Newtown youngsters benefit from better facilities at revamped youth cafe

Young people in Newtown are benefiting from better facilities at the town’s popular Youth Café, which has moved to a new venue in The Cabin, at Newtown Integrated Family Centre.

A £20,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund has been used to redecorate the building and create a new area for serving food and drinks, which includes a professional coffee making machine.

The aim was to deliver a dedicated, welcoming space where young people can meet friends, access support and information, take part in activities and enjoy affordable refreshments.

The new venue was officially launched at a special event held at the end of September, attended by young people, youth workers and partner organisations.

The move marks the next stage in the development of the youth café, which began as a pilot project at Hafan yr Afon. It was created in response to feedback from young people who identified a lack of safe, inclusive spaces for teenagers in Newtown.

The project was originally developed with support from the Powys Junior Start Well Board, set up by Powys Regional Partnership Board, and was shaped through extensive consultation involving local young people.

Councillor Sandra Davies, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for Future Generations, said: "Newtown Youth Café has always been about listening to young people and creating something that meets their needs. We know how important it is for them to have safe, welcoming places where they can spend time with friends, build confidence and access support when they need it.

"The new refurbished venue at The Cabin will help ensure that young people in Newtown continue to have access to opportunities, support and activities that help them thrive."

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, added: "The Youth Café gives young people somewhere affordable to spend time with friends, take part in positive activities and access help and advice when they need it. Projects like this help reduce barriers, strengthen communities and create more opportunities for young people, which is a key part of our vision for a fairer Powys."

As part of the new arrangements, the café and youth club at The Cabin are being run Powys County Council’s Youth Service and by The Feathers Association, a charity that has been supporting children, young people and communities since 1934 through informal education, sporting, cultural and recreational activities.

Andrew Mederick, Director of Youth & Community Programmes, The Feathers Association said: “By supporting community provisions like Newtown (and Welshpool), that cater for a wide range of needs, we can all achieve our goals of seeing people flourish so that they feel enriched and encouraged to support others both locally and further afield - now and in the future.

“Our work in Powys is led by Gwen Evans, Centre Manager for Newtown and Welshpool centres.

“Gwen, like counterparts in other regions, is central to making that practical difference through her wealth of knowledge, skills, relationships and partnerships.”

John Rose, Director of The National Lottery Community Fund in Wales: “We know that safe spaces, strong relationships, trusted adults, and opportunities to belong help young people develop confidence, resilience and the skills they need to thrive.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we can help communities in every corner of Wales to strengthen these foundations in response to local need. The Newtown Youth Café is an example of this in action - with local young people at the heart of shaping this important community provision.”

The youth café is open every Wednesday, from 1pm until 8pm, for anyone in the Newtown area aged 11 to 17.

If the café proves as popular as expected, plans will be explored for a larger home elsewhere in Newtown, allowing it to support even more young people.

For any questions about the café and youth club email: [email protected] or phone: 07538 502374.