle poverty and making Wales a better place to live. Barry YMCA is a great example of a social enterprise which is giving back to its local community and making a difference.”