YOUNG people attending a youth café in Onchan can access free WiFi following a new partnership with Sure.

The telecoms company has teamed up with Kenyon’s Café in recognition of the charity’s work to provide a safe place for young people to drop in, relax and meet friends. To launch the partnership Sure has committed over £1200 worth of products and services which includes VDSL broadband and two Apple iPads.

Sarah Javis, Marketing and PR Manager at Sure, commented ‘I met one of the youth workers from Kenyon’s Café and was very touched by the work they are doing with young people on the island.  They are struggling to find the funds to stay open – and it would be a real shame for the local community if they were to close.’

‘I visited the café recently and met some of the young people who attend the Tuesday night session: they were enthusiastically supportive of the youth café and were absolutely thrilled with the news that Sure was going to provide WiFi, as well as the two iPad’s! We are delighted to be able to support Kenyon’s in this way and hope that the young people of Onchan will continue to enjoy the facilities offered by the café.’ said Sarah.

In addition to the technology products, Sure is donating a session at the Sure Ape Mann Adventure Park in South Barrule plantation, which will give club members an exciting outdoor experience and a chance to work together as teams on the high ropes and walkways.

Martin Macfarlane, chairman of the charity, added ‘Sure really does understand our charity and the work we do with young people. This exciting partnership brings opportunities and resources that would otherwise be inaccessible. Equipping the café with internet access opens a whole new world for us and a toolkit for social education.’

Last year the charity launched an appeal in a bid to prepare for the future following Onchan District Commissioners resolution to dispose of the café. Members and staff recently took part in a sponsored overnight stay-awake collecting £300 in aid of the appeal.

Martin continued, ‘Since launching the appeal we have received donations from companies and individuals that are keen to support us and for which we are most grateful. Local company B&B Furniture kindly supplied a new sofa and Domino’s Pizza supported our stay-awake event by providing pizza.’

‘Our committee is dedicated to finding a solution for the future and actively seeking all possible outcomes to secure a provision for the young people of Onchan. As our attendance figures continue to rise we are in need of more support from individuals, companies and charitable trusts in order to find a solution.’ said Martin.

Any interested parties who are able to offer financial assistance or wish to discuss partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact Martin Macfarlane to discuss this in greater detail, by email chairman@kenyons.im or post to Kenyon’s Café, 46 Main Road, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 1AL.