Though open to all young people the Cafe will be targeting those who feel isolated or vulnerable. This includes looked after children, those in foster care and those who are home schooled. Initially we will be operating out of a Function Room in Crosby Village until suitable premises and further funding is secure. This reduces overheads and start up costs. It is this first stage that we are looking for funding to cover the first 3 months, opening twice a week including Friday evening The Mix Youth Café will bring young people together: • by reducing isolation of young people who do not attend school/ college • by providing and developing their social network and friendships • in a safe place where they can be creative • providing volunteering opportunities to develop their self esteem • a youth committee representative of those who attend • ground rules, written with young people, that keeps them safe • develop community cohesion

What we'll deliver:

• Opportunity for young people to develop friendships
• Reduce isolation of young people
• Develop community cohesion
• Improved health and wellbeing
• Develop youth voice
• Volunteering opportunities to develop their self esteem
• Providing a safe space for young people
• Reducing anti-social behaviour
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze and Silver support
• Somewhere for Young People to go

Why it's a great idea:

The Youth Café will support Sefton Year of Friendship by reducing the isolation of young people & allowing new friendships to develop in a safe environment Our research told us that young people who are in foster care like somewhere to go to make new friendships and to talk to a youth worker when they need to. Other young people in Crosby told us that they want somewhere to ‘chill out with friends’, but also get ‘advice if they need it’. In Crosby young people enjoy ‘hanging out’ in the coffee shops and the village but they have no ownership of the space “The Mix” Crosby Youth Café will provide young people with a safe, inclusive environment to chill-out after school/college providing great opportunities to increase confidence and develop inter-personal skills. Two qualified, experienced DBS-cleared youth workers will be managing the sessions. Both youth workers are also directors of the Mix, each has 30 years experience in youth work and live in Crosby.

Steps to get it done:

• Produce marketing materials within 1 week of receiving funds
• Launch marketing campaign within 2 weeks of receiving funds
• Hold first youth session within 3 weeks of receiving funds
• Set up Youth Committee
• Support 50 different young people
• Produce youth magazine

There are various groups of young people who can become isolated and don’t have the opportunities to mix and develop friendships. This includes looked after children, those in foster care, home educated, LGBTQ+, young people with disabilities. Both workers have experience of working with these groups, bringing them together and developing strong relationships and resilience. Youth support services by two qualified youth workers offering: personal support and development informal education on a wide range of topics drugs and alcohol education weekly sexual health drop-in with school nurse new opportunities Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme support after school quiet study space raised community and environmental awareness volunteering opportunities youth parliament nominations sign-posting to other relevant agencies A range of healthy food and drink options youth magazine production open mic nights for musicians and songwriters free internet/Wi-Fi