A second Young Futures Hub is set to be created in County Durham following a successful funding bid.
Durham County Council has been selected by the government to establish the new hub, following the success of its pilot in Newton Aycliffe.
Building on the work being carried out at the first hub, the new centre will create further opportunities for young people to access joined-up support within their communities.
Through locally designed, partnership-led provision, the programme aims to improve opportunities for young people, support mental health and wellbeing, and help prevent young people from being drawn into crime.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said:
“This is fantastic news for the county’s young people. Young Futures Hubs are about creating positive opportunities and making it easier for young people to access the support they need, when they need it.
“It’s a project that aligns closely with our wider ambitions through Durham Cares and Families First to provide the right help, at the right time, in the right place.
“Being selected for a second hub is a strong endorsement of the partnership work already taking place and our shared commitment to helping children and young people thrive.
“We look forward to working alongside young people, families and partners over the coming months to shape a second hub that reflects local needs and builds on the strengths already present within our communities.”
The location of the new hub will be determined through a co-production process, during which the council will work directly with young people and partner organisations to gather their views on where the hub should be sited to be the most effective.
The additional hub will strengthen the council’s commitment to ensuring that young people have somewhere to go, something to do and someone who cares.
It will bring together youth activities, wellbeing support, skills development, employment opportunities and access to wider services in one connected system of support.
Both hubs will be renamed as Next Chapter, a name which has been chosen by the young people using the Newton Aycliffe Young Futures Hub.
More information about the hubs can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/youngfutureshub
