YHA launches new strategy for Wales with pledge to reach more young people and communities
Members of the Welsh Senedd have pledged their support for YHA’s (Youth Hostels Association) new strategy for Wales.
Launched on 29 November 2022 at the Senedd in Cardiff, the new strategy represents a renewed and re-prioritised focus on Wales for the 92-year-old youth charity.
The ‘YHA in Wales’ strategy will position YHA as a partner in the wider wellbeing of young people and communities throughout Wales alongside its offering of affordable accommodation in historic and beautiful buildings in stunning Welsh landscapes.
Huw Irranca-Davies, MS for Ogmore, who launched YHA’s new Welsh strategy, welcomed it saying:
“What I love about YHA’s youth hostels is that as well as being in some of the most stunning parts of Wales and the UK, they are also at the heart of the wellbeing of our communities and young people – including young-at-heart oldies like me.”
The strategy has been developed over six months in consultation with more than 300 individuals and organisations, including Deaf Hub Wales, Ramblers Cymru, All Wales Forum and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Nisbah Hussain from the Muslim youth empowerment charity Equalinks, welcomed YHA’s new strategy for Wales, saying:
“YHA in Wales in a fantastic opportunity. I think Wales is sometimes overlooked when we are planning adventures, but it offers so much to everybody; there’s something that hits everybody’s needs and requirements.”
James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales), said:
“Our new strategy for Wales is not a voice in an echo chamber; we have listened to the individuals and organisations that have taken the time to contribute, and these voices have helped shape the priorities for YHA in Wales which will be delivered over the next three years.
“With the energy and cost of living crisis, times are challenging, and we cannot deliver our ambitious strategy alone, that is why working with partners is at the heart of our approach. We believe that by working with partners who share our ambitions, we can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people across Wales.”
In order to reach more young people and their families in Wales, YHA will tailor its schools and residential offer to support the implementation of the new curriculum in Wales. The charity will also increase the reach of its funded breaks, Campus and work readiness programmes across the country.
Within the strategy, YHA has made five key pledges:
- To strengthen the role that YHA and its hostels play in celebrating Wales’ natural and cultural heritage.
- To improve the use of the Welsh language across the organisation.
- To support more young people and families living in Wales to experience adventure.
- To ensure YHA has the right mix of hostels in the right places in Wales, all offering quality stays.
- To make sure YHA’s programmes and operations across the organisation consider the specific context of Wales.
At the event, YHA invited Senedd members to pledge their support to the new strategy. Support pledges were received from a number of members including Samuel Kurtz MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, who pledged to “signpost people to the fantastic YHA locations across West Wales, especially YHA Manorbier in my constituency.”
Jenny Rathbone MS for Cardiff Central and Chair of the Equality and Social Justice Committee pledged to “work with YHA to support more young people and families to experience our countryside and affordable hostels.”
Peredur Owen Griffiths, MS for South Wales East Region, said:
“I pledge to help the YHA in their mission to connect to the rich heritage and language we are blessed to have in Wales.”
Supporting YHA’s pledge to improve the use of the Welsh language across the organisation, Cefin Campbell MS for Mid and West Wales pledged to “promote the use of Welsh in youth hostels and highlight the unique heritage and culture of Wales amongst the people who visit youth hostels.”
YHA’s first youth hostel was established at Pennant Hall in North in 1929 ahead of YHA being formally established in 1930. Today YHA has 21 youth hostels in Wales – approximately 15% of the charity’s network.
Download and read YHA in Wales at www.yha.org.uk/about-yha/yha-in-wales
