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Megan's Starr Foundation is a youth mental health charity dedicated to supporting young people facing mental health challenges, particularly those from disadvantaged and impoverished backgrounds in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. We recognise that mental health issues disproportionately affect this demographic, and our mission is to empower them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. To enhance our impact, we have developed a Community Coffee House.
The primary goal of Megan’s Starr Community Coffee House is to create a welcoming and inclusive space for young people. We address several key areas of need, including:
Safe Space: We provide a safe and comfortable environment where young people can gather, socialise, and find respite from the challenges they may face in their daily lives.
Barista Training: With our in-house Barista training program, we offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable job skills which can lead to employment opportunities.
Volunteering Opportunities: Our coffee house serves as a hub for local volunteer opportunities, enabling young individuals to engage with their community while building their resumes.
Mental Health Support: Access to trained therapists who are available to provide mental health support and guidance to young people who may be struggling with various emotional and psychological challenges.
Training Opportunities: We offer workshops and training sessions on a range of topics, including financial literacy, resume building, interview skills, and more.
Creative Activities: Arts and crafts activities are organised regularly to encourage creative expression and provide a healthy outlet for self-expression.
Recreation and Nutrition: Our coffee house offers evenings where young people can play games, have access to a hot meal, and beverage to ensure that individuals have access to nourishment and recreational activities.
Our Community Coffee House is accessible to all ages, from every walk of life. We do not judge nor discriminate.
Everyone is welcome & will always be greeted with a smile!
Find us at 91B Charles Street, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA732HL.
Every Monday from 4-7 pm, PAVS has awarded us a pot of funds to provide more Free food & drinks in our Community Coffee House.
These funds allow us to provide warm safe spaces for people whilst providing a FREE Hot Meal & a Hot Drink.
Not only that -we do games & craft nights too!
There is NO referral needed and absolutely EVERYONE is welcome.
There will be no questions asked and nobody will be refused a meal to either sit in or take away to eat at home.
It's about whatever you feel comfortable doing.
If you do stay for a chat, whilst at the Community Coffee House you can play some games, read a book, do a crossword or some colouring, or even charge your phone - it's entirely up to you.
These warm space nights are a great chance for you to meet new people in a safe & friendly environment, or to just sit & relax in the warm.
Our last winter initiative in 2022/2023 was HUGELY successful providing over 3000 hot meals & drinks to the community in a 6-month period. This not only helped with the cost of living crisis, and provided a safe, warm space for people to come - it helped lots of our volunteers gain vital skills with over 600 hours given selflessly by them.
New connections were made and friendships forged.
Over 20 new referrals for our Mental Health support were also recieved from young people, proving that our dynamic approach to mental health really works!!
It’s back!
For the 4th consecutive year, the Megan’s Starr Foundation brings you
'Step into January'
continuing to break the stigma & give mental health a good old kick.
So let’s start the conversation & keep Pembrokeshire walking & get Pembrokeshire talking
The 10,000 steps a day challenge will get you out and about, meeting new people, taking part in challenges, tasks, and group walks & not forgetting the infamous fancy dress & ABC challenge!!!000!
There will also be weekly meets, bingo, quiz nights and so much more!
All you have to do is sign up, and receive your mental health & well-being pack. Kids, dogs & absolutely everybody is welcome to sign up & join in!
So what are you waiting for ~ Step Into January with Megan's Starr this Janaury.
Sign up will be available from December 1st 2023!
Since Megan's Starr Foundation was founded, we have been constantly looking at new ways in which to support the young people in Pembrokeshire. There is no one-size-fits-all all with mental health & as such the way in which young people seek help is diverse.
For the last 12 months, we have been working on this amazing project which has been funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Wales, whereby we can take our support mobile, into rural areas where young people would not otherwise be able to access our services.
With our fully wrapped Electric Speakeasy Coffee & Shake Van, we can offer young people barista training, teach them about green energy & the environment, as well as offer mobile support for those who need help or advice, all fully funded. We can take the Speakeasy to schools, colleges, sporting & community groups to offer youth engagement, and also to fetes & events whereby young people can gain experience in serving the public. All in all, it will be a huge asset to the community & an opportunity to offer help-seeking in a new & diverse way.
Megan’s Starr is passionate about breaking the barriers & reducing stigma in seeking help #bekind #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #spreadkindness
"At Megan's Starr, we understand the challenges young individuals face in navigating mental health issues. We're here 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, group therapy, educational workshops, and resources aimed at empowering young minds to overcome these hurdles.
We believe in fostering a community that prioritises mental well-being, aiming to destigmatise these issues and provide practical tools for coping and growth.
At Megan's Starr, our mission is to ensure that no young person feels alone in their mental health journey.
We're 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."
I am sure you will agree that a chat over a brew is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures, but not everyone always has someone to do this with regularly. Our telephone support programme Be Kind Brew Buddies aims to help people across Pembrokeshire. Support is available if you are a parent or young person who needs someone to chat to in confidence, after having reduced opportunities to make social connections, due to the recent coronavirus outbreak or other circumstances in your life.
How do Be Kind Brew Buddies work?
Those who sign up for the service will be allocated a buddy, who will then "get-together” over the phone, WhatApps or text for a brew, and a chat at least once a week for around 30 minutes.
Absolutely no pressure to talk about any problems, simply a listening ear, and friendly voice. After 8 sessions you will be invited to give us valuable feedback on how the programme has helped you and made a difference in your life.
If more sessions are needed, then that is perfectly fine – we all love an extra brew!!!
To sign up please use the contact page quoting Brew Buddies.
All information is kept strictly confidential between you and your buddy.
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!
It’s difficult being a parent/care giver. That’s why we offer parent peer support groups ~ to give hope, guidance, advocacy & camaraderie to each other.
Parent peer support groups are valuable resources that offer a sense of community, understanding, and shared experiences for individuals navigating the challenges and joys of parenting.
These groups provide a platform for parents to connect, share advice, seek guidance, and offer support to one another.
Our parent peer support groups are designed to;
Parent peer support groups can be incredibly beneficial, offering a sense of belonging and a valuable network for parents seeking advice, understanding, and camaraderie on their parenting journey.
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!
Last month, on behalf of the Megan’s Starr Foundation, Nicola had the immense pleasure of meeting a beautiful couple ~ Content Creators Caitlyn & Leah.
Caitlin and Leah are leading advocates for LGBTQ+ and mental health, and have a ‘huge’ following on all social media platforms. The conversations they share online are raw and important, particularly surrounding their mental health journeys, yet their infectious personalities have helped build an audience of loyal followers who find entertainment and comfort in their content.
We met to talk about Megs story, our journey as a charity & the devastating impact of online Hate. The girls talked candidly about their own experiences of online hate & how as young women it makes them feel to see & receive such judgemental & spiteful comments.
In association with the Global Youth Charity Ditch The Label, the content will be included in a YouTube documentary that I’m sure will help so many young people who are struggling with their Mental Health.
Opening up and normalising mental health in all communities is so important. On the outside to others you can seem to have it all, but very few people stop & think about how that person is actually feeling inside.
Thank you both for being true Influencers & helping to spread the word that it is ok not to be ok, and that being kind is always the best way. Good luck also on your IVF journey. Breaking the stigma & barriers for young people everywhere.
As part of our Intergenerational project, we are making memory & denim cushions. These will be made free of charge for anyone who would like one made for themselves or given to someone they care about.
“Memory Cushion are made from garments worn by a loved one and is a lovely way to feel close to someone we miss by using the sense of touch. The cushions make such a powerful and moving impact and can also be used for people living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other debilitating illnesses. The collage of different garments can help with memory recall, and comfort loved ones in times of need”.
If you would like to be part of this wonderful project or would like a memory cushion made, please could you pop along to the website and email us via the Contact Us link. Please state whether you wish to become involved with the project or would like to have a cushion made.
More details will then be provided.
#nationallotterycommunityfund #intergenerational #memory #grief #comfort #cushion