BOLD & Brave are opening a brand-new cafe within Taunton Library.

Run through a partnership agreement with Somerset Council, the cafe, which will open from 10am on June 7, will provide a safe space for young people to gain work experience and essential life skills.

The Bold and Brave store, which is located on 14 Riverside Place, has already offered 30 young people work experience, giving them the confidence and experience they need. Not only this, but budding entrepreneurs have been encouraged to sell their products and begin businesses of their own.

The store is run by Young Somerset and started off as a pop-up shop before becoming a permanent fixture. The charity prides itself on being the largest of its kind in the region. As explained on the Young Somerset website, the organisation delivers services that are aligned to statutory provision and that enrich and support young people's lives.

This includes young peoples' personal, social, economic or educational development.

Young Somerset have been working with young people since 1997, meaning that the charity has worked towards making Somerset a better place for the next generation for 26 years.

A spokesperson from Young Somerset said: "Young Somerset are proud to be supporting young people and championing young people.

"Young people really are an inspiration for me."

Speaking before the store's opening in 2021, Julie Walker, sen.se executive officer, said: “This is an exciting and innovative project which puts young people first and gives them a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in a professional working environment.”

The shop name was inspired by Lewis, one of the young people who worked in a former sen.se and Young Somerset Christmas pop-up shop. He came up with the name as he felt working in the pop-up shop made him feel “bold and brave”.

Applicants will be offered work placements, barista training, skills and qualities support, and even assistance with finding permanent employment.

On June 17, there will be a VIP opening event dedicated to showcasing everything the new cafe will have to offer. In attendance will be Val Stones, a previous Bake-Off contestant and headteacher, as well as local residents, staff and local partners who support the scheme.

For more information about Bold & Brave, please visit the Young Somerset website.