A VOLUNTEER charity worker has told how a project funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent has helped him turn his back on a life of violence, crime and substance abuse to support other young people who are going through the same experiences.

With the help of the 7 Corners Centre in Abergavenny, Wayne Clarke, 23, made positive changes to his life with the support of the town centre-based 7 Corners Centre.

The centre was established 12 years ago by the Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust, and provides a place where young people can meet in safety, find help for personal development and receive support if in crisis.

Mr Clarke, of Abergavenny, first visited the centre, run by Angie Sampson, as a teenager.

He said: “If it wasn’t for this project, I’d probably be dead or in prison and that’s not even an understatement. It’s thanks to this project that I’ve got my life back on track."

He added: “There are always people here to talk to you and help you.”

“They never gave up on me and they never pushed me away. They really show you love here and they have faith and hope in you. We also do lots of workshops here and teach people new skills which helps take their minds off their problems.”

He now volunteers his spare time at the centre to try and help other young people who are going through the same as he experienced.

“I’ve come full circle and I’m now helping kids that are going through the same as me," he said.

The project has been given a £5,560 boost by Gwent PCC Ian Johnston’s Partnership Fund to buy a second-hand caravan as part of a new outreach programme in partnership with the Salvation Army.

Known as the Hot Spot, the caravan will feature a games console, drinks machine and a mini music station to provide DJ workshops and will visit locations around Abergavenny where young people are known to be causing trouble.