In 1989 there was a purge on underage drinking in Aberdare town centre, where young people were frequenting the licensed premises at the young age of 14 years and this was recognised by the police, the youth service and Crime Prevention. A multi agency was set up to address this problem and young people from the Cynon Valley were invited to have their say.
They informed the committee that there was nowhere for them to go in the town centre other than the bars and clubs. A sub-committee was set up that defined the need, secured the funding from the Welsh Office for premises in the town centre. The young people favoured a purpose built centre, with a pub-like theme, selling non-alcoholic drinks. Building began in 1991 and the centre opened its doors to the young people in December 1993.
A centre manager was appointed to oversee the running of the centre and part-time Youth Workers to support and work alongside the young people. The youth committee which was initially set up to work with the multi agency sub-committee continued with their commitment to the project by regular meetings and sitting on the management committee with those over the age of eighteen having full voting rights.
In March 1994 an Advice & Information Service was set up with the appointment of an Advice & Information Worker. Chequers was moving forward and developing new initiatives.
We are now in our tenth year and have grown from strength to strength with development taking place on a regular basis. Our ethos is of empowerment of young people and a centre for young people run by young people and our successes over the years have proved that there is a need for this worthwhile project.
Since we opened youth related crime have been reduced in
the town centre along with vandalism. Our aim is to offer young people a place
to go and a safe alternative to underage drinking and drug misuse. These young
people would otherwise be drawn into anti social and personally damaging behaviour
and have a disturbing effect on the community where we live. On the streets
they are at risk from the adult environment which could have a devastating
effect on young people.
Chequers is a three way partnership of Management, Staff and young people.
Empowering and developing skills in our young people will ensure the Chequers
moves forward with the times and accommodate the needs of the young people
of our future.
It was once said "Getting there is half the fun, being there is all of it"
"Such is the evolutionary nature of the project"
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To raise the awareness of our services within the Cynon Valley.
To promote the benefit of young people within the Cynon Valley by raising their self esteem and promoting their health, wealth and well-being.
OUR VISION
Chequers has a clear vision of the future as we are now in the new millennium. Building on the achievements, successes and quality of service of the past ten years in order to continue in our objective of reducing youth related crime in Aberdare and environment.
SUCCESSES & ACHIEVEMENTS
Prudential Youth Action Award
Youth Life Wales Award
Post Office Community Award
Nationwide Community Award
Youth Excellence Award
Peer Prevention Award
