A CAFE for young people to relax, work and play games with friends has launched in Kidderminster.

Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Patricia Bradbury, MP Mark Garnier, district councillors, police cadets and partner agencies gathered at Youth House in Bromsgrove Street on Saturday (November 24) to mark the official opening of Kidderminster & District Youth Trust's (KDYT) new Youth Cafe.

Activities at the launch included a bouncy castle, giant dart board, DJ workshop, candy floss machine and live music from KDYT members.

Ben Bennett, operations manager at KDYT, said: "The Youth Cafe was developed in response to requests from young people to have somewhere they can relax with friends, play games, do their homework, listen to music and use the wi-fi.

"Youth workers will be present, but it is different from our other youth clubs which are more structured.

"Young people will help us to run the Youth Cafe through the KDYT Young Leaders programme, which has already seen a young person receive a Diana Award for their hard work."

Planned and designed by young people, the Youth Cafe is open Monday to Thursday from 2.30pm.

The cafe is the latest addition to KDYT's range of services which include clubs, outreach, one to one support, community projects, sports, music and independent living skills.

It was paid for through funding from the Big Lottery Fund, OneFamily Foundation, The Kildare Trust, The Clothwork Foundation, Vickie's Wish and Safer Wyre Forest.

Matt Poole, head of regional funding for the Midlands at the Big Lottery Fund, said: "It is fantastic to see young people taking the lead in developing great ideas to help their communities thrive, as they know and understand what young people would like to see in the local area.

"Thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to be able to support KDYT so they can provide a safe place for young people to socialise and learn new skills.”

Guy French, corporate and customers strategy director at OneFamily, added: "KDYT plays a vital part in the local community, offering young people a creative space and outlet to develop their passions and socialise with their peers.

“It’s great to know that our funding has contributed to the success of the new youth cafe – one that I’m sure will be valued by local teenagers for many years to come."

For more information about KDYT, or its Youth Cafe, visit kdyt.org.uk or call 01562 228113.