The launch will take place at the Woodseats Baptist Church, Woodseats, Sheffield

Monday 13 July 2009 - 7.00pm to 9.00pm

A new drop-in style venue for youngsters to call their own will open its doors next week thanks to a number of partners including the Woodseats and Mosborough Safer Neighbourhood Team, Sheffield Integrated Youth Support Service, Neighborhood Watch, local schools and churches.

The ROC Cafe 2 - nicknamed "the basement" will open on Monday July 13 between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. 

Young people, aged 11 to 17, can enjoy a range of free activities including five-a-side football, indoor basketball, video games, pool, table tennis, table football, dance and music.

PCSO Richard Francis said if the cafe is successful it could open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with bi-annual trips for members.

"We came up with the idea to get youngsters off the street as they were telling me there was nothing for them to do, particularly on Monday's. Diversionary activities were needed," he said.

"We hope this leads to a definite reduction in the number of children on the streets and it's also an opportunity for us to get to know them. Hopefully the youngsters will realise we are approachable.

"We also hope people come from neighbouring areas too."

The original ROC (Redeeming Our Communities) Cafe was established by police and churches in Dinnington in September 2007 to provide diversionary activities for young people in an area blighted by antisocial behaviour from nuisance youths.  Each partner possessed key resources which made a real difference to the local community. ROC Cafe 2 will operate with same ethos and partnership values.

The mission statement of ROC Cafe 2 is "Building a Foundation For a Better Life."

The SNT hope to develop this by raising awareness of topical issues such as gun and knife crime, drugs and alcohol, vandalism, street crime and self-defence. Some of these sessions could be open to family members.

For more details contact South Yorkshire Police Chaplain for Sheffield West and Woodseats Baptist Church minister, Paul Ellis, on 07886755240 or project coordinator, Michelle Footitt, on 07946368311.