Alt.Cardiff Magazine: The Childhood Issue

ALT.CARDIFF January 2024, Issue One

If it’s offbeat and in Cardiff, then it’s in here

Is Cardiff really a child-friendly city?

Local News

Spotlight Interview

In-depth Investigation

2 | Local News

Join Llais Yn Erbyn Trais on their mission against domestic abuse

Meet the non-profit events company working to combat violence in Cardiff Written by Maddie Balcombe

A

s domestic abuse rates remain at an all time high, four Cardiff-based women are on a mission to fight back through their not-for-profit events company, Llais Yn Erbyn Trais.

New data has revealed staggeringly high rates of domestic abuse. According to The Office for National Statistics, police recorded over 885,000 incidents of domestic abuse in England and Wales in 2023; a 14% increase since 2020.

In an attempt to combat this bleak reality, four Cardiff-based women, Ceridwen, Corinne, Manon and Marianne, founded Llais Yn Erbyn Trais. After all experiencing domestic abuse, they launched this passion project alongside their jobs.

They said: “We are a voice for those who feel they can’t express theirs. By coming together we can stand up to domestic abuse.”

The founders recognise that Cardiff ’s nightlife can be “a scary place”, but this will be a night where people can feel safe. “We have the right knowledge to support survivors,” said the founders, “And many women feel completely safe at our events.”

Cardiff ’s community have united to bring this event to life. Tiny Rebel have provided a venue, and musicians – such as Mali Hâf and Loafus – are performing voluntarily. The local artists in attendance will also donate a percentage of their sales to Refuge.

As a completely not-for-profit company, Llais Yn Erbyn Trais hope that they can “raise vital funds” for charities while spreading awareness of issues surrounding abuse in Cardiff.

Founders of Llais Yn Erbyn Trais stand proudly with their company’s promotional poster

Homelessness and neurodivergency End Youth Homelessness Cymru, a partnership of Welsh charities, have published research regarding the challenges that neurodiverse homeless people face.

The research explored the pathways into homelessness for this community, such as family breakdown. It also revealed that many homeless neurodiverse people find existing support systems inaccessible, leading them to

feel even more isolated and marginalised in society.

The key findings were presented during an event hosted in Dyddiau Du, a neuro-queer library and cafe in Cardiff. Beth Gallivan, the charity’s research officer, said that this event “started a conversation on the challenges that neurodiverse people face.” Gallivan also hoped the event would reduce the stigma surrounding this issue.

Welsh start-up success Over 17,000 new Welsh businesses launched in 2023; a 13.7% increase since 2022. Despite this, business confidence levels in Wales are beginning to decrease, according to new research from trading association R3.

budding entrepreneurs on their start-up journey by offering a free cyber entrepreneurship and tech start-up programme.

Lauren Thomas, Alacrity’s office manager, said that the course supports start-ups in their crucial early stages as cohorts learn the essential disciplines To combat this, there are many necessary for success. initiatives available to support the start-ups of South Wales. Alongside this, Tramshed For example, Newport-based Tech in Cardiff offers a similiar charity Alacrity UK helps initiative for start-ups.

Cover image: Abby Chung and Martin Dalsgaard via Pexels News image: Llais Yn Erbyn Trais

On 16 November 2023, Llais Yn Erbyn Trais (meaning Voice Against Violence) will host their second event at Tiny Rebel. For just £7 a ticket, there will be an array of performances from Welsh musicians, with local art also available to purchase. Proceeds will go towards Refuge, the largest domestic abuse charity in the UK.

3 | Spotlight Interview

MALCOLM MURPHY The local artist who swapped spray cans for paint brushes and found joy in showcasing the streets of Cardiff

F

ine artist Malcolm Murphy is beaming with pride as he walks around Cathays Gallery. His artwork hangs on the walls surrounding him, each one turning mundane moments into something magical, encompassing the spirit of Cardiff and Murphy’s tumultuous journey into the fine art world.

The 52-year-old has launched his latest exhibition, One Man Town, here. Running until 23 December, it’s an ode to his relationship with his hometown, Cardiff. Murphy always wanted to be an artist. He said: “I recall telling my mum, ‘I’m going to be an artist when I’m older!’

I knew that’s where life would take me.”

His love for art began at 14-years-old, after watching a television programme about New York city’s graffiti.

“I was just taken with it, absolutely taken with it,” he said. So, he saved up his money, bought some cans and had a go. He said: “I was breakdancing at the time and graffiti was in the background. It was amazing. I joined forces with a few friends, we called ourselves The Clash of Styles. We’d sneak out and do some graffiti art.” But, the late night thrills soon came to an end when he was caught by police and sent on a day release scheme in Cogan as punishment.

Murphy said he learnt the craft of sign work while in Cogan. The punishment led to an apprenticeship, which led to a full time job painting signs and murals.

Although Murphy still does sign work today, he found real interest in the fine art side of the craft.

Inspired, he bought some oil paints and “fell in love with the process. Murphy’s current exhibition is made up of fine art oil paintings of Cardiff ’s streets.

Each painting is accompanied by his memories, telling his life story through his work. Whether he’s painting in his Splott based studio or on the streets, Cardiff is Murphy’s hometown and muse. “When I’m on my walks there’s just so much to see,” he said.

“The inspiration is always there for me in Cardiff.”

Despite the increasing cost of living and threats to the arts industry, Murphy’s exhibition is free to visit.

This reflects his ethos that painting is a privilege. He views any money made from his craft as “the cherry on top.”

“The inspiration is always there for me in Cardiff ” Equipped with a passion to paint, Murphy can spend up to nine hours a day perfecting his craft.

However he confessed that he’s almost given up at times. I recall an occasion where I decided to just forget all about it. So, I was putting my paintings in the attic and I fell through the ceiling,” he laughed.

“I thought I’d never paint again, but I kept going.”

Now he’s back on track, Malcolm hopes to continue painting Cardiff for as long as he can.

Oil on canvas painting of Splott

By Malcolm Murphy

DOES CARDIFF DESERVE IS CARDIFF REALLY A ITS CHILD-FRIENDLY CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY? CITY STATUS?

Image: Mikhail Nilov on Pexels Back page images: Adam Johannes

Unicef recently crowned the Welsh capital the UK’s first child-friendly city.

But with child poverty rates on the up, some argue this label is unwarranted

Story by Maddie Balcombe

C

hildhood is a time that people often remember fondly. From school trips and new adventures, to learning and playing freely, this period is crucial in developing who we are. However over 4 million children in the UK are living in poverty, unable to access the privileges that make for a safe and memorable childhood.

Children’s charity Action for Children says poverty is a lack of money that leaves families struggling

5 | In-depth investigation

to afford essentials and enjoy a decent standard of living. In Wales, this is the reality for 28% of children, with Cardiff ’s figures among some of the highest in the country. Despite this, the Welsh capital has just been named the UK’s first child-friendly city by Unicef.

But how can Cardiff be a child-friendly city when so many of its children are still living in poverty?

The impact of poverty on children

A child-friendly city?

In Cardiff, over 21,000 children are living in poverty. Adam Johannes, founder of campaign group Cardiff People’s Assembly, calls these statistics damning. He said: “The high rates of child poverty that grip our community suffocate the hopes of future generations. How can we claim to be a child-friendly city when our children are forced to endure these hardships?”

Unicef ’s child-friendly city status recognises Cardiff ’s progress in advancing the human rights of children. In comparison to other cities in the UK, Cardiff has paved the way in ensuring that children are at the forefront of policies. It has achieved this through a number of initiatives, such as the introduction of the Youth Council and Youth Health Board, giving children an opportunity to influence decision-making in the city. Cardiff has also taken steps to give children a sense of belonging through festivals, story trails and youth-led media.

These hardships can manifest themselves in different ways. For example, children’s rights charity Save the Children recounts how the struggles of poverty impacted Catherine, a single mother of two from Cardiff. When Catherine’s fridge freezer broke, it left “a huge impact” on her family. She would usually control her budget by shopping for food fortnightly on a prepaid store card, but when left without suitable storage methods she had to buy produce “every couple of days.” Not only did her living costs skyrocket during this time, but she was also unable to store important medicine for her daughters. This reflects the harsh reality of what a third of children in Cardiff are facing today.

These factors were named in Unicef ’s report as reasons for recognising Cardiff as a child friendly city.

However, the report also notes room for improvement, stating that some of these initiatives aren’t accessible for all of Cardiff ’s children, such as those in poverty.

Alastair Love, media officer at Action for Children, said: “Poverty often holds a child back from unlocking their full potential.” This is clearly the case in Cardiff, as some children are missing out on opportunities designed for them.

With this disparity in mind, Johannes questioned how the city has been able to achieve this status. He said: “The impact of child poverty is far reaching and long lasting. In a city that boasts progress and prosperity, it is a travesty that we find ourselves in this situation.

How can we claim to be a child-friendly city?”

6 | In-depth investigation

A step in the right direction Tackling child poverty is one of the council’s main aims, said Jeremy Rhys, head of communications at Cardiff Council.

This is set out in the council’s plan to deliver a “stronger, fairer, greener” Cardiff by 2026. There are many pledges made in this plan, with the council promising to invest in schools, deliver 4,000 new homes, and reassert Cardiff ’s position as a leading cultural destination.

Perhaps most importantly though, this plan aims to support people out of poverty. The council will create a financial advice programme to help people navigate the cost of living crisis, and they are working with third sector organisations such as Cardiff Food Bank to help those worse off. They are also hoping to reduce homelessness in the city by making prevention support more accessible and providing a dedicated caseworker to all.

“Poverty often holds a child back f rom unlocking their full potential”

It was also recently announced that all Welsh primary school children will have access to free school meals by 2024, potentially saving families over £500 per year. “Free school meals are a powerful weapon,” said Johannes, “they lift up the health of Welsh people while increasing thousands of people’s disposable income.”

Initiatives such as these are a step in the right direction to ensure that Cardiff is a safe place for all children. But, this is not the first time that the council has made these promises.

In 2015, Cardiff Council pledged to eradicate child poverty by 2020. It promised to reduce the number of children living in workless households and reduce the inequalities that some families face. However, the council failed to achieve this goal.

Three years later, the people of Cardiff are in a worse situation.

The failure to meet this target and Cardiff ’s prevalent child poverty issue is at odds with the city’s new child-friendly status. For many, this contrast is proof that 27.7% of Cardiff ’s children are being overlooked. Some children in Cardiff have the privilege of living a happy and fulfilling childhood, while others are left with empty promises and neglected by those meant to protect them.

Adam Johannes, founder of Cardiff People’s Assembly, regularly protests against poverty.

Feeling the effects of poverty Family life: Parents might work several jobs to make ends meet. The pressure of financial problems can cause frustration and lead to family arguments.

Food: Children might miss out on some food groups because they’re more expensive. Some families will have to rely on food banks.

Education: Due to costs, children might miss school trips. They may not be able to afford the correct uniform, which can sometimes result in punishments.

Mental health: Children often pick up on their parents worries and develop their own anxieties as a result.