Two St Albans women have set up a new youth cafe in the city in a bid to bring different ethnic cultures together.

Henna Khan and Radia Bakhti are keen to reach out to young people aged between 13 and 19 years and give them a place to relax, socialise and enjoy themselves at the youth club based in Cunningham Hub, Cell Barnes Lane.

The pair came up with the idea after being heavily involved in Faith and Culture Enterprise (Face) where Ms Khan is now the chairman.

Ms Khan of Burnham Road, said: "We want to bring different cultures together, figures and research suggest numbers of young people from ethnic backgrounds who attend youth clubs are low.

"This is going to be something new and something different. It will provide a place for them to relax, have a coffee as well as having fun with games and a football table."

After demographic research, the pair realised Cell Barnes Lane was a great place to attract families from ethnic minorities.

They have also completed online surveys and studies to ensure they know what young people want from a youth club facility.

Initially it was a group of four who developed research, including Radia’s sister Noura and Daoud Khalil, who are now working abroad.

To add a formal touch the youth cafe will also provide CV writing workshops.

Ms Khan, who is studying a social care masters at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "I don’t think there is enough to do for young people in ST Albans and if there is, I don’t really know about it.

"Young people could do with support to keep them busy and keep them off the streets. We should be keeping them out of trouble.

"This project has taken up a lot of my personal time, just over a year now. But it is worth it and my dream is finally becoming a reality. We are getting closer to where we want to be."

St Albans Youth Cafe will officially launch next month and is being funded by a £3,000 Better Communities grant.

It will be open every Tuesday evening at the hall in the Cunningham Hub, Cell Barnes Lane between 6 and 9pm.

The pair are also looking for volunteers and support workers.

For more information contact St Albans District Volunteer Centre on 01727 852657 or e-mail volunteering@cvsstalbans.org.uk or visit www.cvsstalbans.org.uk