Door is open for city youth

Feb 29 2008 by Katie Bodinger, South Wales Echo

Door is open for city youth

GET creative and start building for the future – that’s the message from one youth project in Cardiff.

The Grass Roots Project is a place where young people can meet, learn new skills and get advice about issues such as further education and housing.

The building, at 58 Charles Street, has a recording studio for budding musicians, and a computer suite and cafe where people aged 16 to 25 can meet.

But workers at the registered charity, which was once a thriving punk venue, are concerned that not enough people are taking advantage of the services on offer.

Today, volunteers urged more youngsters to get involved.

Volunteer Sam Rent said: “A lot of the facilities here are being underused a lot. It used to be very vibrant here. We want to see more young people coming through the doors. I think the problem is that a lot of people don’t realise we are here.”

Thea Marshall, 18, from Cathays, Cardiff, comes to the centre every day.

“This place is really good,” she said.

“It’s right in the middle of Cardiff and I get to meet different people from all around the city. It’s a good atmosphere. There are people who have been coming here for years, but I don’t think the younger generations know about it.”

The building, which is decorated on the inside with colourful murals, has a recording studio which bands can book. An open mic session is held every Wednesday, between noon and 5pm, when musicians can come to share ideas.

Advisers are on hand to help young people thinking about their next career step, college or getting housing. A computer suite is available for basic skills training such as CV writing, as well as a video suite for budding film directors.

The coffee shop, which has computer games and music, is a place where young people can relax and do arts and crafts.

The project is primarily aimed at young people who are in danger of social exclusion and are confused about what their next step in life should be.

Manager of the centre Les Saville said: “Young people want somewhere in the city centre where they don’t have to spend money and where they don’t get moved on.”

For more details go to www.grassrootscardiff.com

katie.bodinger@mediawales.co.uk