Youth Project
What is on offer!
The Old Boat Youth Project has been developed and deigned by the young people in the area.
On a Monday there is 3D Pen Art hosted the fantactic Exploring Senses. David and his team are great at using Ipads and 3D pens to get the creative juices flowing while teaching the young people how to use design software and their imagination! The group is partially funded so we ask for £3 a session but if you are unable to pay then please do let us know as we do have some fully funded sessions. This is a drop in session and there is no need to book and no need to pay in advance. The sessions are for kids from 8 years and up.
The Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation come to us and hold three amazing sessions on a Wednesday. The first for 12-18 year olds at 3.30 to 4.30pm then 8-11 year olds from 4.30 to 5.30 and then girls only from 5.30-6.30pm. These are free and no need to book- just drop in and take part. The coaches that run these session are not just into their football but also take an active role in working with the young people to develope social skills and be part of the community.
Drop in Youth Club
One of the biggest things that came from the young people was a place to hang out in that was not at home. The drop in youth club is open on a Wednesday from 4.30-6.30pm. Trained Youth Workers will be on hand to facillitate activities or just have a chat. Thanks to Gayle at the Ladies Mile there is also a giant TV with the latest gaming systems to have a go on! This is a free service as well. This is a space for 13 years and older to spend time somewhere for free that isn’t home!
The Menu
Our cafe is open from 9am to 5pm every day of the week, and serves a full menu in that time. You can eat in the cafe area, outside on the patio or take away if you’re in a rush. We also sell ice creams for those hot days! Our menu is not set in stone and does change depending on stock levels or specials. We aim to make all items on the menu affordable and easy so that you can grab a quick bite or relax for a long lunch. There are vegan, vegetarian and meat options and we are open to feedback and ideas to make what we serve suitable to our users.
Our cafe is unlike most others – here, you can spend a day using it as your base while exploring treasures in the charity shop, picking up food in the pantry, reading a book from the library or just chilling out watching the world go by. The seating outside offers a place to relax while keeping an eye on your kids in the park, enjoying the sunshine or catching up with friends. There is no limit to how much time you spend with us – we want you to feel like you can treat this space as your own.
It is in a true sense a community café. Most days you’ll meet someone to chat with, help out or lend a hand with a project. This is somewhere you’ll be welcome and can feel at home.
Basketball
This is a partnership project between The Old Boat, Brighton Sparks and The healthy Lifestyles Team at Brighton and Hove City Council. Every Thursday in term time from 3:40-4:40pm (mixed gender sessions) and 4:45-5:45 (girls sessions) come and take part in a free basketball session with Coach Ann. The spaces are limited so email us to make sure you have a space. Alternatively you are welcome to drop in and take a space if one is available. For ages 8 years and up and completely free!
Optional Extras!!
The Cafe is not just a cafe! We have an Air Hockey Table and Table Football to keep you entertained, as well as lots of books and other bits and pieces. There is often a box of free toys to be taken away and a good music list playing in the background.
On colder days there are blankets to wrap yourself up in too.
The thing I love about the cafe is that there is nothing set in stone and there is always something changing or something new to explore, We love trying new things and feel that exploring new ideas is fun. We welcome ideas, so do let us know if there is something that would make your visit more fun!
