Flint is officially Buzz-ing! The town’s community café- the Buzz Project – has opened yesterday (Tuesday March 27) at the town’s Catholic Church.
The Buzz project was developed to offer students with additional needs from Ysgol Maes Hyfryd the opportunity to work in the community and learn key skills which they could use when they leave school.
It began last November, and is being supported by volunteers from the community as well as Communities First and Flintshire County Council’s Youth Service.
The Buzz Project has also recently appointed a committee which includes students from Ysgol Maes Hyfryd as well as volunteers, the Youth Service and Communities First. The café is already doing well and has built up a loyal customer base.
Helen Hughes, Chair of the Communities First Partnership Board, said:
“I am delighted that the Buzz Project is going from strength to strength. As well as helping the students from Ysgol Maes Hyfryd to gain valuable skills for work, the local volunteers have all gained their level 2 Award in Food Safety and Catering.
“The café is meeting a real need in the community. Older residents, young people and families alike enjoy the tasty lunches and snacks. The friendly atmosphere makes the café a great place to relax and socialise.”
Some of the students have also completed an OCN ‘Volunteering in the Community’ programme, which was delivered by Mick Holt (from the Council’s Youth Service) and Jill Blandford (from the FLVC). The hours completed at the café will also count toward their volunteering hours, which is certificated through Millennium Volunteers and FLVC Award.
Gareth Edwards, Assistant Head at Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, said:
“The café has been a huge success and the support of the community of Flint has been very much appreciated. The café has provided our students with a work placement which helps to develop their literacy, numeracy and interpersonal skills.
“The ethos of the 6th Form is to develop their independence skills and the café offers our students the opportunity to access the community to develop their potential for independence in the future.
“We would like to thank all the agencies for their tremendous support.”
Why not visit the café at the Catholic Church, Coleshill Street in Flint? It’s open Tuesdays 10.30am to 1.30pm. Everyone will be given a great welcome.
