Peter McVerry Trust opened Ireland’s first Youth Café for children and young people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless in October 2015.

The new facility was officially opened on October 6th by Dr Niall Muldoon, the Children’s Ombudsman. Peter McVerry Trust completed a major renovation project at property in Berkeley Street, Dublin 7 which is home to the new service. The cost of the capital works were sponsored by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, (funds managed by Pobal) and Clongowes Union.

CEO Pat Doyle said “This service is incredibly important as it provides a safe and supportive, space to vulnerable young people. In addition to using the service to provide a wide range of services during the day we will also be rolling out evening and weekend hours as the service grows and establishes itself. Initially we will open one evening per week and working with young people aged 18-25 and then offer one night a week dedicated to homeless children.”

“This service is one which we have been seeking to develop for a number of years and the out of hours component was initially raised by people accessing homeless services. They clearly told us they needed somewhere they would be welcomed, somewhere they could go an relax during the day and evenings when they might not have anywhere else to go. Thanks to the support of our donors and capital funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Clongowes Union we have been able to develop this service.”

The Youth Cafe

The Youth Café provides a safe, positive and welcoming space for young people. Throughout the week a variety of activities and supports are available to people who are accessing the service.

The capital costs associated with the Youth Cafe is sponsored by Clongowes Union and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Clongowes Union continues to support the ongoing operations of the Youth Cafe by providing volunteers and financial support.