In the latest update from Cardiff Council: Cardiff's desire to honour the city's ‘Codebreakers'; together we can keep people safe, a campaign encouraging people to contact social services; a free virtual leadership programme for 11 to 15 year olds; and get a taste of the Cardiff Food and Drink Festival delivered straight to your door.

Cardiff's desire to honour the city's ‘Codebreakers'

Finding a way to honour and promote the history of Cardiff's incredible sporting heroes, who left their homes behind to pursue greatness as Rugby League players in the north of England, will be the aim of a new working group drawn together by Cardiff Council leader, Huw Thomas.

Several of the northern code's greatest-ever players hailed from Cardiff, many of them Black sportsmen who had to leave South Wales to further their careers. They went on to break down barriers and become heroes and role models to hundreds of thousands between the 1920s and the 1970s.

Following on from the huge interest created by the BBC TV documentary "The Rugby Codebreakers", a number of groups have come forward seeking to build on the momentum provided by the inspirational stories of players such as Billy Boston, Jim Sullivan, Roy Francis, Colin Dixon, Johnny Freeman and Clive Sullivan.

Cllr Thomas said: "As a council we are often approached to see how the outstanding contributions made by so many of our great sportsmen and women might be celebrated. But what became obvious from the ‘Codebreakers' programme was how the story of rugby league has largely gone unnoticed here, and what's really fascinating is the social and racial background behind why so many players went ‘North'.

"As we all take stock to consider the Black Lives Matter campaign and examine how Wales' Black History is reflected in our public spaces, the story of the ‘Codebreakers' is clearly one that resonates today. Many of these incredible men were Black, and many felt they had to leave Cardiff to get an opportunity in life. They went on to become huge stars and fantastic role models, yet there is no statue or plaque in their hometown to celebrate that."

Read more here:

https://www.cardiffnewsroom.co.uk/releases/c25/24405.html

Together we can keep people safe

A campaign has been launched across Wales to encourage people to contact social services if they are worried that a family member, friend or neighbour is at risk of abuse, neglect and harm.

Social Services in Wales has seen a reduction in referrals to its services since lockdown. Abuse, neglect and harm hasn't stopped but opportunities to spot the signs have reduced as access to childcare settings, schools, and social situations has been limited.

It is now more important than ever that we look out for each other and encourage people to contact their local social services or call 101 if they are worried that someone could be at risk.

Visit the Safe Help website https://gov.wales/safe-help/keeping-people-safe  for more information about local social services and how to raise your concerns. If your call is more urgent dial 101, or in emergency call 999.

Together we can keep children, young people and adults safe.

Free virtual leadership programme for 11-15 year olds

Cardiff pupils aged 11-15 can take part in a virtual leadership programme during the summer break. The Global Social Leaders will help students to build leadership, future world of work and confidence skills during 3 hours of online lessons and workshops every day for one week.

Participants need to commit to only 5 mornings of lessons at a time convenient to them, they then have access to online resources and a pastoral mentor. Our Child Friendly Team will then support participants to form a team and set up their own social action project in September.

The opportunity will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and is open to young people across 10 countries so please promote widely and encourage individuals to register ASAP.

There will be a virtual pupil assembly and a parents evening event where any questions can be answer, details are enclosed in the information package.

The programme is open to Cardiff pupils attending a state funded school following a partnership between Cardiff Education Service, Foundation UK and Wellington Leadership Institute.

Find out more information and register here:

https://www.globalsocialleaders.com/gsl-summer-catalyst-at-home/

Get a taste of Cardiff Food and Drink Festival delivered to your door

Every year, more than 100 artisan producers, independent food traders and street food vendors pitch up in Cardiff Bay on the first weekend in July for the Cardiff Food and Drink Festival - but this year the food (and a taste of the festival experience) can be delivered straight to your door.

The new festival website hosts recipes, music, and an online market place where visitors can order a range of premium quality local and international food and drink - things like delicious cakes, marinades, flavoured oils, preserves, speciality gins and cider, and more - directly from the people who make them:

https://www.cardifffoodanddrinkfestival.com/

The Cardiff Food and Drink Festival website will run throughout July.