The History of Youth Space

Back to About us On to Official Opening

You wouldn't have thought that in such a short space of time we would need to talk about a History of Youth Space but this section just seemed to be getting too long to just be a part of the "About Us" any more.

Started in February 2008 by a request to the Circuit Meeting of the Cardiff Methodist Circuit for a dedicated Full Time Youth Worker and a safe space for Young People to be church in their own way we now have Youth Space - By young people, For young people, For God.

Wesley Methodist Church in Canton agreed to refurbish and then rent Youth Space its old Church Parlour to the side of the main church building. This space is fantastic for the project as it is self contained with own entrance, kitchen and toilets. The space is also on one of the main bus routes out of Cardiff city (with bus stop outside the door) and close to a number of local schools.

Whilst waiting for refurbishments to be completed Youth Space continued its work both around the Circuit with large events and Weekends away but also by starting its first two Canton based groups. A Sunday night church group known as Youth Space 1 where members who come from across the Circuit meet for an hour and a half to share in a varied programme of Fun, Friendship and Faith.

On 24th January 2010 the young people that form Youth Space 1 held their first meeting in the dedicated premises off Cowbridge Road in Canton. The premises act not only as a dedicated meeting space but also offices, volunteer training suite and resource centre.

On 8th May 2010 we held our Official Opening where the building was dedicated as a church by members of the Circuit led by our Synod Chair the Rev. Dr. Stephen Wigley. The keys to the building were handed to our youngest current member (Esther aged 12 and 3 days) and then representatives of our current participants cut the red ribbon across the doorway. Photos from the opening can be seen in our photo gallery.

Work with young people continues around the circuit both as local endeavours and as larger Youth Space projects and our staff are supporting these efforts as well as those projects based in our new building. We offer volunteer training not only to those working in Youth Space but to all who work with young people within the Cardiff Methodist Circuit. Youth Space is committed to offering ongoing training to all who work with young people and being a model of best practice.