Ve Van de Voorde is leaving the Vale Youth Service 

This week, Ve Van de Voorde is leaving the Vale Youth Service and moving to a new position in South Wales Police, after 23 years.

Ve has been an integral part of the Youth Service, starting her journey with a primary focus on participation. Over the years, Ve's role expanded significantly, and her contributions have been invaluable across a wide range of activities and programs.

Ve began her career with the Youth Service by focusing on encouraging and increasing youth participation. She played a crucial role in ensuring young people's voices were heard and included in decision-making processes, whether this was through local government, encouraging pupil voice across Vale schools, or Wales wide initiatives.

Ve dedicated time to the Duke of Edinburgh Award program, mentoring countless young people and helping them achieve their awards. Her guidance was pivotal in encouraging resilience, leadership, and the understanding that "resilience" sometimes means surviving a weekend camping trip in the rain.

Ve was actively involved in organising and overseeing twinning exchanges. She facilitated opportunities for young people to engage in cultural exchange programs, broadening their horizons and promoting international understanding and friendship. This extended to supporting the work of the Town Twinning committee and being a regular member of these professional visits.

Ve's work in detached youth work brought the Youth Service directly into the communities, engaging with young people in their own environments. Her efforts helped reach those who might not have otherwise engaged with the Youth Service, providing support and building trust within the community.

Ve played a key role in overseeing wellbeing support, ensuring that the mental and emotional health of young people was prioritised. Her initiatives included workshops, one-to-one support, and creating safe spaces for young people to express themselves.

Ve is renowned for her keen eye for detail and her commitment to quality assurance. She consistently ensured that all programs and activities met high standards, benefiting both young people and staff. Ve was part of leading the Youth Service through their Quality Mark on a number of occasions and their recent Estyn inspection.

Ve's presence and dedication have left a lasting impact on both young people and her colleagues. Her ability to connect, inspire, and provide unwavering support has made a significant difference in many lives. Plus, her talent for convincing everyone to eat lunch early will never be forgotten.

Ve will be greatly missed by all young people and staff. Her 23 years of service have left an indelible mark on the Youth Service, and her contributions will be remembered and cherished. Ve's legacy of participation, dedication to youth development, and commitment to quality will continue to inspire and guide the Youth Service for years to come.

Thank you, Ve, for everything! Your next adventure awaits, but don't be surprised if we still call you for advice... and to return a few pens.