The Venture is one of the UK's leading local children, young people and families organisations. Described in Westminster Parliament in 2003 by former Secretary of State for Wales as "one of the best [children's organisations] in the country, if not in Europe", The Venture has played a significant role in achieving unique levels of success in key areas of British social policy. 

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1. Youth crime

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Youth crime in Caia Park fell by 28% in the first year of The Venture's life and by 54% in the first 6 years, falling steadily since. Working very closely with key partners such as the Youth Justice Service, North Wales Police, housing and education providers, The Venture has delivered a range of direct services, such as the Youth Justice Board's Youth Inclusion Programme, and has continually supported other agencies to provide practical, focused interventions. The results has been dramatic.

 

In most parts of the estate youth crime has been reduced to very low levels. North Wales Police (2008/09) reported that "Recently the Wynnstay ward (where The Venture is situated) had an entire month of zero crime and not a single call to Police of anti-social behaviour. For an area tarred with so many brushes in the past, this is an incredible achievement by anybody's standards". 

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2. Family support

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The establishment of The Venture Early Year Centre in 1988 provided the foundation to enable support and intervention at a much earlier stage. Health, education and personal growth programmes are woven into the daily life of the centre, with life changing results for many families.

 

The Venture Well Baby clinic is ran weekly by a Betsi Cadwaladr Health Visitor as well as Dechrau'n Deg | Flying Start Chatterbox Language & Play sessions.

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For more information on our Early Years Centre visit their page here.

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3. Educational outcomes

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In conjunction with improved leadership in local schools The Venture has significantly facilitated the positive development of educational outcomes or many individual children and families. In particular The Venture Alternative Learning (VAL) project with Year 10 and 11 students has produced 100% success with no leavers becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). 

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4. A maturing community

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The Venture has played a leading role in developing most of the main community organisations in Caia Park, with many younger and older residents closely associated with The Venture taking up positions of responsibility and becoming role models for others to follow. This success is predominantly based on the continuity of support and encouragement we have provided for 4 decades. 

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Approximately 42,000 people have Dementia in Wales. It is most common among older people - affecting one in twenty over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80. To address this The Venture hosts drop-in sessions by The Alzheimer's Society Cymru and act as a sign-posting service to those with diagnoses or concerns for themselves, friends or family.

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5. Child Poverty

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The disastrous effects of child poverty on the health and well being of children has been well documented. The Venture strives to limit this detrimental impact, providing opportunities and hope for the future, aiming to reverse the effects of bleak, unfulfilled lives. In response many individuals and families have expressed feeling happier and more fulfilled. The improvement in the current statistical position is also encouraging.