Phabulous café gives young people a helping hand
23rd May 2023
A café in Leigh-on-Sea is helping young people with additional needs, to improve their skills and confidence while at the same time, gain valuable work experience.
This hands-on opportunity has been supported by the Southend Community Fund which is administered by the independent grant making trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF). Since it was established in 2003, over £430,000 has been given out to charities and voluntary groups that are helping local people.
Sandra Howarth, from the charity The Phab Life which runs the Phabulous Café, said: “The young people prepare and serve everything, which can either be eaten in house or as a takeaway.
“Over the past year, we have seen 12 of our young people complete the programme and either go on to paid employment or other working opportunities. We have also built up a social network group to help the young people develop their self-worth and create lasting friendships.
“Securing grants like the one from the Southend Community Fund it vital for us to continue our work supporting young people with additional needs and create even more opportunities which will help them to improve their lives.”
Sandra added: “As well as the café experience, we host other events for our young people, including craft and games nights. We also recently returned from a group holiday to Potters, where 35 of us enjoyed a weekend of activities, food and fun.”
David Hurst, vice chair of the Southend Community Fund panel, said: “The café really is Phabulous! It is having a very positive impact on the lives of young people who need some extra support and we were pleased to support them as they grow their customer service and hospitality skills.”
David added, “Phab is just one of the local charities that has received support from the Southend Community Fund which only exists because of the generosity of local people, businesses and trusts. Working with ECF means the Fund is independent, invested for the long-term and local people will always be involved in decisions about where to give support year after year. This is a winning combination for our communities and the people of Southend-on-Sea who live in them.”
The Phab Life also runs the Phab Shop in Rayleigh High Street, which also gives young people with additional needs retail training.
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The Southend Community Fund offers the opportunity for your charitable giving to stay local and to benefit charities and voluntary groups working in Southend, Rayleigh and Rochford. Donate here: https://essexcommunityfoundation.enthuse.com/cf/3a62/SouthendCF or call us on 01245 355947.