Our Projects

 Celebrating the Success of Our Easter Egg Appeal

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our annual Easter Egg appeal! Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, we were able to collect over 500 Easter eggs this year. These eggs brought immense joy to the young people we support, as well as those we have supported over the past 12 months.

Spreading Joy across the community 

In addition to the young people, we extended this happiness to elderly and children’s residential homes, assisted living facilities, and the broader community. The smiles on the faces of those who received these Easter eggs were truly heartwarming and a testament to the power of community spirit.

Thank you to our supporters

We are immensely grateful to everyone who donated Easter eggs and to the businesses and venues in Haverfordwest, Neyland, and Pembroke Dock that served as drop-off points. Your support made this appeal a resounding success.

Continuing our efforts 

While this year's appeal has concluded, the joy and impact it created will be remembered for a long time. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year, spreading even more happiness throughout our community.

For those who couldn't donate but still want to support our future initiatives, please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for upcoming opportunities.

Thank you once again for your incredible support and generosity. Together, we made a difference and put countless smiles on faces this Easter! 

Warm Nights at Megan's Starr Community Coffee House

During 2023/2024 Megan's Starr Community Coffee House opened its doors every Monday from 4-7 pm for warm space nights, thanks to a generous pot of funds awarded by PAVS & PCC. These evenings provided a lifeline for many, offering not just free food and drinks, but a haven of warmth and community during the harsh winter months.

What We Offered

Free Hot Meal and Drink: We provided free hot meals and drinks to everyone who walked through our doors. Whether they chose to dine in or take their meal home, we ensured they felt welcomed and cared for.

Games and Craft Nights: Each evening was filled with engaging activities. Guests could join in on games, read a book, do a crossword or some colouring, or simply charge their phone. It was all about creating a space where people could relax and enjoy themselves.

Inclusive and Non-Judgmental

No referral was needed to attend our warm space nights, and absolutely everyone was welcome. We asked no questions and refused no one, focusing on providing a safe, comfortable space for all.

Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis

The cost of living crisis has hit our community hard. Families, young people, and older individuals alike have struggled to make ends meet. Many faced the difficult choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Our warm space nights offered a crucial respite from these challenges. By providing a warm environment, we helped save on electricity and gas costs at home, making a tangible difference in people's lives.

A Safe and Friendly Environment

These nights offered a fantastic opportunity for community members to meet new people in a safe and friendly environment. Whether they wanted to socialise or simply relax in a warm space, Megan's Starr was there for them. The sense of community and belonging was palpable, breaking down barriers of isolation and loneliness.

Our Impact

Community Support: Over the six-month period, we provided 3,000 hot meals and 5000 hot drinks to the community. This effort not only alleviated the financial burden of the cost of living crisis but also offered a safe, warm place for people to gather and connect.

Volunteer Contributions: Our amazing volunteers gave over 1200 hours of their time selflessly, gaining vital skills and making new connections. Their dedication was instrumental in the success of this initiative, and many forged lasting friendships.

Mental and Physical Well-Being: The importance of these nights for both physical and mental well-being cannot be overstated. Providing a warm space to relax and enjoy a meal had a profound impact on people's mental health. The opportunity to socialise, play games, and engage in creative activities broke the cycle of isolation and loneliness, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

The Warm Nights initiative at Megan's Starr Community Coffee House was a beacon of hope during a challenging time. It provided essential support during the winter months, brought people together, and made a significant positive impact on our community. Although the initiative has ended, the bonds and connections formed continue to thrive, demonstrating the lasting impact of our efforts.

At Megan's Starr, we understand the challenges that young individuals face when navigating mental health issues. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive space where adolescents and young adults can seek help and guidance for a wide spectrum of mental health concerns.

Whether it's dealing with social anxiety, managing overwhelming feelings of anger, struggling with body image, or experiencing relentless overthinking, our dedicated team of professionals and volunteers offer compassionate support tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Our comprehensive range of services includes:

• Confidential Counselling Sessions: One-on-one sessions with trained mental health professionals to provide personalised support and guidance.
• Group Therapy: Facilitated group sessions where individuals can share experiences and support one another.
• Educational Workshops: Interactive workshops on various topics such as stress management, self-esteem, and coping strategies.
• Resource Provision: Access to a wide range of resources, including self-help materials, educational content, and community referrals.

We believe in fostering a community that prioritises mental well-being, aiming to destigmatise mental health issues and provide practical tools for coping and growth. Our community initiatives include:

• Barista Training: Offering young people the opportunity to learn valuable job skills and build confidence.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Engaging young individuals in meaningful activities that foster community involvement and personal development.
• Creative Activities: Arts and crafts sessions to encourage self-expression and creativity as a form of therapy.
• Recreation and Nutrition: Providing warm, safe spaces where young people can enjoy recreational activities and access nutritious meals.

At Megan's Starr, our mission is to ensure that no young person feels alone in their mental health journey. We are committed to breaking down barriers, providing accessible resources, and fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Together, let's navigate the complexities of mental health and support each other in achieving brighter, healthier futures. For more information about our services and how we can support you, please visit our website or our Facebook page.

Since the pandemic our work has diversified and is ever changing.  

The one thing that has not, or ever will change is the fact that we are here to help.  

Nobody has to suffer in silence, we are at the end of a message, text, phone or email.  

Please just reach out  - it's great to talk!

T.O.Y ~ Together Old & Young is an intergenerational project that aims to bring together the young & old generations in different activities, to promote intergenerational learning, and create new possibilities for older adults and young people to learn together and benefit from each others’ company. This includes mutual understanding, improved feelings of wellbeing, decreased loneliness and satisfaction from sharing knowledge, experience & enhanced social cohesion. 

To find out more, please contact us! 

As part of our Intergenerational project funded by TNLCF,  we were delighted to offer the creation of memory and denim cushions. These cushions are made free of charge for anyone who would like one for themselves or to give to someone they care about.

Memory Cushions are crafted from garments worn by a loved one. This touching project provides a lovely way to feel close to someone we miss by using the sense of touch. These cushions have a profound and moving impact and are particularly beneficial for people living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other debilitating illnesses. The collage of different garments can aid in memory recall and provide comfort to loved ones in times of need.

Our project was not only about creating cherished mementoes but also promoting sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical fashion. By repurposing old garments, we reduce waste and give new life to items that might otherwise be discarded. This approach aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

In addition to our memory cushions, we are excited to announce an upcoming project where we will be making eco-friendly bags. This initiative continues our commitment to sustainability and provides another opportunity for the community to get involved in ethical fashion.

Join us in creating beautiful, meaningful items that bring comfort and joy while also caring for our planet.

For more information about our projects and how you can participate, please visit our website or our Facebook page.

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