Here is your Tuesday update, covering:

• Stonewall Charity names Cardiff Council Top 100 and Gold Award winning Employer for 2024
• What's Next? A programme of events and information to help young people decide their future after exams
• Grand Opening of Ty Bronwen: A New Wellbeing Pod at Lakeside Primary School

Stonewall Charity names Cardiff Council Top 100 and Gold Award winning Employer for 2024

Cardiff Council has again been recognised by the charity Stonewall as an employer committed to supporting LGBTQ+ staff and customers.

Maintaining its place in the Stonewall Top 100 and retaining its Gold Award status, Cardiff Council has been praised by the lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer rights charity for "creating a welcoming workplace, where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work".

Stonewall's Top 100 Employers 2024 list recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers. Cardiff Council joins a number of top construction, legal, health, finance and education organisations who made the annual Top 100 list of LGBTQ+ inclusive employers.

Welcoming the local authority's latest achievements, Cardiff Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for equalities, Cllr Julie Sangani, said: "I am delighted to see that Cardiff Council has maintained its Top 100 place in the Stonewall Index this year and has again been given a Gold Award by the charity. Those are both achievements to be extremely proud of in themselves, but I am also very pleased to see that the exemplary work of staff across the organisation has again resulted in Cardiff Council being the highest ranked local authority in Wales.

"Stronger Fairer Greener - our Cabinet policy priorities for Cardiff - includes the commitment to ‘build on our Stonewall Gold Status award as part of our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, aiming to become a Stonewall top 100 employer and the highest ranked local authority in Wales in the Stonewall Index'. The fact that we have secured all three of those commitments once again this year is further testament to the hard work and dedication of staff intent on putting our equalities policies into action."

Read more here

What's Next? A programme of events and information to help young people decide their future after exams

As A-Level and GCSE exam results days approach in August, young people in Cardiff will have access to a wide range of events designed to help them navigate their next steps.

The Cardiff Commitment is uniting employers, career advisors, and other organisations to provide essential information and advice on opportunities in education, employment, training, and volunteering. A comprehensive schedule of events will be held across the city from June until August, to support young people during this important time.

Young people and their families are encouraged to visit the "What's Next?" website  www.whatsnextcardiff.co.uk

This one-stop shop for 16 to 24-year-olds, offers a wealth of information on education, employment, training, and other opportunities in Cardiff. This platform simplifies the process of exploring available options, ensuring young people can make informed decisions about their futures.

Developed by the Cardiff Commitment, this platform is a collaboration between public, private, and third sectors, working alongside schools and education providers. The goal is to connect children and young people to a broad spectrum of opportunities in education, training, and the workforce.

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "We are committed to ensuring that all young people in Cardiff have access to the right support when making decisions about their future. The planned events and the 'What's Next?' platform provide a wealth of knowledge and advice at a crucial time, helping to raise aspirations and provide clarity for those who may feel uncertain following their exams.

"Cardiff offers a multitude of opportunities, from continuing education in Sixth Form, college courses, and university, to gaining work experience, traineeships, graduate schemes, apprenticeships, and more."

The 'What's Next?' site is regularly updated as new provisions and opportunities become available. The Cardiff Commitment is closely collaborating with Cardiff Capital Region partners to inform young people about growth sector opportunities and the skills and qualifications needed for future roles.

Read more here

Grand Opening of Ty Bronwen: A New Wellbeing Pod at Lakeside Primary School

Lakeside Primary School has this week officially opened Ty Bronwen, a new wellbeing pod provided by the Bronwen's W;sh  charity.

Ty Bronwen is named in memory of Bronwen Morgan, a former pupil and teaching assistant at Lakeside Primary School. Bronwen, alongside her sisters, attended the school and her father, Haydn Morgan, served on the Board of Governors, making the Morgan family an integral part of the school community.

Following Bronwen's tragic death, her family and friends established the Bronwen's W;sh  charity dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of children and young people. The charity aims to create places of peace and nurture, providing emotional support and sanctuary for young individuals.

Through collaborative efforts, Ty Bronwen has been created to provide a serene retreat for pupils needing a break from the daily hustle of school life and its development, design, and construction have been closely followed by pupils, staff and the wider school community.

Headteacher, Rachel Mitchell said: "The need for such a sanctuary has become even more pressing in the wake of the Covid pandemic, which left many children socially isolated. Lakeside Primary School has always prioritised pupil wellbeing, addressing the needs of individual pupils. The addition of the Wellbeing pod aligns perfectly with this commitment, offering a place for quiet reflection and connection with nature.

"We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with our community and continuing Bronwen's legacy of care and compassion."

Read more here