Youth Cafe Celebrates Success On One Year Anniversary

A youth cafe that celebrating it’s one year anniversary has been described as a huge success.

Cafe Laare opened it's doors 12 months ago.

The Lord Street venue has a cafe downstairs and a lounge upstairs.

Hundreds of teenagers make use of the youth club every single week.

Leanne Newbold is a Youth and Community worker there and said such a place on the Island was long overdue.

As well as a meeting place it hosts twice-weekly drop-in session for those not in employment, education or training and seeking support with jobseeking, housing. (audio above)

Mr Teare, who has been Minister for Education and Children since April 2010, said: ‘I have been astounded by the very favourable reaction to the young people’s cafe.

‘I can take no credit for the original decision, but at the time it was a bold approach and could have been criticised. However, with the hard work of the Youth Service team and the enthusiastic participation of the young people it has now become an integral part of the youth scene in Douglas. In many respects it is a trailblazer and a pointer to the future.’