YOUNG people from Kenyon’s Café have established a fundraising group to raise vital funds to secure the youth cafés uncertain future.

This appeal follows the news that Onchan District Commissioners have resolved to dispose of the youth café, which has been operational for 12 years, as part of a complete review of their commercial properties.

Martin Macfarlane, Chairman of the charity said ‘I’m proud that our young people want to get involved with fundraising to keep facilities like this available to them. The fundraising group have a long list of ideas and hope to do some events before Christmas such as bag packing, cake bakes and a sponsored stay awake. I hope the community will get behind them and support their efforts.’

Last month Peter Karran MHK hosted a cheese and wine evening that had an overwhelming turnout of supporters that raised over £1,500.

Martin commented ‘This is an amazing start to our fundraising appeal and I would like to thank everyone who attended the event plus those who were unable to make it but wished to donate anyway and a big thank you to the following companies Heron & Brearley, Shoprite, Isle of Man Creameries and Niarbyl Catering who helped make this event possible.’

Kenyon’s Café is located on Main Road in Onchan as a drop-in centre for young people where they can receive support and guidance from youth workers and aims to be accessible to all young people and acts as a positive distraction to antisocial behaviour.

Martin said ‘Young people who attend our sessions are very passionate about the café environment and it’s a proven concept. Last year alone we had 1,319 recorded attendances with over half that number visiting on a Friday night.’

‘We’re working in partnership with the young people of Onchan and the Commissioners in an attempt to safeguard future provisions within the village. Our young people met with the Commissioners in July who listened to their views and have promised to give them an update this month.’

The charity is now looking for individuals, companies and charitable trusts that may be able to offer some form of financial assistance to safeguard future provisions. Any interested parties are encouraged to contact Martin Macfarlane to discuss opportunities in greater detail, by email chairman@kenyons.im or post to Kenyon’s Café, 46 Main Road, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 1AL.

For more information about the charity visit www.kenyons.im