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'Big Up Area 41!' My Employment, Kelly, Area 41 Barry

Posted by kelleee from Vale Of Glamorgan - Published on 23/08/2010 at 16:21
2 comments » - Tagged as Art, Creative Writing, People, School Holiday Activities, Sport & Leisure, Work & Training

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Yn Gymraeg

It doesn’t feel like six months ago since I started to work in Area 41 Youth Centre, Barry, through the Government 'Future Jobs Fund' scheme. I remember hearing about this job ‘Youth Support Work Assistant’ and thinking, ‘There’s no way I could get that job’ I didn’t even expect an interview, never mind actually getting the job. I was so excited, and really scared, I’d never done anything like this before, it’s a completely different experience from working in Gregg’s or a pub!

I started the induction week on my own, thinking I’m not going to know anyone. I walked into the room and saw two girls I’d never met before. I was terrified! The next thing I know in walks Sarah, my friend from 6th form that I hadn’t seen for almost a year! It was amazing to find out I knew someone I was going to work with and I felt a lot less scared. Originally we were supposed to be based in different buildings. Luckily, we both ended up together in Area 41. Then the fun began!

The first week or two was emotional, scary and difficult. It was weird doing something that I have never done before. Both Sarah and I soon fell into our roles and working in Area 41 became something I would really look forward to in the morning, not something I would dread. Work that seemed impossible to do at the beginning soon became second nature.

I have had some amazing experiences here in Area 41, I’ve learnt a lot of new skills and I have loved every second (almost)! My favourite part of working in the centre was working in the youth club in the evenings. I loved getting to know the young people and being able to plan activities and see them enjoying what you have done. The project I am most proud of is an ‘Art Zone’ Sarah and I created for the young people in youth club. It does look pretty cool! I loved seeing young people using it and having fun with it.

I also got to work on the V-POD Youth Bus which was amazing. It's a youth provision that visits young people in places who don’t have many youth services in their area. Young people can get involved in positive activities and workshops, as well as just to hang out with friends. I love that bus.

I have had a lot of fun in Area and I will take some amazing memories away with me. Some of my best memories are: when me and Sarah tested out the new sumo suits; Paintballing, which was hilarious watching our boss fall over twice; Getting stuck in the attic; All the cleaning; The countless articles for Swoosh that I have absolutely loved doing; Seeing the launch of the V-POD, which was amazing, it’s probably the coolest looking bus I have ever seen; and finally not forgetting all the super fun data inputting!

It has been the most amazing experience of my life so far. The Vale Youth Service and Vibe Experience staff at Area 41 have been amazing, I felt welcomed straight away. It has been fun, emotional, tiring, boring, exciting, scary and everything else you could think of. I’m very sad to be leaving.

I just wanted to say a super huge thank you to all the staff and everyone else in the Youth Service who has made this the most enjoyable six months ever! By the way, I don’t think Area 41 will ever be as clean as it was when me and Sarah were here! I’m going to miss this place. I am leaving with the reassurance that I now know what I want to do with my life. This job has taught me that you can make a difference, even if it is only to one person. Thank you!!