A CONWY youth justice team that prevents re-offending has worked with young people to donate gift boxes to charity.

The Conwy and Denbighshire youth justice team also helped young people aged eight to 18 to put planters and reindeer decorations in care home gardens as part of its Christmas project.

The joint local authority service has had to be creative due to coronavirus restrictions which have limited its contact with those referred to it.

It included 20 gift boxes being donated to the British Red Cross and Conwy Vulnerable People’s Service, which include homemade Christmas cards, decorations, coasters, cups and painted pebbles with positive quotes on them which are all made by the young people.

The team had support from various shops which assisted the project, such as Asda which donated chocolates, while plants were donated by B&Q, Garden World and Tan Lan Nurseries.

Cheryl Carlisle, Conwy’s County Borough Council's cabinet member for children, families and safeguarding, said: “These activities are just part of the important work that the Youth Justice team do to support young people and their families.

"By working with young people who might be at risk of offending, and with those who have offended to help them give back to the community and help prevent re-offending, the Team’s work can make a real difference to their lives.”

One of the young people involved in the project said: “I’m glad to be doing something outdoors and meaningful, especially when it means I can help older people during Covid-19.”

The youth justice team is also taking part in a Christmas video including carols and festive messages for the residential homes which will give its young people an opportunity to showcase their musical talents.