About

Switch was set up in 2010 to give young people in Maidstone somewhere else to go. Initially funded by The National Lottery and working in partnership with Maidstone Youth Forum and Maidstone Borough Council, a derelict building in the High Street, 34a (that’s us!) underwent a major refurbishment. With help from Maidstone Youth Forum, who helped fundraise for the project, a new youth café was born with the aim of not only giving young people somewhere of their own in town but providing support, advice and guidance should it be needed. In 2014, we underwent another refurbishment and responded to the voice of local young people to include 3 additional rooms, providing more space to reach more young people. At the beginning of 2015, we were named finalist in the Community Category for the Kent Charity Awards 2015. We were chosen from over 160 entries, which is a great achievement and we are very proud! As a registered charity (No. 1127568) Switch Youth Café has had over 35,000 visits during the last five years from young people, adult users and professional partners. Switch however, isn’t simply just a youth café. We work with a wide range of partners to offer organised support groups for both young people and adults so don’t be put off if you’re over 21, we might be able to help. Although our general opening hours are specifically tailored for under 21’s we recognize the importance and uniqueness of each individual and regularly host adult support events.