Maisey Andrews

After hearing comments from people in her local community saying things like 'look at those ASBO's', Maisey decided she wanted to do something about perceptions about young people and break down barriers to show 'not all people are bad'. Maisey contacted her local council, told them her ideas and was introduced to 'Communities First' who gave support and advice on how to move forward with the project. Maisey founded 'Goodies in Hoodies' 27th January 2009 at the age of 16 and following great success with volunteers becoming role models, 'Junior Goodies in Hoodies'was formed a year later. Maisey organised a local community event aimed at breaking down these barriers and, inspired by former Eastenders actress Brooke Kinsella's campaigning, used music with positive lyrics to raise awareness, inviting people to join in, providing refreshments and bringing together young and old. The event was attended by local police and fire brigade and attracted much attention from the local media including BBC News, Sunday Mail, South Wales Echo even the then First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan. Other events followed eg 'Goodies in Hoodies Got Talent' and they also won a 'Dragons Den' competition in the local leisure centre resulting in £2,000 prize money which further helped fund their project, from founding the group in 2009 to date, the group have raised approximately £55,000

'Goodies in Hoodies - Volunteers', the group's most recent initiative, is funded by Street Games and supported by sports officers within the community. 10 volunteers from the group (known to all as N.E.E.T., not employed, educated or in training) run street games for young children to help encourage participation in activities. I can confirm that this is over and above Maisey's normal work related responsibilities. For example, just this week (w/c 8th August), Maisey was telephoned whilst in work requesting her attendance for an ITV Wales News television interview. She was asked to give her views on th