AN ENTERPRISING group of enthusiastic teenagers have proved they really are a community’s cup of tea.
The youth forum which meets at the Saddleworth children and young people’s centre in Greenfield have launched their own mini business – providing refreshments for an appreciative Saturday morning audience.
The Can-TEEN, backed by Sue Palfrey, the community officer for Saddleworth and Lees, is a regular rendezvous for dog walkers, sports teams and passersby who drop in for a welcome drink or choice of filled muffins.
The forum only began a year ago but the youngsters are already hitting self-created targets to raise money for the centre, encourage locals to visit and increase the group’s opportunities and qualifications.
One of the enthusiastic team said: “We realised we needed to replace things at the centre. Sue explained there was not much money to spend so we decided to run a cafe and named it Can-TEEN – because we are teenagers who can.
“We’ve had great support, particularly from the dog walkers, and things are going really well. We love having the dogs around – and we give them treats.”
The forum have been able to buy new games, console controllers, nail art, put £100 towards a themed party and have enough to pay for a residential course too.
Sue said: “The centre is being well used by families now, we have different activities on such as face painting, crafts and cake decorating.
“The Saddleworth Rugby juniors come in most weeks, they seem to come and go for a full two hours so the catering team are always kept busy.”
One of the can-TEEN squad added: “Parents and coaches come in and although they tryto confuse us there is nothing they throw at us we can’t tackle …
“We have all achieved an AQA in food hygiene. But mostly we have learnt to keep calm – and keep cooking.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.