Running one Sunday a month from 30 October to 1 April between 10am and 5pm, the Youth Arts Café is for young people aged 11–18 years with an interest in drama, arts and performance.

The first Sunday is a launch event and the Youth Arts Café will open its doors as a drop-in day for residents, children and young people, and local businesses who want to find out more.

The Youth Arts Café will have a programme of events covering animation, fashion, arts and crafts, film, drama and documentary making. Snacks and hot and cold drinks will be available.

Essex County Councillor Stephen Castle, Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games said: “This is an example of the Big Society at its best. HENs has already won an award in recognition for its work in the community and by working with Essex County Council to open the Hermit Club on a Sunday it is prepared to continue sharing its skills and expertise with our young people. It is a very exciting venture and I wish it every success.”

Natalie from HENs said: “We have dreamt of running an arts café and think that the Hermit will make a great venue. We run lots of workshops in and around Essex and have great feedback from young people and their parents so we just hope we get young people coming along.”

The Youth Arts Café is open on the following Sundays: 30 October, 27 November, 18 December, 15 January, 29 January, 12 February, 26 February, 11 March, 25 March and 1 April.