Our Projects

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 Megan’s Starr 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: Our in-house barista training program offers young people the opportunity to acquire valuable job skills, which can lead to employment opportunities.
• Volunteering Opportunities: The 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: We provide access to trained therapists who offer mental health support and guidance to young people struggling with various emotional and psychological challenges.
• Training Opportunities: We offer workshops and training sessions on a range of topics, including financial literacy, CV building, interview skills, and more.
• Creative Activities: Regular arts and crafts activities encourage creative expression and provide a healthy outlet for self-expression.
• Recreation and Nutrition: Our coffee house hosts evenings where young people can play games, enjoy a hot meal, and have access to beverages, ensuring they receive nourishment and recreational activities.

Megan’s Starr Community Coffee House is a bright, vibrant space that has already helped so many young people. We are committed to making a positive impact in their lives by providing a supportive environment where they can thrive.

Our Community Coffee House is accessible to all ages and welcomes everyone from every walk of life. We do not judge nor discriminate. Everyone is welcome and will always be greeted with a smile!

For more information about our services and support, please visit our website or our Facebook page.

Find us at 2-3 Agamemonon House, Milford waterfront,  Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 3AY.

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.

 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! 

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. 

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;

• Be Supportive and Empathetic: We listen actively and provide support without judgment. Everyone's experiences and challenges are valid.

• Encourage Diversity: We welcome parents from various backgrounds, experiences, and parenting styles. Diversity enriches discussions and offers broader perspectives. 

 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. 

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.

At Megan's Starr Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential.

For many, the journey into employment isn't straightforward. Traditional education doesn't work for everyone, and some young people need a different route to develop the confidence, skills and experience that employers are looking for.

That's why we created Building Futures—a practical, supportive employability programme designed specifically for young people aged 16–25.

Whether a young person is looking for their first job, returning to education, or simply needs help building confidence, Building Futures provides a safe and encouraging environment where they can learn, grow and prepare for the future.

Building Futures has been developed for young people who may benefit from additional support before moving into employment, education or volunteering.

This includes young people who are:

• NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)
• School avoiders or those struggling with attendance
• Home educated
• Educated Other Than At School (EOTAS)
• Attending Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
• Following Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
• Autistic or neurodivergent (including ADHD and other additional learning needs)
• Living with anxiety or low confidence
• Care experienced or young carers
• Facing social, emotional or mental health challenges
• 
  
• Looking to gain workplace experience before entering employment

Every young person is different, which is why we take the time to understand the individual and tailor our support wherever possible.

Building Futures is a six-week employability programme combining practical work experience with personal development.

Delivered within our community café, The Dizzy Bear, participants gain hands-on experience in a real working environment while receiving encouragement from experienced staff and mentors.

Throughout the programme, young people will develop:

• Confidence and self-belief
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Customer service
• Professional behaviour
• Problem-solving skills
• Organisation
• Workplace resilience
• Independence

Alongside these personal skills, participants will gain practical experience in areas such as:

• Barista training
• Food preparation
• Front of house
• Customer service
• Stock management
• Health & Safety
• Food Hygiene
• Working as part of a professional team

Where appropriate, participants will have the opportunity to work towards recognised qualifications and certificates, including:

• Food Hygiene
• Customer Service
• Barista Training
• Health & Safety
• Manual Handling
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Safeguarding Awareness
• First Aid (subject to availability)

These qualifications help young people strengthen their CVs and demonstrate valuable workplace skills to future employers.

At Megan's Starr Foundation, we know that confidence comes before employment.

Our programme isn't simply about teaching practical skills—it's about helping young people recognise their strengths, overcome barriers and believe in what they can achieve.

Many of the young people we support have experienced anxiety, bullying, school avoidance, low self-esteem, additional learning needs or challenges that have affected their confidence.

Building Futures provides a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning, individuality is celebrated and every achievement is recognised.

Every participant begins their journey by completing a reflective "Getting to Know You" process.

This allows us to understand:

• Their interests
• Their aspirations
• Their learning style
• Their strengths
• Their support needs
• Their future goals

By taking the time to understand each young person, we can tailor our approach and help them get the very best from the programme.

Throughout the programme, participants will also receive support with:

• CV writing
• Interview preparation
• Building confidence
• Goal setting
• Professional communication
• References
• Progression into employment, education or volunteering

Where appropriate, we will also work alongside parents, carers, schools, colleges and other professionals to ensure young people receive joined-up support.

At Megan's Starr , we don't measure success simply by qualifications gained.

We measure success by confidence built.

By friendships formed.

By anxiety reduced.

By aspirations raised.

By young people who leave believing they have something valuable to offer.

Because every young person deserves the opportunity to build a future they can look forward to.

If you would like to refer a young person, discuss eligibility or learn more about Building Futures, we'd love to hear from you.

📧 referrals@megansstarr.com

Together, we're helping young people build confidence, gain experience and take their next step towards a brighter future.

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. 

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;

• Be Supportive and Empathetic: We listen actively and provide support without judgment. Everyone's experiences and challenges are valid.

• Encourage Diversity: We welcome parents from various backgrounds, experiences, and parenting styles. Diversity enriches discussions and offers broader perspectives. 

 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. 

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.