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Published:
July 31, 2008
Launch
of new Burnham-On-Sea youth café
edges a step closer
 Plans
for a new youth café
in Burnham-On-Sea have taken a step forward with the decision
to set it up in the town's youth centre.
The
Burnham Area Youth Centre, pictured, has been selected as the
preferred location for the café,
which could be up and running within weeks.
The
project is being backed by Burnham police and other local groups
as a positive 'youth diversionary activity' to prevent youngsters
becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.
"The
youth café will provide a safe environment to undertake
activities, and promote a sense of well-being through enjoyment
and achievement whilst encouraging respect and pride towards others,"
the project's Tracy
Styles told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week.
"With
the use of the kitchen area, we will encourage youths to participate
in a basic food hygiene course and then self-run the café,
creating basic food and meals for friends."
The
project has already received donations of more than £1,600
to help set it up, and more funding is being sought.
"We
are looking for funding from various charities to set up the youth
café and the purpose of the funding will be to maintain
and assist the existing club and youth worker to promote the café
and help continue providing diversionary activity to prevent anti-social
behaviour and under-age drinking," added
Tracy.
"Included
within the café structure will be the opportunity to learn
and make non-alcoholic drinks. Police will attend and give alcohol
awareness talks near to the school holidays in an effort to educate
youths regarding alcohol."
 "The
Duke of Edinburgh Award and a basic food hygiene course will also
be run at the café."
The
funding will enable the BAY Centre building to be updated, therefore
making it more appealing to local youngsters and encouraging attendance.
Tracy
added that the project has been given funding so far from several
groups. "We have applied for funding from various organisations
and have received £1,039.88 from Operation Groundforce,
the police and local authority's Crime and Disorder Reduction
Partnership. This money will be used to update the outside courts
and provide a multi-purpose area of netball, basketball and five-a-side
football."
"£300
has also been given by the Avon and Somerset Detained Property
Fund for the initial set up of a tuck shop and a further £100
has come from Burnham Lions Club for the painting and decorating
of two internal rooms."
She
added: "£150 has also been donated by Home Farm Holiday
Park for carpeting of the entertainment area. This has been matched
by Burnham's S&A Carpets, who will be providing the carpet
and curtains."
For
the initiative to succeed the cafe's organisers intend to set
up a Local Action Team, which will involve members of the community,
and while the Chair and Secretary posts have been filled, a Treasurer
is still being sought. Further details are available from Tracy
at tracey.stiles@avonandsomerset.police.uk.
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