Taunton Library Cafe - The Bold and the Brave

Jul 28

CEO Angela Coton and Caroline Down, Staff Trustee and Community Team Lead, recently attended the opening of the Young Somerset-run Bold & Brave Café at a once-disused space within Taunton Library on the 7th of June 2023. The café is an extension of their already successful Bold & Brave shop in Taunton, which opened in October 2021.

As well as officially opening the cafe - the event included a 'pop up shop' which offered a range of items usually available in the shop, including locally sourced products and handmade gifts crafted by young people, such as artwork and jewellery. On the back of the success of the shop- Young Somerset entered into an agreement with Somerset Council to expand their operations by taking over the café. The cafe will offer opportunities for young people to gain work experience and hospitality qualifications.

The café opportunity arose from a chance conversation Young Somerset CEO Nik Harwood had with Somerset Council’s Richard Selwyn during their 25th-anniversary celebrations in November. The cafe was then -up and running in under 6 months! Angela and Caroline spent some time talking to young people and staff involved in the event- including one of the apprentices from the shop and young people working in the cafe. They also sampled some of the cakes and tea that were on offer.

The event was officially opened by Great British Bake Off contestant Val Stones, who spoke to Angela and Caroline about her time working with young people as a SENDCo and Primary Headteacher and the importance of projects like this providing opportunities for young people who may not be in employment education or training.

You can find out more about the projects here.