Ceredigion County Council website

Our Integrated Impact Assessment is designed to help our decision making and ensure that a proposal:

• is aligned to the Council’s Corporate Well-being Objectives
• complies with the Equality Act 2010, including our socio-economic duty
• complies with the Welsh Language Measure 2011 (Welsh Language requirements)
• contributes to the National Well-being goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and incorporates the principles of Sustainable Development
• considers risk management

The Integrated Impact Assessment is categorised into the 7 National Well-being Goals for Wales:

1. A prosperous Wales – where everyone has jobs and there is no poverty
2. A resilient Wales – where we’re prepared for things like floods
3. A healthier Wales – where everyone is healthier and can see the doctor when they need to
4. A more equal Wales – where everyone has an equal chance whatever their background
5. A Wales of cohesive communities – where communities can live happily together
6. A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language – where we have lots of opportunities to do different things and where people can speak Welsh if they want to
7. A globally responsible Wales – where we look after the environment and think about other people around the world

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Proposal Details

Title of Policy / Proposal / Initiative

• Ceredigion Youth Work Strategic Plan 2027–2032.

Service Area

• Porth Cymorth Cynnar.

Officer completing Integrated Impact Assessment

• Gethin Jones, Corporate Manager Ceredigion Youth Service.

Corporate Lead Officer

• Greg Jones, Porth Cymorth Cynnar.

Please give a brief description of the purpose of the proposal

Ceredigion Youth Work Strategic Plan 2027–2032 sets out the Council's strategic vision, priorities and delivery framework for youth work over the next five years.

The Youth Work Strategic Plan has been developed in response to the Youth Support Services (Provision of Youth Work) (Wales) Directions 2026, which require local authorities to develop five-year strategic plans for youth work in partnership with young people, communities and stakeholders.

The strategy is informed by extensive engagement with over 400 young people, 30 partner organisations, youth work staff, volunteers and wider stakeholders. It is supported by local performance data, Youth Work Audit findings, Youth Support Grant evaluations, business planning activity and national policy developments. The strategy establishes six priorities:

1. Access to High-Quality Youth Work.
2. Thriving Rural Communities.
3. Wellbeing, Belonging and Trusted Relationships.
4. Youth Voice, Participation and Leadership.
5. A Skilled, Sustainable, Bilingual Workforce and Volunteer Network.
6. Partnerships, Communities and Collective Action.

The strategy sets out how youth work will contribute to improving wellbeing, participation, inclusion, prevention, early intervention, Welsh language development and community resilience for young people aged 11–25 across Ceredigion.

Who will be directly affected by this proposal?

Primary beneficiaries:

• Young people aged 11–25 living in Ceredigion.
• Young people accessing youth work provision.
• Young people currently underrepresented in youth work.
• Young people experiencing rural isolation, poverty or other barriers to participation.

Secondary beneficiaries:

• Families and communities.
• Youth workers and volunteers.
• Schools.
• Voluntary and community organisations.
• Wider public sector partners.
• Welsh language organisations.
• Community groups and employers.

Have those who will be affected by the proposal had the opportunity to comment on it? Please provide details.

Yes, the strategy has been developed through extensive co-production and engagement activity including:

• Engagement with over 400 young people.
• A dedicated youth survey with 195 responses.
• Youth Council engagement.
• School-based engagement events.
• Community youth clubs.
• Outreach and targeted provision.
• Participation groups.
• Digital consultation.
• Partner survey responses from 30 organisations.
• Staff consultation and planning sessions.

Young people and stakeholders will also continue to influence delivery through annual review arrangements, Youth Council structures, participation activity and the Children and Young People Provider Forum.

Version Control

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Council Corporate Well-being Objectives

Which of the Council’s Corporate Well-being Objectives does this proposal address and how?

Ceredigion Council Corporate Strategy 2022-27

Boosting the economy, supporting business, and enabling employment

• The strategy supports employability, progression, volunteering, leadership and accredited learning opportunities for young people. It strengthens pathways into education, employment and training and contributes to reducing the number of young people at risk of becoming NEET.

Creating caring and healthy communities

• The strategy directly supports wellbeing, prevention, early intervention, trusted relationships, safe spaces and community resilience. Youth work contributes to improving emotional wellbeing, social connections and positive life opportunities.

Providing the best start in life and enabling learning at all ages

• The strategy strengthens opportunities for informal learning, personal development, leadership, accreditation, participation and life skills development.

Creating sustainable, greener, and well-connected communities

• The strategy supports community participation, volunteering, environmental initiatives, outdoor learning, place-based youth work and community cohesion across urban and rural communities.

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National Well-being Goal: A Prosperous Wales

An innovative, productive, and low carbon society where everyone has decent work and there is no poverty.

Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.

Positive Impact. The Ceredigion Youth Work Strategic Plan 2027–2032 makes a positive contribution to a Prosperous Wales by supporting young people to develop the confidence, skills, experience and aspirations needed to progress into education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities. The strategy includes commitments to strengthen employability pathways, accredited learning, youth leadership, volunteering and progression support.

The strategy also recognises the impact of poverty, rural disadvantage, housing affordability and access to opportunities on young people, and includes actions to reduce barriers to participation and improve access to support and development opportunities across the county.

What evidence do you have to support this view?

Engagement with young people identified jobs, training opportunities, work experience and life skills as important priorities. The strategy also draws upon local Youth Engagement and Progression Framework (YEPF) data, Youth Support Grant evaluations and participation data which highlight the importance of early intervention, employability support and progression opportunities for young people. The Youth Work Strategic Plan includes specific commitments to strengthen progression routes into education, employment, training and volunteering.

What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to this National Well-being Goal?

• Continue strengthening pathways into education, employment and training.
• Promote volunteering, leadership and accredited learning opportunities.
• Work closely with schools, employers, Careers Wales and training providers.
• Monitor participation and progression outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
• Target support towards young people most at risk of becoming disengaged from education, employment or training.

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National Well-being Goal: A Resilient Wales

A society where biodiversity is maintained and enhanced and where ecosystems are healthy and functioning.

Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.

Positive Impact. The strategy promotes community resilience, outdoor learning, environmental awareness and place-based youth work. It recognises the strengths of Ceredigion's natural environment and encourages greater participation in community action, volunteering and activities that strengthen local communities and connections to place.

The strategy also seeks to make better use of community assets and local resources to improve opportunities for young people across rural communities.

What evidence do you have to support this view?

Young people highlighted the value of outdoor activities, access to nature and local communities throughout engagement activity. Priority 2 (Thriving Rural Communities) specifically promotes outdoor learning, environmental activity, volunteering and community participation as strengths that can be built upon over the lifetime of the strategy.

What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to this National Well-being Goal?

• Encourage environmental and sustainability projects led by young people.
• Increase opportunities for outdoor learning and volunteering.
• Strengthen partnerships with environmental, countryside and community organisations.
• Promote community action initiatives that improve local environments and neighbourhoods.

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National Well-being Goal: A Healthier Wales

A society where people make healthy choices and enjoy good physical and mental health.

Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.

Strong Positive Impact. Wellbeing is a central theme throughout the strategy. The Youth Work Strategic Plan promotes safe spaces, trusted relationships, positive wellbeing, early intervention and prevention. Through youth work, young people will have opportunities to strengthen confidence, resilience, physical activity, social connections and emotional wellbeing.

The strategy recognises that wellbeing is about more than mental health alone and includes opportunities that support belonging, friendships, participation and positive relationships.

What evidence do you have to support this view?

Wellbeing was one of the strongest themes identified through engagement with young people. Young people consistently highlighted the importance of trusted adults, safe places, friendship groups and support before difficulties become a crisis. Local evaluation findings also demonstrate the significant role youth work plays within Ceredigion's prevention and early intervention offer. 

What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to this National Well-being Goal?

• Maintain wellbeing as a cross-cutting theme throughout delivery.
• Strengthen preventative and early intervention approaches.
• Continue developing referral pathways into specialist support where required.
• Promote healthy lifestyles, resilience and emotional wellbeing through youth work activities.

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National Well-being Goal: A More Equal Wales

A society where everyone has an equal chance whatever their background or circumstances.

This section is longer because you are asked to assess the impact of your proposal on each group that is protected by the Equality Act 2010.

If you have identified no greater impact on the groups listed than on the general population, you should select ‘None/Negligible’.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people because of their age?

 

Children and Young People up to 18

• Positive

People 18-50

• Positive

Older people 50+

• None / Negligible

Describe the positive or negative impacts.

Positive Impact. The strategy aims to reduce barriers to participation and improve access to youth work opportunities for all young people across Ceredigion. Particular attention is given to addressing inequalities linked to poverty, rurality, transport, digital exclusion and access to services. The strategy also promotes inclusion, youth voice and participation for young people from diverse backgrounds.

What evidence do you have to support this?

Engagement with young people identified transport, distance, cost, digital access and awareness of opportunities as barriers to participation. The strategy also draws on local evidence relating to rural poverty, child poverty, housing affordability and access to services, all of which can impact young people's opportunities and wellbeing.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

• Monitor participation levels across different groups of young people.
• Continue targeted outreach and engagement with underrepresented groups.
• Ensure opportunities remain accessible, affordable and inclusive.
• Review progress annually through engagement, performance data and feedback from young people.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people because of their disability?

 

Hearing Impairment

• Positive

Physical Impairment

• Positive

Visual Impairment

• Positive

Learning Disability

• Positive

Long Standing Illness

• Positive

Mental Health

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts.

The strategy is expected to have a positive impact on disabled young people, additional learning needs, long-term health conditions and mental health difficulties by improving access to youth work opportunities, support services, trusted relationships and participation opportunities. The strategy includes commitments to reduce barriers to participation, improve accessibility, strengthen inclusion and ensure that young people can access opportunities regardless of their needs or circumstances.

Youth work provides safe spaces, trusted adults, wellbeing support, social connections and opportunities for personal development, all of which can contribute positively to the experiences and outcomes of disabled young people.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy has been informed by engagement with over 400 young people, partner organisations, schools and community groups. Feedback highlighted the importance of accessible opportunities, trusted relationships, safe spaces and inclusive community provision.

The Play Sufficiency Assessment 2025 also identified the importance of improving accessibility and inclusion within community opportunities and highlighted the need to strengthen participation for children and disabled young people and additional learning needs. The strategy includes commitments to improve access, reduce barriers and ensure youth work remains inclusive and responsive to diverse needs.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

• Monitor participation by disabled young people and additional learning needs.
• Ensure youth work opportunities are accessible, inclusive and responsive to individual needs.
• Work alongside schools, families and specialist services to identify and address barriers to participation.
• Consider accessibility when developing facilities, activities, digital engagement and communication materials.
• Continue engaging with young people to identify and respond to emerging needs.

The strategy provides opportunities to:

• Advance equality of opportunity by reducing barriers to participation and improving access to youth work services.
• Promote inclusive and accessible activities that enable disabled and non-disabled young people to participate together.
• Increase representation and participation of disabled young people in youth voice and leadership opportunities.
• Strengthen awareness, understanding and inclusion through youth work activities and community engagement.
• Ensure the voices of disabled young people help shape future service delivery and development.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people who are transgender?

 

Trans Women

• Positive

Trans Men

• Positive

Non-binary people

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy promotes inclusive, welcoming and safe youth work environments for all young people, including transgender and non-binary young people. Through its focus on wellbeing, belonging, trusted relationships, participation and equality of opportunity, the strategy aims to ensure that all young people feel respected, valued and able to access support and opportunities without discrimination.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy has been developed using a rights-based and inclusive approach. Engagement with young people highlighted the importance of safe spaces, trusted adults, belonging and feeling accepted. The strategy also aligns with wider Welsh Government commitments relating to equality, inclusion and participation, including the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales and the principles of inclusive youth work practice.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

• Ensure youth work environments remain safe, welcoming and inclusive.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through workforce development and staff training.
• Monitor feedback from young people to identify any barriers to participation.
• Work with partners to ensure support is available for young people who may experience discrimination or exclusion.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people with different sexual orientation?

 

Bisexual

• Positive

Gay Men

• Positive

Gay Women/Lesbian

• Positive

Heterosexual/Straight

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy promotes inclusive, welcoming and safe youth work environments for all young people, including transgender and non-binary young people. Through its focus on wellbeing, belonging, trusted relationships, participation and equality of opportunity, the strategy aims to ensure that all young people feel respected, valued and able to access support and opportunities without discrimination.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy has been developed using a rights-based and inclusive approach. Engagement with young people highlighted the importance of safe spaces, trusted adults, belonging and feeling accepted. The strategy also aligns with wider Welsh Government commitments relating to equality, inclusion and participation, including the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales and the principles of inclusive youth work practice.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

• Ensure youth work environments remain safe, welcoming and inclusive.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through workforce development and staff training.
• Monitor feedback from young people to identify any barriers to participation.
• Work with partners to ensure support is available for young people who may experience discrimination or exclusion.
• Create environments that encourage respect, understanding and positive relationships between different groups of young people.
• Embed equality, diversity and inclusion considerations across service planning, delivery and evaluation.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people who are married or in a civil partnership?

 

People who are married

• None / Negligible

People in a civil partnership

• None / Negligible

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy is focused on improving youth work opportunities and support for young people aged 11–25. No specific positive or negative impacts have been identified in relation to people who are married or in a civil partnership.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy has been developed to respond to the needs, experiences and aspirations of young people. Marriage and civil partnership are not factors that are expected to influence access to, or outcomes from, the youth work opportunities and support set out within the strategy.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

No specific actions are required at this time. The strategy will continue to promote equitable access to opportunities and services for all young people.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people who are pregnant or on maternity leave?

 

Pregnancy

• Positive

Maternity

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy promotes inclusive access to youth work opportunities, wellbeing support, trusted relationships and participation opportunities for all young people. This may positively benefit young people who are pregnant or young parents by helping them access support, maintain social connections and participate in opportunities that support their wellbeing, confidence and future aspirations.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy is based on principles of inclusion, participation and equitable access to opportunities. It recognises the importance of early intervention, wellbeing support, trusted relationships and reducing barriers to participation. These principles can benefit young people who are pregnant or have parenting responsibilities, particularly where they may experience isolation or additional challenges in accessing opportunities.

What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to positive impacts?

• Ensure youth work opportunities remain accessible and inclusive for young parents and young people who are pregnant.
• Consider individual needs and circumstances when planning activities and support.
• Strengthen links with relevant support services where additional advice, guidance or specialist support may be required.
• Monitor participation and engagement to identify and address any barriers to access.
• Continue promoting inclusive practice and reducing barriers to participation across all youth work provision.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people because of their ethnic origin?

 

Asian / Asian British

• Positive

Black / African / Caribbean / Black British

• Positive

Mixed / Multiple Ethnic Groups

• Positive

White

• Positive

Other Ethnic Groups

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy promotes equality, inclusion and participation for all young people regardless of their ethnic background. It seeks to ensure that youth work opportunities are accessible, welcoming and responsive to the needs of diverse communities across Ceredigion. The strategy also supports community cohesion, participation, anti-discriminatory practice and opportunities for young people to contribute positively to their communities.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategic plan is guided by a number of cross-cutting principles, including rights-based practice, equality and inclusion.  We will work to identify and reduce barriers to participation and ensure that services remain inclusive, welcoming and responsive to the diverse needs of young people across Ceredigion. 

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

• Support delivery of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan through youth work activities and participation opportunities.
• Increase representation and engagement from young people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
• Promote understanding, respect and positive relationships between different communities.
• Challenge discrimination, prejudice and exclusion through youth work practice and education.
• Ensure young people from all backgrounds have equitable access to opportunities, support and leadership pathways

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people with different religions, beliefs, or non-beliefs?

 

Buddhist

• Positive

Christian

• Positive

Hindu

• Positive

Humanist

• Positive

Jewish

• Positive

Muslim

• Positive

Sikh

• Positive

Non-belief

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy promotes equality, inclusion, participation and access to youth work opportunities for all young people regardless of their religion, belief or non-belief. It aims to create safe, welcoming and respectful environments where young people from different backgrounds can participate, build positive relationships and feel a sense of belonging within their communities.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy has been developed through a rights-based and inclusive approach and includes commitments relating to wellbeing, participation, belonging, equality of opportunity and community cohesion. Engagement with young people and partners highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces where young people feel respected and included. The strategy also aligns with Welsh Government priorities relating to equality, diversity, inclusion and youth participation.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

• Ensure youth work opportunities remain accessible and inclusive for all young people.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through training and workforce development.
• Monitor participation and feedback to identify and address barriers to engagement.
• Work with community organisations and partners to ensure diverse perspectives are reflected in service delivery.
• Continue engaging with young people from different backgrounds to inform future development.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on men or women?

 

Men

• Positive

Women

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy promotes equal access to youth work opportunities, support and participation for all young people. It includes commitments to reduce barriers to participation, improve wellbeing, increase leadership opportunities and ensure that services are accessible and inclusive regardless of sex. The strategy also supports initiatives that address issues which may disproportionately affect boys or girls, such as wellbeing, confidence, participation, period dignity and access to opportunities.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy was developed through engagement with young people, partners and stakeholders and identified the importance of creating safe spaces, trusted relationships and accessible opportunities for all young people. The Play Sufficiency Assessment 2025 also highlighted the importance of ensuring inclusive opportunities and identified specific themes relating to girls' participation, young carers and access to activities. The strategy includes commitments to equality, inclusion, wellbeing and participation throughout its six priorities.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between men and women?

• Monitor participation by sex to identify any inequalities in access or engagement.
• Continue supporting inclusive and targeted opportunities where specific barriers are identified.
• Ensure youth work activities, facilities and engagement opportunities are accessible and welcoming to all young people.
• Use feedback from young people to inform future service development and identify emerging needs.
• Ensure that young people's voices continue to influence the design and delivery of services and opportunities.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people from the Armed Forces Community?

Members of the Armed Forces

• None / Negligible

Veterans

• None / Negligible

Spouses

• None / Negligible

Children

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy promotes access to youth work opportunities, trusted relationships, wellbeing support and community participation for all young people, including children and young people from Armed Forces families. Youth work can help young people build social connections, develop resilience, access support and maintain a sense of belonging within their community, particularly where family circumstances may involve periods of change or transition.

None / Negligible Impact has been identified for serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and spouses, as the strategy is primarily focused on young people aged 11–25.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy has been developed to improve outcomes for young people through increased access to youth work opportunities, safe spaces, trusted adults, wellbeing support and participation activities. Young people's engagement highlighted the importance of belonging, community connections, positive relationships and opportunities to participate, all of which can benefit children and young people from Armed Forces families.

The strategy also aligns with wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which seeks to ensure that Armed Forces families are not disadvantaged when accessing services and support.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

• Ensure youth work opportunities remain accessible and inclusive for all young people.
• Promote awareness of local services and opportunities for young people and families relocating into the area.
• Work with schools and partner organisations to identify and respond to any emerging needs.
• Monitor participation and feedback to identify any barriers to engagement.

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Socio-economic Duty

Socio-economic disadvantage means living on a low income compared to others in Wales, with little or no accumulated wealth, making it more difficult to access basic goods and services.

Family background or where a person is born still affects their life. For example, a child from a wealthy family often does better at school than a child from a poor family, even if the poorer child is more naturally academic. This is sometimes called socio-economic inequality.

Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage?

• Positive

Describe the positive or negative impacts

The strategy is expected to have a positive impact on young people and communities experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. It recognises the impact of child poverty, rural poverty, transport barriers, housing affordability, cost of living pressures and digital exclusion on young people's ability to access opportunities and support.

The strategy aims to improve access to youth work opportunities, reduce barriers to participation and ensure that young people can benefit from high-quality youth work regardless of their circumstances or where they live.

What evidence do you have to support this?

The strategy was informed by engagement with young people, partner organisations, service data, the Youth Work Audit, Youth Support Grant evaluations and the Play Sufficiency Assessment.

Young people identified transport, cost, distance and awareness of opportunities as key barriers to participation. The strategy also references evidence relating to child poverty, rural poverty, housing affordability and access to services across Ceredigion.

Several of the strategic priorities are specifically designed to reduce inequalities and improve access to opportunities, particularly for young people living in rural communities or experiencing disadvantage.

What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?

Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?

• Maintain affordable and accessible youth work opportunities.
• Target resources towards communities experiencing higher levels of disadvantage.
• Continue community-based, outreach and rural delivery models.
• Promote digital inclusion and improve awareness of opportunities.
• Monitor participation across different communities and groups.
• Work with partners to identify and respond to emerging barriers affecting young people.

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National Well-being Goal: A Wales of Cohesive Communities

A society with attractive, viable, safe, and well-connected communities.

Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.

Positive Impact. The strategy makes a positive contribution to cohesive communities by strengthening community-based youth work, volunteering, participation and local partnership working. It supports young people to build positive relationships, contribute to community life, develop a sense of belonging and participate in activities within their local communities.

The strategy also promotes stronger connections between young people, community organisations, schools, town and community councils, voluntary organisations and public services, helping to create more connected and resilient communities.

What evidence do you have to support this view?

Engagement with young people highlighted the importance of safe spaces, friendships, trusted relationships and feeling connected to their communities. The strategy also draws on evidence from partner engagement and the Play Sufficiency Assessment, which identified the importance of local opportunities, community facilities, volunteering and stronger community connections, particularly within rural communities.

Several priorities within the strategy focus directly on increasing participation, strengthening community provision and supporting young people to play an active role within their communities.

What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to the goal?

• Continue supporting community-based youth work opportunities.
• Strengthen engagement with town and community councils.
• Promote volunteering, social action and leadership opportunities.
• Support local events, activities and community initiatives.
• Encourage young people to contribute to decision-making within their communities.

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National Well-being Goal: A Wales of Vibrant Culture and Thriving Welsh Language

A society that that promotes and protects culture, heritage, and the Welsh language and which encourages people to take part in the arts, sports, and recreation.

Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.

Strong Positive Impact. The strategy makes a strong positive contribution to Welsh language, culture and heritage. It promotes bilingual and Welsh-medium youth work opportunities and recognises the importance of Welsh language, identity and culture as strengths within Ceredigion.

The strategy also supports participation in sport, arts, recreation, volunteering and community activities, helping young people develop a stronger connection to their communities, culture and heritage.

What evidence do you have to support this view?

The strategy includes a dedicated commitment to Welsh language and bilingual youth work and aligns with Cymraeg 2050, the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and Ceredigion's Welsh Language Promotion Strategy.

Evidence gathered through engagement activities demonstrated that young people value opportunities to use Welsh socially and informally. The strategy also highlights the contribution of organisations such as the Urdd, Young Farmers Clubs, Cered and other partners who promote Welsh language participation and cultural opportunities.

What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to the goal?

• Increase opportunities for young people to use Welsh socially and informally.
• Support bilingual and Welsh-medium youth work provision.
• Promote cultural, creative, sporting and recreational activities.
• Strengthen partnerships with Welsh language organisations.
• Support workforce development to increase confidence in delivering bilingual youth work.

With reference to the following, do you think this proposal will have a positive or negative effect on the Welsh language?

Opportunities for people to use the Welsh language

• Positive

Treating the Welsh language, no less favourably than the English language

• Positive

What evidence do you have to support this view?

The strategy embeds Welsh language as a cross-cutting principle and commits to providing bilingual youth work opportunities wherever possible. It recognises that around 72% of children and young people in Ceredigion can speak Welsh and acknowledges the important role youth work plays in supporting social use of the language outside formal education settings.

The strategy also includes commitments to workforce development, partnerships and participation opportunities that support the use of Welsh in communities, activities and youth work settings.

What action(s) can you take to increase the positive impact or mitigate any negative impact on the Welsh language?

• Continue developing bilingual and Welsh-medium opportunities.
• Increase opportunities for young people to use Welsh socially and informally.
• Support Welsh language learning and confidence within the workforce.
• Work with partners such as the Urdd, Cered and local community organisations.
• Monitor participation in Welsh-medium and bilingual activities as part of annual review arrangements.
• Ensure consultation, communication and engagement materials are available bilingually.

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National Well-being Goal: A Globally Responsible Wales

A society that considers how our actions might impact on other countries and people around the world.

Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.

Positive Impact. The strategy makes a positive contribution to a Globally Responsible Wales by supporting young people to become informed, active and responsible citizens. Through youth work, young people are encouraged to explore issues such as equality, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, climate change, community cohesion, human rights and social action.

The strategy promotes youth voice, leadership, volunteering and participation, helping young people understand the impact they can have within their communities and the wider world.

What evidence do you have to support this view?

The strategy includes commitments relating to youth participation, leadership, social action, volunteering, equality, inclusion and community engagement. Young people highlighted the importance of issues such as mental health, equality, employment opportunities and community wellbeing through engagement activities and the annual Rhoi dy Farn campaign.

The strategy also aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and wider Welsh Government priorities that promote responsible citizenship, equality and sustainable development.

What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to the goal?

• Support youth-led social action and volunteering projects.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through youth work activities.
• Encourage participation in community, environmental and sustainability initiatives.
• Provide opportunities for young people to discuss and influence issues that affect them locally,  nationally and globally.
• Strengthen leadership and citizenship opportunities through Youth Council, volunteering and participation programmes.
• Continue working with partners to promote human rights, community cohesion and active citizenship.

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Strengthening the Proposal

If you have identified any negative impacts in the above sections, please provide details of any practical changes and actions that could help remove or reduce the negative impacts.

If no action is to be taken to remove or mitigate negative impacts, please justify why. (If you have identified any unlawful discrimination then the proposal must be changed or revised.)

Not applicable.

How will you monitor the impact and effectiveness of the proposal?

Through the Performance and Impact Framework.

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Sustainable Development Principle: 5 Ways of Working

Describe below how you have implemented the five ways of working in accordance with the sustainable development principle of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

Long term - balancing short-term needs with long-term need and planning for the future.

• The strategy provides a clear five-year vision for youth work across Ceredigion and focuses on improving outcomes for young people over the long term. It balances immediate priorities, such as improving access, wellbeing and participation, with longer-term ambitions including workforce development, sustainable facilities, community resilience, youth leadership and stronger partnership working. The strategy also includes annual review arrangements to ensure it remains responsive to changing needs and future challenges.

Collaboration - working together with other partners to deliver.

• The strategy has been developed and will be delivered collaboratively with young people, schools, voluntary organisations, community groups, town and community councils, health services, Youth Justice, Careers Wales and other local and regional partners. Delivery of the strategy depends on a whole-system approach, recognising that no single organisation can meet all the needs of young people alone.

Involvement - involving those with an interest and seeking their views.

• Young people have been at the centre of developing this strategy. Engagement has included surveys, focus groups, youth clubs, schools, Youth Council activities, participation groups and wider consultation events. More than 400 young people, alongside staff, volunteers, elected members, partners and stakeholders, have contributed to shaping the priorities and ambitions contained within the strategy. Young people will continue to be involved through annual engagement activity, Youth Council arrangements and the Rhoi dy Farn / Have Your Say campaign.

Prevention - putting resources into preventing problems occurring or getting worse.

• Prevention is a core principle of youth work and is embedded throughout the strategy. By providing trusted relationships, safe spaces, positive activities, early support and opportunities for personal development, youth work helps prevent issues from escalating and supports positive outcomes for young people. The strategy also supports wider prevention agendas, including Youth Justice prevention, youth homelessness prevention, wellbeing, community safety and the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework (YEPF).

Integration
Considering the impact of your proposal on the four pillars of well-being (social, economic, cultural and environment) the objectives of other public bodies and across service areas in the Council.

• The strategy contributes to social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing outcomes. It aligns with the Council's Corporate Strategy, Well-being Plan, Youth Justice Blueprint, Play Sufficiency Assessment, Cymraeg 2050, Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and other local and national priorities. The strategy also strengthens working across service areas including education, wellbeing, Youth Justice, community development, participation and prevention, ensuring that youth work contributes to wider outcomes for young people, communities and Ceredigion as a whole.

Four pillars of well-being:

1. Social: Wellbeing, inclusion, participation, belonging and community connection.
2. Economic: Employability, skills development, volunteering and progression opportunities.
3. Cultural: Welsh language, identity, heritage, sport, arts and recreation.
4. Environmental: Community engagement, outdoor learning, local assets and sustainable communities.

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Risk

Summarise the risk associated with the proposal.