There’s something special brewing in Swindon — and it’s not just the coffee.
A group of local young people are pouring their energy into something truly worthwhile: a mobile café called Solid Ground, stationed on the Civic Campus next to Clarence House. But this isn’t just a new spot for your morning flat white — it’s a fully-fledged youth development project giving real-world work experience to those supported by Swindon Borough Council’s Youth Justice Service and the SMASH Youth Project.
Open to the public every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm, the café is already drawing praise for its high-quality drinks and freshly prepared food. More than that, it’s helping to turn young lives around, offering hospitality training in a supportive setting and building up confidence, purpose, and practical skills.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the Youth Justice Service to reduce offending and reoffending by investing in early intervention, building resilience and promoting safer choices. And it’s no vanity project either — the young people themselves chose the name, designed the café livery, and continue to shape the day-to-day operations.
One of the young workers, who is supported by SMASH, reflected:
“Since starting at the van, I’ve gained confidence in myself and learnt how to deal better with others. It’s helped me build customer service skills, manage money, and even plan for the future. I feel proud of what we’ve achieved — especially receiving an award for food hygiene.”
The café was sourced and refitted by Swindon Borough Council’s Parks team, with further support from Phoenix Home and Heating, and independent local favourite Darkroom Espresso. The Coffee Lobby provided professional-grade equipment, ensuring everything operates to industry standard. Environmental health, public health, and licensing officers worked together to ensure safety and quality from day one.
The project also received a vital £25,000 funding boost from Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, who visited the café alongside Cllr Jim Robbins and Cllr Emma Bushell to meet the young team.
Mr Wilkinson said:
“This is exactly the sort of proactive initiative that helps keep young people away from crime. Working alongside experienced organisations like SMASH gives them the tools they need to shape a better path.”
Ren Vaughan, a University of Gloucestershire placement student volunteering at the café, added:
“Solid Ground has helped me grow as both a person and a youth worker. It’s a brilliant space where confidence and independence are developed one cup at a time.”
Cllr Paul Dixon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, called the project “a perfect example of the Swindon Plan in action” — delivering opportunity, purpose and progress for all.
