The initial phase of youth hubs designed to provide support for employment and overall well-being is set to launch across England.
Eight young futures hubs will be established in regions experiencing significant anti-social behavior, including cities such as Bristol, Nottingham, and Leeds.
The primary objective of these centers is to assist individuals aged up to 18 by offering guidance on employment, health, and well-being, while also working to deter them from engaging in criminal activities.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized that these hubs represent more than just physical structures, stating that they reflect the government’s commitment to investing in the future of young people.
„The closure of over 1,000 youth centres since 2010 didn’t just take away facilities, it took away community, connection and opportunity for a generation. We are determined to rebuild that,“ Nandy remarked.
She further explained, „What makes them different is that we’re joining things up – wellbeing support, crime prevention, work coaches, youth services, all in one place.“ Nandy added, „We’re making sure teenagers have somewhere to go, someone to talk to and a real chance to thrive.“
In total, the government plans to open 50 centers nationwide, with the first wave also including locations in:
- Birmingham
- Brighton and Hove
- County Durham
- Manchester
- Tower Hamlets
Young individuals aged between 10 and 18, as well as those with special educational needs and disabilities up to the age of 25, will have access to services provided at these youth centers.
This initiative coincides with the government’s forthcoming efforts to address knife crime.
Ministers aim to reduce knife crime by 50% over the next decade through a strategy known as Protecting Lives, Building Hope.
Sarah Jones, the policing minister, stated, „Knife crime devastates lives. Behind every statistic is a child who didn’t make it home, a family whose world has been shattered, and a community left with fear. This Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.“
Jones added, „We will roll out young futures hubs in crime hotspots across the country to divert young people from violence, cut crime and protect communities.“
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Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Benjamin Davies auf Unsplash
