Young people at Snack Chat welcomed a special guest recently as local MP Tan Dhesi joined their group. The youth community cafe meet at St Paul’s church in Slough every Wednesday and has grown from its launch in May to regularly hosting 20 youngsters each week.
Youth, children’s and families worker Ola Olanipekun explained the youth café was started when he realised there was nothing in Slough for children of secondary school age.
He said: “I thought it would be great to have a space for young people to hang out after school to chill and connect with friends.
“Snack Chat with Tan Dhesi MP was a brilliant blend of connection and curiosity – seeing young people engage so authentically with their local leader was uplifting. I hope the young people took away confidence in speaking up, seeing politics as accessible, and knowing their voices
count.
“Events like these bridge gaps, show leadership can be approachable, and remind us community spaces like Snack Chat play a vital role in Slough nurturing young talent and dialogue.”
The young people played table tennis with Tan before chatting to him about their day-to-day lives as well as local issues which concern them.
Find out more about engaging with children and young people in your parish.