Middlesbrough young people's hub set to support thousands in first year
Changing Lives say they're bringing a wide range of services under one roof
A Teesside charity say they're expecting to support thousands in the first year of its young people's hub.
It provides a safe, inclusive space for young people aged 16–25 to access vital support at a time when homelessness and mental health need among young people remain significantly higher than the national average.
Based at Changing Lives in Middlesborough, the Community Hub has a range of services under one roof in a setting designed around young people's needs. Since opening, the charity says the hub has become an important local resource, offering one-to-one support, workshops and partner-led sessions covering sexual health, recovery connections, employability support, financial advice, community interventions, domestic violence support and wellbeing groups.
The Hub was developed in response to increasing levels of homelessness, deprivation and mental health need among young people in Middlesbrough, where homelessness rates remain significantly higher than the national average.
By bringing a wide range of services together under one roof, the Community Hub aims to reduce stigma around mental health, strengthen social connections and ensure young people can access the right support at the right time. The welcoming, youth-focused environment enables young people to build confidence, resilience and the practical skills needed to move towards independent and stable lives.
Speaking about the early impact of the hub, Shannon Jackson, Senior Support Worker at Changing Lives, said: “The Erimus Young People’s Hub was created to meet a vital need in Middlesbrough: a safe, welcoming, trauma-informed space where young people aged 16–24 can access the support they deserve.
"In just three weeks, engagement from young people and partner organisations has been incredibly strong, showing the value of a collaborative, inclusive approach. By bringing services together under one roof, the hub makes support easier to access, builds trust, and creates a familiar space young people want to return to. With partners already sharing new ideas and energy, this feels like just the beginning of something truly transformative for the community.
Highlighting the importance of partnership working, Holly Busson from Avison Young said: “It is thanks to Lesley Telford that Changing Lives came to our attention; her passion for the charity is infectious. Avison Young are grateful to have had the opportunity to support the new Community Hub, and proud to know that we have helped provide a safe and inclusive space, where the local community can access vital services within our region.”
Support at the Hub is delivered through a collaborative approach, working alongside local partners including housing providers, substance misuse services, domestic abuse specialists and employability organisations. This joined-up model ensures young people receive holistic, wraparound support tailored to their individual circumstances.
The Community Hub supports both residents of Changing Lives’ Young People’s Accommodation project and young people from across Middlesbrough, with the potential to reach between 1,500 and 3,000 young people each year as awareness and partnerships continue to grow.
Changing Lives is now encouraging other organisations and services working with young people aged 16–25 to get involved. Flexible time slots are available for partners to deliver sessions, and the space can also be booked for one-to-one meetings with existing clients.