EduCaf in brief: a menu of life and learning opportunities for children and young people, aged 5-13, delivered by skilled staff in a supportive environment, to increase participants' potential and life aspirations.

The Edu-caf project was launched almost three years ago, with financial support from the BBC's Children in Need. It was developed in response to an identified need - identified by staff, parents, schools and the children themselves - for flexible support for those struggling within the educational system and with some 'life issues'.

The Edu-caf 'menu' is delivered through a series of clubs held weekly at the Venture, as well as through holiday time 'specials'.

The three current clubs - Healthy Living, Homework and Reading - are well-attended and children and young people can drop in as and when they choose. The clubs are far from boring, with interesting topics delivered in a style to suit the participants. As an example, the Healthy Living club has run a series of 'courses', each over a 6-10 week period, on topics such as nutrition, exercise, yoga, bullying, safety awareness, healthy cooking and eating, self-esteem, emotions and cyber safety.

We are concerned not only with the educational development of the c/yp, but also with their social, physical and emotional development. Our location, the use of small groups, 1:1 work, interesting topics and an all round positive attitude works well. We aim to instil an 'I can do it' attitude and a sense of achievement, replacing the 'I can't do it' feelings of many of the children.

The first phase of the Edu-caf project has shown that our approach and 'menu offerings' can make a real difference to the lives and happiness of the participants. Our development plans - subject, of course, to the perennial issue of funding - aim to bring us to the stage where we can: