£1 million plus youth hub is to be opened in Peterborough to build opportunities for young people

The Young Futures Hubs will be one of 42 opened across the country this year in a bid to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing young people from poor mental health and unemployment, to serious violence.

But organisers say the planned facility for young people aged 10 to 18-years-old will provide open access to sports, creative activities and trusted youth workers and bring together mental health support, skills and training, routes into employment, and crime prevention.

The location for the hub has not been revealed.

But initial funding could hit £1 million with the hub benefitting from about £125,000 of capital funding for refurbishment and digital projects plus up to £300,000 a year to operate.

There will also be further support through the Local Youth Transformation programme to train the local workforce and build partnerships.

The new funding will also help contribute towards Peterborough’s ambitions to establish a Youth Zone on the Embankment.

The action follows the recent opening of the Peterborough Youth Hub at the Weston Homes stadium in London Road for young people aged 16 to 24 – including those not on benefits – so they can access opportunities and wider employment support.

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “This is fantastic news for Peterborough and for our young people.

“A Young Futures Hub in Peterborough will mean somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to, the three things young people have told us they need most.

"Whether it is mental health support, help getting into work or training, or a safe place to spend time with trusted adults, this Hub will bring services together in one welcoming place.

“I have spent my time as MP fighting for better opportunities for Peterborough’s young people, from championing apprenticeships and skills, to campaigning to save community facilities like the Cresset Gym and pushing for investment in family and youth services like our Family Hubs.

"This new Youth Hub is a huge step forward, and I will continue working with the council, schools, employers, the police and our voluntary sector to make sure it delivers real, lasting change for our city.”

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I am delighted that Peterborough is among the local authorities selected to establish a Young Futures Hub as part of the Labour Government’s programme to rebuild youth services and expand opportunity.

“Our young people deserve somewhere to go, something positive to do and someone they can trust.

"The new Hub will help bring together mental health support, skills and training, routes into employment, crime prevention, sport, creative activities and trusted youth workers in a more joined-up way.

"Crucially, it will provide a welcoming place where young people can seek help early, without having to repeat their story to multiple services.

“This investment reflects a prevention-first approach. By listening to young people, strengthening local partnerships and designing support around the realities of their lives, we can help improve wellbeing, build confidence and reduce the risk of young people becoming isolated, unemployed or drawn into harm.

"This is a significant step towards a brighter, healthier and more hopeful future for Peterborough’s young people.”