Hugh Phillips, the High Sheriff of Gwent has visited the Buzz cycle workshop in Blaina. The Buzz Youth Group run the shop as a social enterprise with a team of over 30 youth volunteers who help out in the shop each week.
A grant of £1,000 to further the work of Buzz was awarded to the group from the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund, an endowment Fund managed by The Community Foundation in Wales which supports initiatives that address crime prevention, community safety and young people at risk throughout Gwent.
Buzz set up after local young people complained about the lack of activities in the town. Working with Blaina Communities First they decided to start a group based around cycling. The shop now hires out bikes and can also carry out repairs. They have been involved in community activities including the unveiling of the Six Bells memorial and loaning bikes to the local Neighbourhood Policing team for use on their ward patrols.
After meeting the group, Hugh Phillips commented, “The Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund is delighted to be able to support such an inspirational and deserving project. We always strive to support groups which are volunteer-led and meet our agenda of reducing crime and empowering youth and we were particularly impressed with the leadership, commitment and responsibility displayed by these young people.”
Call Tom Morris at The Community Foundation in Wales on 02920 536590 for more information about this fund.
Read the article on the South Wales Argus website