The Pitstop Youth Cafe

The Pitstop Youth Café

Run and Managed by the Drug Initiative Group Forfar

The Drop-In

The Pitstop Youth Café is open to young people aged 11 years plus. The centre offers young people a safe and friendly place where they can catch up with their friends and get involved in a range of activities. Young people are encouraged to have a say in what they would like to see happening at the centre.

We offer in the drop-in:

• Internet computer room
• Buy hot and cold snacks from the coffee bar
• Play pool, table football or table tennis
• Listen to music
• Play station
• Health Information corner
• Band practise sessions, as we have a P.A system, AMPS, mics and stands and we also have 8 tack recorders.

Opt into various:

• Trips
• Fund raising events
• Themed Events
• Projects

That are planned and organised by young people and staff

Have your say:

• In what happens
• What activities should take place
• And how the project should be developed

Or if you need someone to chat to, there are youth workers ready to listen!

Drop In times are:

• Tuesday 7-9pm -11-14 years
• Wednesday 7.30-10pm - 14 years plus
• Thursday 7.30-10pm - 14 years plus
• Sunday 6.30-8.30pm - 11-14 years

School Holiday Programmes

This programme takes place during the School holidays, once week in Easter, one in October and up to four in the summer. Young people are consulted in advance so a programme can be put together. A previous programme have consisted of outdoor activities, art and music workshops and during the summer holidays as outdoor or cultural residential weekend has taken place.

Youth Achievement Awards

The Pitstop Youth Café offers young people aged 14 years plus the opportunity to get recognition for their efforts through this award scheme. Young people can get involved in organising, planning and delivering activities for their peers. The awards are ASDAN certified and young people undertake a number of 15 hour challenges. There are four different levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Volunteering

Volunteering has always been high on the Pitstop Youth Café agenda. We have volunteering opportunities open to young people aged 15 years plus where they can volunteer as youth workers and/or committee members. Volunteers under go an induction training session, helping young volunteers to become familiar with the centre and youth work. Additional training can be provided. This is based on the needs of the volunteer and the centre. Previous training undertaken by young volunteers includes dealing with difficult behaviour, first aid, food handling course and committee skills.

M.V Awards

Young volunteers aged 16-25 are encouraged to sign up for the M.V Awards which operate from the Pitstop Youth Café. M.V Awards recognise young people's volunteering contributions and are endorsed by the Scottish executive. Volunteers simply keep time sheets and they have clocked up to 50,100, or 200 hours they can receive an award. Awards that recognise 50 hours are signed by Deputy Minister of Communities, 100 hours are signed by the Minister for Communities and 200 hours an award of excellence are signed by the First Minister of Scotland.

A young volunteer from Pitstop noted "it's another good achievement in life, well worth having on your C.V" Wendy.

Address: The Pitstop, 1A Academy Street, Forfar, DD8 2HA.

Telephone: (01307) 467657 Fax: (01307) 467657

Last modified: 09/04/2009 14:49:03