Healthy relationship project launches across Gwent

A project to help young people develop healthy relationships has launched in Gwent.

The Healthy Relationships project is being delivered by local training provider Regener8 Cymru and is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent.

It allows young people to discuss issues such as domestic abuse, sexual consent, pornography, sexual exploitation, and respectful relationships, in a safe, supportive environment.

So far more than 700 young people from schools, colleges and other youth organisations across Gwent have received the training.

Regener8 Cymru is a not-for-profit community interest company. Director Penny Chapman said: “Young people today are bombarded with sexualised content from a very early age and many have completely unrealistic expectations about how they should behave, and what they should expect from a relationship. We also know that many of them will be growing up experiencing and witnessing domestic abuse.

“These sessions help young people to understand what a healthy relationship should look like and where they can access help and support if they need it.”

Gwent’s Police Cadets are young people between the ages of 14 – 18 and have received the training as part of their classroom sessions.

Cadet Hannah Prewitt said: “I think this training is so important because it affects so many people. It needs to be widely spoken about so that people can get help and information, and know that they are not alone and where to report any issues.”

Jeff Cuthbert, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, said: “This training and advice for young people is badly needed and we have seen a huge demand for the service already since it launched in January.

“By providing training, advice and support at a crucial stage in these young peoples’ lives we are helping to steer them away from potentially committing crime within their relationships, while also helping to support those who may be vulnerable but have been unable to speak out.”

To book training for a school or organisation contact Penny Chapman on 07532187253 or pennyc@regener8cymru.co.uk