100 meals have been prepared by five boys at HMYOI Parc this half-term for the sports charity StreetGames. This voluntary work forms part of the YOI’s enrichment programme.
The meals were delivered to local children in Bridgend who are taking part in StreetGame’s Fit and Fed campaign, which provides sporting activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays to low-income families.
Ryan Francis, Deputy Head at Parc YOI, said: “We are so impressed with what the boys have achieved and their attitude – many have given up some of their free time to prepare and cook these meals. This is an initiative that is very close to the hearts of our young people, as many of them received free school meals when they attended school in the community and they know how tough it can be in the school holidays for some families.”
The two dishes the boys chose to prepare were chicken curry and cheese and potato pie. Maesteg Harlequins RFC and Nantymoel Boys and Girls Club received the meals with the help of Aramark, the catering provider to the YOI.The boys have been cooking meals for charity for the last six months as part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which they are all enrolled on under the YOI’s enrichment programme. Some will be able to finish the award at the YOI, while others can complete it when they’re back in the community. Those who are also members of ScoutsCymru will have their efforts recognised.
The enrichment programme gives the boys an opportunity to practice important life skills, like teamwork and problem solving, as well as pursue their hobbies and interests. Activities available range from tennis, rugby, gardening, drama and fish keeping.
While at the YOI, all the boys are allocated a member of staff who acts as an enrichment mentor. Their role is to help the boys achieve their goals and use their time productively.
To date, they have made over 500 meals which includes 100 Christmas dinners for Bridgend Community Outreach Centre, BARC.
Gareth Winmill, Head of Doorstep Sport and Network Engagement at StreetGames, said: “Our mission at StreetGames is to transform the lives of young people living in low-income, underserved communities through sport and physical activity. StreetGames aims to be the people beside the people who change lives and communities. We cannot do that in isolation; we need to work with many partners and stakeholders.”
“We are really excited about this unique opportunity which is giving young people in custody the chance to better themselves via the enrichment programme.”
Rebecca Lloyd, Outreach Manager at BARC, said: “We provide two meals a day to both the homeless and public for free, which has a huge impact on them and their mental health.
“The voluntary work done by the YOI has been outstanding and having their support shows there is still a community spirit in this world. The meals they’ve donated can be heated up quickly and means we can serve our clients faster. They have been a huge help to an organisation like ours.”
