A NEW shop that helps young people develop their work skills has opened in Dovercourt.
The Lighthouse Sports and Social Hub, in Lower Marine Parade, has opened a new Sweet Shack selling doughnuts, slushies, candy floss, beach toys and crabbing equipment.
It will be open throughout the summer holidays from 10am to 5pm, helping young people to build their confidence and developing work experience.
A spokesperson for Faces CIC, which runs the social hub, said the new business is part of the organisation's Teen Time Pathways programme.
She said: "While Sweet Shack is a fun new addition to the seafront, it’s about much more than sweet treats.
"Our new programme helps local young people build confidence, develop employability skills and gain real workplace experience.
"Young people begin by meeting with one of our youth support workers to explore their goals and aspirations before progressing through volunteering, learning new skills and into paid employment with ongoing mentoring.
"Sweet Shack is the next step in that journey, giving young people the chance to put those skills into practice in a real working environment.
"Every purchase made helps us continue investing in opportunities for local young people and supporting our wider community."
The Lighthouse is also home to the Teen Time Saturday Youth Club which runs every Saturday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Both the Teen Time Pathways are funded through Essex and Kent Police Community Safety Development Fund and the Harwich Haven Authority Community Fund, managed by the Essex Community Foundation.
"This funding enables us to provide a safe, welcoming environment where local young people can build confidence, develop new skills and access positive opportunities," the spokesperson continued.
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