Philip Lawrence Awards Network

Aldbourne Youth Council transformed their village’s old public toilets into a welcoming internet café for the community. These young people are bringing generations together, taking responsibility, and creating an inspiring model that they hope others will adopt.

Who we are

A project by the Aldbourne Youth Council, who won a Philip Lawrence Award soon after they started in 2006 when they set up a BMX track. The youth council has continued to attract new young people from the village, with two of those involved as young people in 2006 now adult trustees who lead and inspire others.

Where we're based

Aldbourne, near Marlborough

When we started

January 2008

How we started

The local Parish Council took over the management of the village public toilets, and wanted to use some of the space into a room for the community. The youth council came up with the idea of using the space as a community internet cafe and have been instrumental in setting up and running the space.

Our work

The internet cafe is a truly intergenerational space, free for everyone, and used by all sorts of people from the village. Older people have been learning computer skills from the young people, and young people come in after school to socialise or do their homework. It's a great resource for those without the internet at home, and has become a welcoming community meeting space.

Young people are involved in all aspects of the CAN and give time as volunteers to supervise and run it, from running the tuckshop to being on the board of trustees.

Future plans

The young people want the CAN to serve as a model for other communities. They have visited other villages and presented to Parish Councils about their project.

Project website

http://www.aldbourneyouthcouncil.co.uk

If you have not ventured into the CAN then I would urge you to do so. It's not just for the young. It is a place to socialise and partake of refreshments, learn new skills, or to simply use the computers.

Anne Mackley-Smith.