Update!

It's been a while since I have written!

I am currently in the middle of forming the Sidmouth Youth Charity group who will be responsible for the setting up of the cafe etc - it will also allow us to receive charitable donations to set up the business!

I am also in the process of setting up accounts on twitter, bebo, myspace and facebook for the cafe!

There hasn't been a lot said about the cafe, what it's purpose it, and what I hope to achieve - so below is an outline of everything for you to read:

Giovani (means Young People in Italian) would be a café bar situated in Sidmouth for youths aged 13 to 21. It would be a place for them to hang out on a rainy day, after school and just a general place for them to go – something that youths can’t do in Sidmouth at the moment due to the lack of facilities. It would be a fun, laid back place that youths love going to. We will also provide a lot of information on our website which we hope youths from across the country can access and set up their own youth café.

Personal Objectives:
The reason I want to become involved in such a project is because I want to give something back to my community. I want to show the elderly people of Sidmouth that the large majority of youths aren’t yobs or vandals. I want to show them, that if we want to achieve something, we can. I also want to get involved because there really isn’t anything for youths to do in Sidmouth. We can’t go to the beach on rainy days, the bus fares (to and from Exeter) and cinema tickets are too extortionate – having turned sixteen we have to pay adult prices yet aren’t receiving adult pay. Sidmouth needs this facility, and I want to be the one who makes it happen.

Features:
The premises would have comfy sofas and a laid back feel to it. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milkshakes and other soft drinks would be served at the cheapest prices possible and food could be supplied by the Tasty Baguette in Sidmouth. Inside there would be features such as free internet access, and Wi Fi connection (also for free), iPod docking stations situated in the walls (or attached to the coffee tables), a pool/ football table, a big television situated on the wall (this would be used for movie nights), many small plasma televisions (surrounded by two/ three sofas) each equipped with Sky+ Multiroom, and one having access to a Play Station 3. These small televisions could be attached to a computer so that PowerPoint presentations can be displayed – these would inform the watcher of upcoming events etc. A corner of the café would boast a library (with Youth orientated books) with books being able to be checked out at the counter – comfy bean bags would dominate this area allowing enjoyable reading. A small stage would allow young bands to play on Saturday Nights, this stage also being used for Karaoke competitions, quiz nights and general announcements.

Layout:
The interior would be brown leather sofas and armchairs with coffee tables all set out in small alcoves (the style of Jack Wills® would be well received because it is what many youth like). The walls (and logo) would be olive green to resemble our Italian name, and the floor would be varnished wood with grass carpet rugs situated with the sofas. Posters would hang on the wall commemorating good things that have happened to youths in Sidmouth and surrounding areas.

Hope everyone is campaigning well!

First Post :D

Heya Guys!

Just got home after a long journey! What a brilliant day, I would just like to personally thank Heather and everyone at CHANGEit for preparing us a brilliant day! I feel like i've learnt a lot from the day and can't wait for the Dragon's Den Session.

I think all of the campaigns are brilliant, and each and everyone deserves to win.

If I can do anything to help anyone, just shout!

Thanks

CHANGEit Finalist!

I'm a finalist in the 2009 CHANGEit Innovation awards! Got the Sidmouth Herald behind me already. Keep an eye on this blog to watch the progress of the Giovanni Youth Cafe!