Arriva Trains Wales | STATION REPAINT HELPS PROMOTE CHILDREN’S CHARITY

STATION REPAINT HELPS PROMOTE CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Dinas Rhondda station has been given a splash of colour thanks to a painting project completed by youngsters from the Rhondda Cynon Taf Youth Offending Service (YOS).

Dinas Rhondda Station Five members from the service worked alongside their supervisors and staff from Arriva Trains Wales to paint concrete bollards on the platform in the colours of Rhondda based children’s charity Valleys Kids.

The project at Dinas Rhondda is the second occasion the service has worked with Arriva Trains Wales to provide work experience in the community for young offenders. The YOS recently completed the removal of graffiti at Ystrad Rhondda station by painting the station footbridge.

Geraint Morgan, community affairs manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “We decided to paint the bollards to emphasise our link with the Valleys Kids centre at Pendinas Flats, which is situated across the river from the station. The bright colours have created a colourful environment for passengers in which to wait for trains and will also help raise awareness of the charity’s work.”

Valleys Kids is a charity working with disadvantaged children in the Rhondda providing activities, opportunities and experiences which make a difference to people’s lives.

Clare Furey, reparation officer for the YOS said: “Our main aim is to prevent re-offending through the provision of support and guidance to young people, their parents and carers.”

She continued: “We are very pleased with the standard of work at the station and while the project will have been a new experience for many, it has been an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and make a noticeable difference in the community.”

As a reward for their help with the project, the young offenders and their families have been offered a free trip anywhere on the Arriva Trains Wales network.