A new Youth Café pilot aimed at giving young people a safe, welcoming place to meet and socialise is set to launch in Cheltenham town centre this week.
The initiative, led by No Child Left Behind (NCLB), will run every Thursday afternoon for seven weeks at Smokey Joes, offering free activities, food and support in a relaxed environment.
Sessions will take place from 3.30pm to 6.30pm between 12 February and 2 April 2026, delivered in partnership with The Music Works, alongside youth workers from The Rock Cheltenham and Springbank Community Group CiC.
The project follows last year’s NCLB Year of Youth Action and consultation work, including outreach sessions and feedback gathered at the Cambray Carnival in September 2025. Young people highlighted the lack of an affordable and dedicated town centre space where they could safely spend time together.
Funding for the pilot has been secured through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Problem Solving Fund, via Cheltenham’s Community Safety Partnership and NCLB.
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said the project had been shaped directly by young people’s views.
“I am extremely excited about this youth space project, slap bang in Cheltenham’s town centre, offering the right vibe and access to free activities, food and drink,” she said. “We listened to the voices of young people and thanks to funding and partnership collaboration we have been able to turn this suggestion into a real opportunity.”
She added that Smokey Joes will make its retro games available on free play, with each young person also receiving a voucher for their first drink and food item.
Nick Evans, deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said the café would provide early support in an area identified as a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.
“This space will offer a supportive environment to young people, with access to qualified youth workers and positive activities, right in the centre of Cheltenham,” he said. “We’re taking a direct, preventative approach by putting support in the right place at the right times.”
Around £10,000 has been invested in the pilot through the OPCC fund.
The Music Works has already spent four weeks carrying out outreach on the High Street to engage young people and promote the new space. Cheltenham Police’s neighbourhood team will also support the sessions as part of positive engagement work in the area.
The pilot will be monitored and evaluated throughout, with findings helping to shape future youth provision in Cheltenham town centre.