Port of Cromarty Firth Funds Year Round Youth Work at Cromarty Youth Cafe

The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) has announced funding of £5,000 for Cromarty Youth Cafe, supporting the organisation’s mission to provide high quality, year round youth work and a wide range of opportunities for young people across the Cromarty area.

This funding will help sustain the cafe’s dedicated youth work staff team, enabling them to deliver a full annual programme of activities, achievement opportunities, and vital food provision. The support reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to community wellbeing and to helping local young people thrive.

Cromarty Youth Cafe offers an extensive programme designed to build skills, confidence, and belonging. This includes accredited achievement courses, such as Food Hygiene, Child Protection, and First Aid, as well as volunteering and leadership recognition, beach cleans and environmental projects, rowing sessions with CCRC, and a variety of community events. Every activity includes free access to food and health & wellbeing bags, helping to ensure that all young people can take part without barriers.

The organisation also provides targeted support for young people with additional support needs and neurodiverse needs, creating a safe and inclusive space with trusted adults, and opportunities to build friendships and resilience.

Alongside these core supports, the cafe delivers a schedule of activities including football, multi sports, dodgeball, badminton, tennis, Arts in Nature, seasonal celebrations, inflatable sessions, Eden Court workshops, archery, Cook Well and Bakewell programmes, and support nights with partner agencies.

The funding comes at a special moment for Cromarty Youth Cafe, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a major event recognising the achievements and awards earned by local young people over the past two decades.

A spokesperson for Cromarty Youth Cafe said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to the Port Authority for this support. The funding will allow us to continue delivering a wide range of activities and vital youth work, ensuring young voices are heard and helping young people gain skills, confidence, and opportunities for the future.”

Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re proud to support Cromarty Youth Cafe as it continues its fantastic work with local young people. Their year round programme offers vital opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and community connection, and we’re delighted to help the organisation grow and build on its 20 year legacy.”

The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of local people.

Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.

Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:

• Skills development, employability or job creation,
• Vessel crew or passenger support,
• Environmental protection or enhancement,
• Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.

Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.