Mayor Opens Youth Drop-in Centre

CEDARS offers support and homework club amongst other important facilities

The expanded youth drop in centre and café for young people in Chiswick – CEDARS - was officially opened by the Mayor of London Borough of Hounslow – Councillor Andy Morgan-Watts– on Saturday 29th September 2007.

The Mayor cut the ribbon and formally declared CEDARS open in front of invited guests, young members of CEDARS, staff and the Board of Trustees of the charity that manages the centre.

CEDARS is currently open Monday to Thursday from 3 to 6 pm each week and provides a valuable addition to the local authority provision for young people aged 11 to 18 years. In addition, a junior club for those aged 8 to 10 years operates from 6.30 to 8pm on Mondays.

Carol Powers, the Senior Youth Worker at CEDARS said; ‘We cater for the needs of all young people and are open to those of all faiths and of none - although we are a faith-based organisation, we are not faith-biased. We offer them a safe haven in what they properly regard as THEIR SPACE: food, support, pastoral care, a homework club, activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and other important facilities."

She continued "This is about more than just keeping young people off the streets – at CEDARS we encourage them to fulfil their potential and provide essential support and guidance as they prepare for life after school and/or college."

CEDARS is based at the Methodist Church on Sutton Court Road, Chiswick, where there have been youth activities for over 25 years.

October 4, 2007