According to a new report, Wales’s largest youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru contributed almost £45 million to the Welsh economy in 2022-23.

Over the last 5 years, the Urdd’s economic worth has increased by over three-quarters, rising from £25.5 million to £44.9 million.

I know many people in Cardiff Central will have fond memories of visiting one of the Urdd’s residential centres or have heard stories from members of their family. Residential centres in Llangrannog, Glan-llyn and Cardiff provided accommodation for over 103,000 visitor nights including for children, teachers and families as well as day visitors.

The Urdd also work in partnership with 56 employers to offer external apprenticeships and 149 learners are working towards their apprenticeship.

Since 2016, 290 people have completed an apprenticeship, 80% of whom are still employed with the Urdd.

Alongside the economic impact the organisation is having, a survey of young people who participated in Urdd activities during the summer of 2023 found they had made progress in a number of areas, including gaining confidence in social situations, their understanding of Wales and the Welsh language, and improved their wellbeing and emotional skills.

The full report is available to read here:

https://www.urdd.cymru/en/about-us/publications/effaith-economaidd/