New youth hubs to support young people in Cornwall
Cornwall Council secures £1.5m funding for youth services
Young people across Cornwall are set to benefit from two new youth hubs following Cornwall Council's successful bid for government funding of up to £1.5 million.
The initiative, named Young Futures Hubs, aims to connect young people directly to the services addressing their most pressing challenges.
With a focus on providing access to trained youth workers, the hubs will offer one-to-one support, group activities, mental health support, skills and training, employment pathways, and crime prevention.
Designed for young people aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the hubs will enable individuals to receive help without having to repeat their story across different services in various locations.
These hubs are anticipated to open in April 2027, with the locations still to be determined, focusing on areas with high concentrations of young people in need.
Gabriel, Chair of Cornwall Youth Council, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, saying they are eager for young people to have a voice in co-designing the hubs, ensuring they reflect the community's needs and addressing rural isolation issues often faced by Cornwall's youth.
Councillor Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, highlighted the importance of providing safe spaces for young people to build confidence, develop skills, and access necessary support.
This investment forms part of the government's National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, expanding on successful models from cities like Manchester and Bristol.