MSP briefed on C.A.F.E. Project's work

Angus South MSP Graeme Dey, paid a visit to Arbroath’s C.A.F.E. Project recently to highlight the invaluable service that the charity provides for young people and other groups in the area.
Mark Dowie
By Mark Dowie
Published 26th Jun 2022, 07:00 BST
The C.A.F.E. Project’s Mark McWalter is pictured with Graeme Dey.The C.A.F.E. Project’s Mark McWalter is pictured with Graeme Dey.
The C.A.F.E. Project’s Mark McWalter is pictured with Graeme Dey.

The C.A.F.E. Project (Community Alcohol Free Environment) was established in 1996 when its founder, Sheriff Norrie Stein, realised the harmful effects that unemployment, deprivation, poor housing, crime, and alcohol and substance misuse could have on young people’s health and development.

It offers a safe community environment for young people to socialise and engage in a wide range of activities, and is also a one-stop shop for leisure, culture, health, education, and employment services, as well as outdoor activities.

The C.A.F.E. Project is built on inclusivity and provides numerous opportunities for young people and the wider community. Its teatime and summer clubs are especially popular, offering a positive afterschool space for both primary and secondary school pupils.

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The charity actively encourages participation in the management of the project, giving a greater degree of involvement and empowerment with and increasing young people’s confidence.

The C.A.F.E. Project has received national and international recognition and has served as a model for projects elsewhere in the country.

Mr Dey said: “It was inspiring to see their principles of equal opportunities and active citizenship in action during one of their elderly group sessions. It was especially encouraging to hear of the Project’s efforts to fill the current gap in day-care provision for the elderly in Arbroath.

“I was particularly impressed to learn of the number of social groups which benefit from the project’s incredible work. I hope this exciting and innovative community project continues its great success, especially during a time when such exemplary efforts are needed to tackle the omnipresent issue of social isolation.”

A C.A.F.E. Project spokesperson said: “It was great that MSP Graeme Dey and his two colleagues popped in to the C. A. F. E Project during our pensioner group, we had a great chat about all that goes on in our Project and about Arbroath in general. It's great to see local politicians taking time out of their schedule to visit local projects."​​​​​​

Related topics:Graeme Dey