The Neumark Foundation has announced it has awarded funding to support Abergele Youth Den, a thriving youth-led centre in Abergele that provides life-changing opportunities for young people aged 10–25. This vital support will allow the Youth Den to expand its accredited outdoor activity and pre-employment programmes, reaching even more young people who face disadvantage, exclusion, or additional needs.

Since 2019, Abergele Youth Den has operated from its own dedicated premises, co-designed by the young people who use it. The space includes a digital media suite, kitchen and lounge area, and creative workshop spaces. Each week, the centre supports over 150 young people through afterschool clubs (five days a week), breakfast clubs, holiday programmes, and daytime provision for those disengaged from formal education. Detached youth work reaches a further 25–30 young people weekly.

The Youth Den also delivers “Moving Forward”, a twice-weekly pre-employment programme for 16–25 year olds that provides life skills, mental health support, personal development, and accredited training. With support from Conwy Employability Hub, 216 young people take part annually, developing the confidence and skills to progress into further education or employment.

Thanks to funding from The Neumark Foundation, the Youth Den is now expanding its programme of outdoor opportunities to include mountain biking, e-biking, Swimsafe (including surfing and paddleboarding), kayaking, and orienteering. Training in First Aid, Surf Lifesaving, and cycle leadership will also be available, opening new doors for young people to gain qualifications, experience, and employment prospects.

The Youth Den is also proud to be a Directly Licensed Centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, delivering Bronze, Silver, and Gold programmes that challenge young people to volunteer, build new skills, and complete expedition training. The initiative promotes resilience, leadership, and aspiration while building community connections and improving wellbeing. This is enabling wider access to the Duke of Edinburgh award for the young people who attend the youth den who wouldn’t otherwise have this opportunity.

“This funding allows us to reach more young people with life-changing opportunities,” said Jamie, a senior youth worker. “They feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they ever believed possible.”  “We aim to change people’s perception of young people and to develop a positive image in the community” said Blue a senior youth worker.

“Before coming here, I didn’t think I could do anything like DofE,” said Harrison “Now I’ve done my Bronze Award and I’m training for Silver. It’s changed everything.”

“I’ve always struggled with my social skills because of my autism. Youth Den has helped me to be more confident and to develop my skills, like camera skills and editing skills. If it wasn’t for the Den I wouldn’t have any of those skills.  They really understand me and help me to grow,” said Harrison.

Linda Tavernor, Trustee and Funding Manager from Abergele Youth Den said “It was a pleasure to meet with the Trustees of the Neumark Foundation, and I’m delighted to receive a grant award from them.  I’m really looking forward to working with them to develop our work with young people”

“We’re proud to support Abergele Youth Den in providing inclusive, practical programmes that build young people’s skills, confidence, and future prospects. When we visited it was clear how engaged the young people were in their activities and how much they were getting out of it. We are looking forward to developing our partnership with the charity and supporting and enabling their work particularly with regards to the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.”

Rosalind William – Project Funding Manager at The Neumark Foundation