Early in 2009, a need was identified for some from of youth provision for the young people of high school age within our cluster; a place for them to meet out of school hours and off school premises that was warm, safe and just for them – a place to chill out and be with friends.   A survery carried out by the Extended Schools Coordinator showed that 92% of the young people at Long Stratton High School would like such a place.  Their demands weren’t great – some where to meet with friends, listen to music, read, perhaps play computer games and somewhere to get a snack and a drink – a Youth Cafe.

A steering committee was formed made up of representatives from the high school, district and parish councillors,  the local police, a locality youth worker, the Extended Schools Coordinator and most importantly two student representatives.  All parties of this steering committee  supported  this project but it had come to the point where the group could go no further without the formation of a management committee.  This management committee needed to be made up of 7  to 10  adult volunteers from our local and wider community.  It also needed to be able, with the support of the steering committee and youth workers,  actively manage the day to day management of this project.

An open meeting was planned for January to discuss our vision with the community as a whole. Posters were designed by a pupil at LSHS,   two student reps were interviewed  on South Norfolk Youth Action Radio about the project, articles went in all the parish magazines, shops displayed posters  and all  schools, staff, governors and students  were l invited to come and  find out more about this project.  On the evening we had presentations from myself,  Sam Mason, locality youth worker and Lisa Irving a Development Worker from Rural Norfolk who spoke about potential funding streams. At the end of the meeting I am delighted to report that 11 adult volunteers from across the community came forward, willing to help in a variety of ways, to try and make this project a reality.

We are now in the process of arranging a meeting for our new volunteers and existing  steering group to discuss the way forward.

If you would like to be involved in this exciting project, it is not too late.  Whether you are a student or a willing adult volunteer, there are many ways in which you can help, taking in to account the busy lifestyles that we all lead.  If this is something you are interested in, please do contact me – Jackie James, Extended Schools Coordinator on 01508 530356.