International Youth Day: House in the Basement Youth Café

Published: 12 August 2024

In celebration of International Youth Day, we are highlighting House in the Basement Youth Café (HitB), a vital community resource located in the basement of the Stag Community Arts Centre. This inclusive space supports young people from all backgrounds and abilities, providing a safe and engaging environment after school.

A key part of HitB’s work is the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Club, which meets every Tuesday evening from 5-8 pm during school term and 2-8 pm in school holidays. This club offers a crucial space for young people with disabilities and additional needs to connect, learn, and grow. The SEN Club helps attendees build confidence, develop social skills, and participate in fun and educational activities.

Additionally, HitB operates a Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) project every Tuesday during term time from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This initiative supports young people who are not currently engaged in traditional education or employment, offering them guidance and resources to explore new opportunities.

A parent shared their experience:

“My son and my daughter have been attending house in the basement for a few months now.

They both have additional needs and find going to clubs and socialising very tricky and hard to fit in.

Making friends is difficult for them and being in company of adults they trust.

When we came along to the SEN club, we were made so welcomed by all the very kind staff and they are included in all the activities they want to take part in.

They both have dinner there as well.

They have things that interest them both and it's a calming environment for them both.

They both really look forward to attending every week and I've never experienced this with either of them before and they really want to continue going.

It's so lovely to know that they're in a place they enjoy being in and I feel at ease knowing that.”

The young people can purchase a low-price meal deal at both of these sessions comprising of hot food and drink for £3.

For more information on House in the Basement Youth Café, the SEN Club, or the NEET project, please contact Daren Mountain, House in the Basement Manager, at info@houseinthebasement.co.uk or visit our website at www.houseinthebasement.weebly.com.

For more details please contact:

Ieuan Chandler-Wilson

Youthwork@sevenoakstown.gov.uk