A group that supports vulnerable young people has found a home in Trafford. The social enterprise, N:GL, has set up shop in Stretford Mall.
The company offers free alternative mentoring and education services and will now be offering these from a new coffee shop and meet-up space in the Mall – the proceeds from which will all be pumped back in to fund N:GL’s services.
The space, known as The Sq, will provide a new community hub for the town, as well as job opportunities for the young people using N:GL’s NGage programme. N:GL was founded by David Schofield and Jaden Irving in 2020, who both initially taught in Pupil Referral Units.
READ MORE:
The pair decided to set up their own community interest company after finding that there was so little provision and opportunity for vulnerable young people once they were excluded from school.
The group aims to use practical action and support to provide an alternative path for young people with few options and often involved in crime and gangs.
At Stretford Mall, David and his co-founder, Jaden (a top level martial arts professional) wanted to create a safe space for the young people taking part in the programme.
The space now includes a mixed use martial arts gym, a music studio and a furniture restoration workshop, each providing its own opportunity to learn new life and employment skills.
N:GL works to give a clear path of progression for the young people taking part in their programmes.
The SQ has taken over the former Love Coffee space in the centre of the Mall and will serve hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks from 10-3 Monday to Friday.
The venue is set to be a local hub which can be used for community events, popups and training, and it will provide paid work experience for those using the N:GL programme.
The venue has been given a makeover and has been transformed with reclaimed wood panels, greenery and aims to be a home from home for Stretford residents.
It will even be furnished with items made in N:GL’s upcycling studio with all items available to buy and take home.
David Schofield said: “At N:GL we are committed to helping young people to transform their own lives. We have seen some amazing results on the N:GL programme because it’s based on very practical support and intervention. We’ve been working with young people for a long time and we offer an experienced support network with clear progression and inspiring opportunities.
“We’re thrilled with our new home at the Mall and are already building a fantastic setting – it will all complement each other with the new coffee shop and provide a wonderful new space for the community too.”
Coun Cath Hynes, Trafford council’s deputy leader and executive member for children’s services, said: “This sounds like a fantastic initiative and I am delighted it is to be based in Stretford Mall. Trafford Council is totally committed to supporting young people in all aspects of their lives so this is great news for us.”
James Tootle, head of retail for town centres at developers Bruntwood which co-owns the Mall with the council, added: “We are delighted to be supporting an organisation like N:GL. What David and his team are doing showcases how we can support young people and invest in communities at the same time.”
N:GL was set up by David Schofield and Jaden Irving in 2020 and is now operating from Stretford Mall five days a week.
