Social enterprise Media Academy Cymru (MAC), which helps young people who have committed low level offences into work and education, is expanding with a £700,000 funding facility from NatWest.
The funding will enable it to acquire its main building at Columbus Walk in Cardiff, ensure its long-term stability and expand services for youngsters across South Wales. MAC said owning its own building will result in significant annual savings , freeing up resources for further development and support programmes.
Established in 2010, MAC, through early intervention, media training, and triage diversion programmes, MAC has helped to keep more than 10,000 children and young people away from the criminal justice system to date. This includes supporting job creation and placements, student placements, and apprenticeships.
Paid roles are in areas such as youth work, project management, administration, and finance, help young people achieve recognised qualifications and gain hands-on experience which helps them to develop their confidence, skills and chances of long-term employment.
Nick Corrigan, managing director at Media Academy Cymru, said: “NatWest truly understands our sector and our goals, and this funding will prove a really important step for Media Academy Cymru. Not only will it enable us to purchase our premises in Cardiff, but help us free up capital to invest in new equipment and workshops.
“Our ultimate ambition is to help young people thrive personally, socially, and professionally and we are excited about the positive impact this deal will have on our community.”
Katie Piggott, relationship manager at NatWest, said: “Media Academy Cymru is a remarkable organisation that makes a real difference to the lives of young people across Wales. Their commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community development is the exact sort of thing we look to support at NatWest.
"We are proud to support their expansion with this funding package and look forward to watching the organisation continue to invest in itself and the young people of Wales.”