The Chippenham Community Area Young People Needs Assessment showed that a safe, central place to meet and get support was top of the young people’s list.

In partnership with the Rise Trust, the Local Youth Network and Area Board set up a free, open access drop in café for young people at the Riverbank suite, in the Olympiad Leisure Centre, Monkton Park. All partners maintained it needed to be accessible, which meant the right place, at the right time, and at little or no cost. The community view was that there needed to be something all young people could use and access, regardless of their economic circumstances; and ensure all young people can access support if needed. This was supported by 77% of participants in the 2017 Chippenham Area Community Matters event thought Child Poverty needed a community response. To date the café has hosted over 1500 attendances by young people from all quarters of the town.

What makes this project special:

It’s in the right location
It’s free at the point of entry
It’s safe
Young people are welcomed
It offers affordable food and drink
Young people get support and advice if they need it
Young people value it

Here’s some quotes from the young people –

“I think it should be open 7 days a week” ” Great atmosphere” “It’s been very enjoyable and fun” “I’ve have made many new friends”

Find out more:

Contact The Rise Trust http://www.therisetrust.org/services/youth-activities/

Or speak to Richard Williams Locality Youth Facilitator Chippenham, Corsham, and Malmesbury Community Areas Mob: 07765101338

How you can replicate this project where you live:

Talk to young people
Find a suitable venue
Approach local funders
Set up a Management group
Set up a club bank account
Recruit volunteers or staff
Plan the café and its offer, and think about how you will run it
Sort safeguarding procedures – contact ‘Runaclub’ http://runaclub.com/ for an online management system
Market the café
Try piloting it first