News / A youth cafe run by youths
SHETLAND Youth Information Services’ recently opened cafe at Lerwick’s Market Cross is already proving to be a success.
Alison Tulloch, development officer behind the cafe, said: “It was identified by the young folk that a youth cafe would be appropriate, because they could come in, have something to eat, gain advice, support and information while in a safe environment.”
The uptake on the cafe has, so far, been positive and plentiful, and is expected to be more so after the holiday season.
“It is the summer holidays, so there’s not as many young folk around, so we were hoping to attract lots more when the high school goes back,” she said.
Before opening the cafe, SYIS served as a drop-in centre for any young people wishing to seek advice, and will continue to do so, but with food on offer as well.
The cafe is open to any youths between the ages of twelve and 25, and serves up hot food, snacks and drinks at competitive prices seven days a week.
Ms Tulloch insisted that they were not just going into competition with the Islesburgh cafe – what is wanted is something for the better of Shetland youths.
“It would be really nice if SYIS and Youth Services could work together to provide the best environment for young folk in Shetland to discuss issues relevant to them,” she said.
In the long run SYIS wants a youth cafe run by youths by means of apprenticeships and weekend jobs – an idea all the staff are passionate about.
“Ultimately, that is the dream. The vision that was created was that it would be a young person – possibly doing their SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) Level 2 through the college – and they would be the main kitchen worker, while we would be supporting the person in the kitchen and the young folk in here,” Tulloch said.
Iwan MacBride
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