- Pilot aims to create a safe and welcoming space for young people
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is launching a Youth Cafe pilot at Smokey Joes on Bennington Street in Cheltenham town centre every Thursday afternoon for seven weeks, giving young people a safe and fun place to spend time and connect with others.
The project is in response to last year’s NCLB Year of Youth Action including outreach youth work by The Rock Cheltenham, along with a consultation carried out by Springbank Community Group CiC at the Cambray Carnival in September 2025. Young voices highlighted the lack of an affordable and dedicated space in the town centre for young people to safely gather.
To address this, the Youth Cafe pilot will run sessions every Thursday between 3:30 – 6:30pm from 12 February to 2 April 2026 at Smokey Joes, delivered in partnership with The Music Works through their existing project. The pilot will offer fun activities and support to young people in a relaxed and informal setting.
The project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) Problem Solving fund, secured by Cheltenham’s Community Safety Partnership and NCLB.
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “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. 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. I hope the news spreads so lots of young people will benefit.
“The kind owners at Smokey Joes will also have their retro games on free play to enjoy and every person will also receive a voucher to buy their first drink and food item. This pilot shows you what is possible when like-minded local partners come together to try to make a real difference for our young people.”
Nick Evans, deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “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.
“The Minster and Cheltenham’s Lower High Street have been identified as a hotspot location for anti-social behaviour due to drug dealing, drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as concerns for young people.
“We’re taking a direct, preventative approach by putting support in the right place at the right times for vulnerable people. The OPCC is pleased to support innovate preventative projects which goes towards solving problems.
“We’ve invested almost £10,000 into the youth of Cheltenham through this cafe pilot.”
The Music Works have run four weeks of outreach on the High Street to engage with young people and raise awareness of the new space. Their sessions will move into the cafe for seven weeks, with youth workers from The Rock Cheltenham and Springbank Community Group CiC managing the weekly sessions.
Cheltenham Police’s neighbourhood team will also support the Youth Cafe, helping ensure safety around the venue during sessions and as a positive engagement activity.
Monitoring and evaluation will run throughout the pilot to help shape future youth provision in the town centre.
