YMCA residents launch crowdfunding campaign ahead of pop-up café

Young residents living at YMCA Exeter have launched a crowdfunding campaign to support their pop-up café initiative this August in Princesshay.

The crowdfunding campaign, which includes incentives Exeter Cookery School, is aiming to raise £6,000 for a one week, pop-up community café on Paris Street.

The new enterprise programme from YMCA Exeter, CONNECT, takes young residents on a six-week course where they can unlock their entrepreneurial potential and build experience for their CVs. They will learn about financial planning, marketing, team building, customer experience and vital workplace disciplines.

On Monday 20th August, the YMCA Exeter residents will put their learning into action when the café opens for one week in the former Elk Salon in Princesshay.

Gareth Sorsby, Joint Chief Executive at YMCA Exeter says: “This project is really an expression of our young peoples’ desire to learn, share, give back and build community in an ever-increasing time of loneliness.
Not only does their passion demonstrate their creativity and ability, it also speaks of a generation willing to change the world, even when mainstream society has given up on them.”

Kay Caldwell, YMCA Exeter resident says: “Being involved in the café planning is building my confidence. It’s giving me something to look forward and feel pride in.”

Jess Broom, YMCA Exeter resident says: “The project is giving me work experience. I want to begin a career in health & social care and getting stuck into the café is giving me experience in working with people. I can’t wait to see the finished café open in August.”

The residents are hoping to raise £6,000 through the campaign which will be spent on things like furniture, serveries, biodegradable cups and food hygiene certificates.

To make a donation to the initiative visit https://www.chuffed.org/project/exeter-pop-up-community-cafe.

To find out more about YMCA Exeter’s Skills & Enterprise Programme visit https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/i-need-support/find-a-job/.