Learners honoured at The Haven’s first award event in Neath

Learners honoured at The Haven’s first award event in Neath

The Haven in Neath held its first awards ceremony at Neath Town Hall on Thursday 21 April with over 70 people attending and service users and volunteers walking the red carpet to receive their awards.

The awards were presented to learners who have undertaken & completed courses, certified and accredited by Agored Cymru, such as Budgeting and Cooking on a Budget. Further courses undertaken and recognised during the ceremony were completed through Bridgend College of Further Education who facilitate LearnDirect.

The Haven is a Salvation Army Fresh Expression and Core Recovery Plant in Neath town centre, which provides drop-in services for people in need. These services include help with benefits, housing advice, counselling services and medical care.

Major Mary Wolfe, Salvation Army Officer for the Haven said: “This is the first awards event since The Haven opened November 1st last year, and it went way beyond expectations. To see the service users with smiles on their faces, walking the red carpet to receive their certificates was a sheer joy.

“The Salvation Army are committed to bringing about transformation in the lives of those we serve and there was plenty of evidence that lives have been changed in a very short time.”

Many agencies and officials attended as well as family members of those receiving awards. “It was good to recognize and acknowledge the work of the volunteers as well.”

After three years of planning, the Centre opened its service on 1st  November 2021 and in the last five months, there has been tremendous change in a number of people’s lives, as well as an improvement in anti-social behavior in the town centre.

Inspector Lyndsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “The Haven Project has been a huge success in supporting vulnerable individuals within Neath town centre.

“Since the opening of the Centre we have seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour and the project is a great example of the partnership work undertaken during Operation Lileum.

“Individuals referred to the Haven have been provided with the necessary support which has resulted in diverting them away from anti-social behaviour and crime.

“It was great to see the positive impact during the awards ceremony and my team will continue to support the project as it grows.”

Emma O’Brien, Housing Options Manager for Neath Port Talbot Council said “I have worked closely with both Mary and Christina for some time.”

“The positive impact their work in the centre is already having on individuals in such a short time is clear to see. The presentation event re-iterated that with so many individuals recognised for their hard work and achievements in that time, both for courses and volunteering.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside them and seeing how the centre develops further and to any future events held that recognise those fantastic achievements.”