West Brom Building Society Foundation and YMCA open safe space youth cafe for young people

A new ‘safe space’ social café offering young people a friendly and supportive space to connect after school, has officially opened at the YMCA in West Bromwich, following an event on Monday 9 June attended by Sandwell’s Mayor, Councillor Steve Melia.

The youth café is one of the first projects to be funded by the West Brom Building Society Foundation, in partnership with YMCA Black Country Group, and will be held on term time weekdays from Monday to Friday between 3.30pm and 6pm at the YMCA’s Coffee at the Clock.

The project is designed to give children over the age of eleven, a place to spend time, chat to others and access the support of a dedicated youth worker, should they need it.

The launch event was attended by students from George Salter Academy and was an opportunity for them to enjoy arts, crafts and musical entertainment, as well as meet some of the YMCA staff. Trustees of the West Brom Building Society Foundation, alongside Sandwell Mayor, Councillor Steve Melia and Jo Goldie, Chief Operating Officer for YMCA Black Country Group, helped officially open the youth café.

Jonathan Westhoff, a Trustee of the West Brom Building Society Foundation said: “We’re proud to be working alongside the YMCA, making this youth café a reality, and it’s great to see it already starting to fulfil its purpose. Having a dedicated safe space youth café will support youth wellbeing, which is very important us. It’s in the heart of the community and has the potential to improve the lives of our young people, giving them somewhere else to go outside of the home and school.

Steve Bavington, Chief Executive of the YMCA Black Country Group added: “We’re thrilled to be working with the West Brom Building Society Foundation to bring the youth café to life. For many young people, having somewhere to go where they feel seen, heard and supported can make a huge difference, and that’s exactly what this café is all about.”

Commenting on the event, Sandwell’s Mayor, Councillor Steve Melia said: “It was a pleasure to attend the launch of the new youth café, funded by the West Brom Building Society Foundation in partnership with the YMCA. This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when local organisations work together to support young people. This café will provide a safe, welcoming space for young people, where they can meet, socialise and gain new skills. I’m proud to see such positive collaboration happening right here in our community.”