Support Megan's Starr: Reimagining Community Support & Building Futures

Megan's Starr Community Coffee House has been dedicated to transforming lives by providing essential mental health support to young people and their families. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive space where individuals can access free professional counselling, peer support, and valuable resources to help them thrive.

We are now at a pivotal 'go big or go home' moment in our journey, as we embrace a significant new opportunity for our project and the community we serve. We aim to unlock the potential of a new, larger premises, transforming it into a vibrant hub of community support, a safe refuge for vulnerable individuals, and a place of growth and empowerment for all.

To achieve this ambitious vision, we are hoping to raise £20,000. These funds will help kick-start our plans and allow us to fully realise the potential that this new site offers. Join us in this exciting chapter and help us grow into the future we envision. Together, we can create a more supportive, connected, and thriving community.

Thank you for your support!

About us

At Megan's Starr Community Coffee House, we are more than just a team ~ we are a charity dedicated to transforming lives. Our story began with a tragedy and a dream, igniting a passion to create a haven for young people facing life's toughest challenges. Nestled in the heart of West Wales, our community coffee house has become a beacon of hope, love, and support for young people, especially those from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds.

Our story so far......

Megan's Starr Foundation was born out of a deeply personal and heartbreaking experience. Megan, a beautiful, vibrant 14-year-old girl full of dreams and aspirations, tragically took her own life after being relentlessly cyber-bullied. Megan’s death was a devastating blow to us her family, her friends, and our entire community. The pain of her loss was immeasurable, and it left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Megan obviously felt she had nowhere to turn, no safe place to seek help or understanding. Her isolation and despair were profound, and in her memory, we were determined to channel our grief into something positive.   We envisioned a place where young people, like Megan, could find the support, understanding, and resources they need to navigate the often harsh realities of life. From this vision, Megan's Starr was born.

"In February 2017, my life changed irrevocably. My beloved beautiful little girl Megan, a vibrant soul full of hopes and dreams, tragically felt she had nowhere to turn and took her own life. The moment I received the news, it felt as though a grenade had exploded at the very centre of my being. In the aftermath, the pain was so overwhelming that it blurred my memories, leaving a hollow silence in its wake, that to this day still remains.

During those dark days, the stark realisation that Megan must have felt utterly alone, with no one to turn to, was almost as painful as the loss itself. This profound realisation sparked a determination within me ~ no other young person should have to endure such isolation and pain unsupported. From this resolve, Megan’s Starr was born. Seven years have passed since I started this journey, a journey tinged with both sorrow and purpose. Our mission has never felt more urgent, as our services continue to be a lifeline for those young people in need. 

In a bid to not only understand why Megan felt the way she did but also to gain the professional knowledge to help others, I dedicated myself to studying at The University of Essex online for four years and earned my Psychology degree. This journey has taught me so much about myself, the human mind, and how I can make a difference in the lives of others. Alongside my degree, I was honoured by the university with the 'Alan Jenkins memorial award' for my journey and overcoming adversity, proving that anything is possible if you just believe in yourself. 

This belief has become our mantra here at Megan's Starr.

Nicki ~ Megan's mum & founder of Megan's Starr.

The profound impact of Megan’s death rippled through our community, highlighting the urgent need for a supportive space where young people could feel seen, heard, and valued. Our charity came together with a shared purpose, to ensure no young person would ever feel as isolated and hopeless as Megan did. We wanted to create a sanctuary where they could find solace, build connections, and receive the support they desperately need.  Here Megan’s Starr Community Coffee House was borne.

What We Currently Do at Megan's Starr Community Coffee House

Megan's Starr Community Coffee House was founded to be a sanctuary where young people can access help and support for their mental health. Entirely run by dedicated volunteers, all funds generated are directed towards providing free professional counselling and peer support for young people.

In addition to supporting young individuals, we offer free peer support to parents, creating a comprehensive wrap-around service to improve the family dynamic. Our commitment to families extends to providing free school consultancy and SEN advocacy, offering parents valuable information and advice on educational and schooling issues.

At Megan's Starr, we strive to create a holistic support system that empowers young people and their families to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Megan's Starr Community Coffee House is a bright, vibrant space that has become a sanctuary for many young people. Our coffee house is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee, it's a thriving community hub where young individuals can find support, friendship, and opportunities for personal growth. We offer comprehensive barista training, helping young people gain confidence and valuable work experience. Our wide range of workshops and community events, from arts and crafts to mental health support sessions, provide essential skills and foster connections that reduce social isolation. So far, we have touched the lives of countless young individuals, helping them to build brighter futures and find a sense of belonging.

Our statistics

So far since opening our doors post pandemic, through our initiatives we have provided:

•   over 1500 hours of FREE professional counselling and peer support
•  given over 21,000 volunteering hours 
•  provided over 5000 hot meals and drinks to young people, elderly & families in our community through our warm spaces
• provided lots of games nights, craft classes, knit & natter and much more free of charge to the community to help alleviate social isolation 
• run intergenerational projects to bridge the gap between young & old
• trained over 100 young people in various skills including barista training, food hygiene and customer service
• recycled & upcycled so many kilos of denim & unwanted clothing 
• delivered over 500 easter eggs to our beneficiaries and elderly/vulnerable people in the community with our Easter Egg appeals
• provided over 120 Christmas presents to less fortunate children in our community with our Wish Tree appeal
• walked millions of steps raising awareness of teen suicide & youth mental health with our 'Step into January' fundraisers
• collected over 100 bags of rubbish through our beach cleans
• and soooooo much more!!!!

We have also saved countless lives and helped to keep families together.

Testimonial

"As a 15-year-old young carer, dealing with my anxiety has always been super challenging. Finding the community coffee house has been like discovering a second home. Being a young carer can be really overwhelming, and I often felt alone. But at this place, I found somewhere I could just be myself. The atmosphere is so welcoming, and everyone made me feel accepted right from the start. It’s a space where I don’t feel judged and can truly relax.

The people here have boosted my confidence immensely. They’ve made me feel good about myself and helped me see that I have a lot to offer. Getting involved in events and making TikTok videos has been a blast! It's given me a chance to be creative and have fun, which has really helped with my anxiety.

This experience has totally transformed how I feel about myself. I’m more confident and I have a sense of purpose now. I love going to the events and being part of the community. It’s given me hope and made me feel like I can handle anything that comes my way.

I’m really grateful to everyone at the coffee house for creating such a supportive and wonderful place. It’s made a huge difference in my life, and I feel so much better about my future. Thank you!"

Testimonial

"I’m a non-binary volunteer at a community coffee house that has become more than just a place to volunteer, it's a sanctuary where I feel welcomed and accepted for who I am. Before discovering this community, I often felt judged and misunderstood. It was challenging to find a space where I could be myself without fear of discrimination or judgment.

Initially hesitant but hopeful, I decided to try out volunteering here, and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. The environment is incredibly supportive and inclusive, making everyone feel accepted from the moment they walk in.

The structured volunteer program has offered me much more than just volunteer work, it provided me with a safe space to grow, learn, and thrive. The training programs, such as barista training, not only taught me valuable skills but also how to interact with people positively. More importantly, the mental health support training was transformative. It taught me to manage my own challenges and to be a supportive ally to others, helping me realise I'm not alone and it's okay to seek help.

Before volunteering, the thought of pursuing further education seemed out of reach. However, the unwavering support and encouragement from the team and fellow volunteers have boosted my confidence, helping me to see my potential. Now, I am excitedly planning to attend college, a dream I hadn't thought possible before.

This coffee house is more than just a place, it’s a vibrant community where everyone is welcome and can find their place. I am profoundly grateful for the life-changing opportunities it has provided and am enthusiastic about the future and all its possibilities."

Our Mission

Our mission is simple yet profound - to provide a safe and nurturing space where young people can find solace, learn new skills, and build brighter futures. We focus on supporting those who need it most, offering comprehensive programs that empower and uplift. We aim to create a community where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.

What We Have Achieved

In our cozy little coffee house, we have witnessed incredible transformations. We have provided barista training, teaching young people not just how to make a perfect cup of coffee, but how to gain confidence and valuable work experience. Our community events have brought people together, reducing social isolation and fostering connections that transcend generations.

Our Speakeasy Mobile Coffee Van has extended our reach, bringing our mission to young people in remote areas. This innovative approach has allowed us to offer barista training, work experience, and confidence-building activities, all while creating a safe and comfortable environment for interaction and support.

Through our proposed Building Futures project, we have identified the urgent need for more comprehensive support for disadvantaged young people. We have laid the groundwork for expanded training programs, intergenerational learning opportunities, and enhanced mental health support. But we know we can do even more.

Our Vision for the Future

Imagine a place where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.  Imagine a larger, more vibrant Megan's Starr Community Coffee House. With your support, we envision moving to our new premises that can accommodate our growing community and the expanded range of services we dream of offering.

In this new space, we will offer comprehensive training programs, from culinary arts to advanced barista skills, entrepreneurship workshops, and more. Our goal is to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to build successful futures. We will also create dedicated spaces for mental health support and intergenerational learning activities, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

But we need your help........

Thanks to support from Aviva Community Fund, who have agreed to match fund every donation made up to £250, we've set our target to £20,000! 

We need your help to make this vision a reality. The funds raised through this Crowdfunder will be crucial in achieving our vision. 

Here's how we plan to use the money:

Renovations and Equipment: Upgrading the new space with modern facilities, comfortable seating, and training equipment.

Program Development: Expanding our training programs to include culinary arts, advanced barista skills, entrepreneurship workshops, and more.

Community Engagement: Hosting more community events and workshops that bring together diverse groups and foster a sense of belonging and mutual support.

Our Aims

By providing this safe, secure hub, we aim to empower young people to gain financial independence and break generational cycles of a "can't do" mindset. We plan to do this by:

Empowerment Through Financial Literacy:

• We will provide workshops on financial literacy, teaching young people essential skills such as budgeting, saving, and managing money effectively. These skills are crucial for achieving financial independence and resilience.

Enhanced Employability:

• Our training programs in barista skills, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship will equip young people with marketable skills, increasing their employability and ability to secure stable employment. This directly supports their financial wellbeing by enabling them to earn a sustainable income.

Entrepreneurial Skills:

• We will offer entrepreneurship workshops that guide young people in starting their own businesses. This includes business planning, marketing, and financial management, empowering them to take control of their financial futures and potentially create jobs within their communities.

Who Will Benefit

Disadvantaged and under-represented young people in our community will be the primary beneficiaries of this project. These include those who are not in formal education or training (NEET), home-schooled young people who may not otherwise have these opportunities, and those who cannot access mainstream youth provision due to mental health issues such as social anxiety.  By participating in our programs, they will gain valuable skills, increased confidence, and improved mental well-being.  However, our programs are open to all young people in our community as we will never turn anyone away ~ at Megan's Starr no young person will ever feel alone.

The impact we expect to see includes:

• Enhanced employability and financial independence.
• Stronger community connections and reduced social isolation.
• Empowered youth breaking generational cycles of poverty and isolation.

Climate Action Initiatives

In addition to financial wellbeing, our expanded premises will incorporate sustainable practices, contributing to climate action. This includes energy-efficient facilities, recycling programs, and workshops on environmental stewardship, promoting healthy, thriving communities. We will also introduce an emporium within the coffee house where workshops on upcycling and recycling textiles will transform pre-loved donated denim jeans, jackets, and other items into bags, aprons, and fashionable upcycled products. This initiative not only supports ethical fashion and environmental sustainability but also generates income, making us more financially sustainable. The pride and sense of achievement, from seeing their ideas go from paper to fruition brings to young people is simply priceless.

Join Us on This Journey "Building Futures"

We invite you to join us on this incredible journey. By supporting our Crowdfunder, you are not just donating money, you are giving hope, building dreams, and creating a brighter future for our community. Together, we can transform Megan's Starr Community Coffee House into a haven of opportunity and love, and make a lasting positive impact on young peoples lives, fostering a resilient, financially independent generation.

Thank you for believing in us and for being part of our story. With your help, we can continue to make a difference, one cup of coffee at a time.

For more information, visit our website and Facebook page ~ www.megansstarr.com / facebook.com/https://youtu.be/ToWiQ797vFA?si=mPn_3upX4_cm947X

https://youtu.be/ToWiQ797vFA?si=mPn_3upX4_cm947X