Yarn Trail: Blaenau Gwent Youth Service

The ‘Yarn Trail’ project was devised in response to the isolation young people felt in the wake of the pandemic and their desire to forge links with their community. The intention was to bring young people together to express themselves through the arts, while extending friendship groups and developing social skills.

A highly effective collaborative partnership between Blaenau Gwent Youth Service and Tai Calon Housing was set up to take the project forward. The partnership supported delivery of free yarn-making kits and coordinated wellbeing groups that encouraged young people to join other members of the community to design and make colourful items.

Judges commended the inclusive approach, which resulted in 40 different groups and over 400 people taking part in creative sessions. The project culminated in a display at Bedwellty House in Tredegar that was visited by hundreds of members of the community. Ongoing wellbeing sessions ensure the project continues to have huge impact in the community. The project inspired creativity and offered many opportunities to build important intergenerational relationships.