Retro cafe offers Stratford's young people food for thought - The Stratford Observer

Retro cafe offers Stratford's young people food for thought

Stratford Editorial 11th Aug, 2021   0

A RETRO cafe aims to provide a space for young people in Stratford to socialise and share views.

Wellbeing charities Escape Arts and Lifespace Trust are inviting young people to join them this summer to kick-start the town’s youth service.

The Retro Cafe launches tomorrow (Thursday) from Escape Art’s multi-use bus.

It will give youths, aged eight to 18, the chance to socialise over drinks and snacks, board games and music. There will also be phone charging points and access to WiFi.




Ultimately, the project – funded by a grant from Warwickshire Council Council’s Youth Fund – aims to give them the chance to say what they would like from local youth services.

Escape Arts CEO Karen Williams said: “It’s really exciting to be talking to young people about what they need knowing that the funding is in place to set it up and deliver it for 18 months.


“WCC’s Targeted Youth Support Team provides incredible support for specific groups of young people. We’re delighted to be working with them to develop services that any local young person can join.

“After such a long gap, we know that most local young people don’t know what a youth club is so it’s vital that they help us to shape one that will work for them now, after an extraordinary year.

“We’re delighted to be working with partners Lifespace Trust who will be helping to support the wellbeing and mental health of the young people who join us.”

The team will be at the Stratford Recreation Ground every Thursday from from 4pm to 8pm.

A ‘Party in the Park’ is planned for September 2.

Follow #escapeyouth on Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram for updates on the bus’ whereabouts.

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