County Durham to get second Young Futures Hub after success

Durham County Council will develop the new hub after its Newton Aycliffe pilot succeeded.

The hubs will offer youth activities, wellbeing support, skills training, jobs and wider services while helping steer young people away from crime.

Councillor Cathy Hunt, cabinet member for children and young people’s services at Durham County Council, said: "This is fantastic news for the county’s young people.

Another Young Futures Hub is set to be created in County Durham following a successful bid for funding (Image: Supplied)

"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 council will work with young people and partner organisations to choose the most effective location for the new hub.

The hub will support the council’s aim to give young people “somewhere to go, something to do, and someone who cares.”

Services will include youth activities, wellbeing support, skills training, jobs and access to wider services.

Both hubs will be renamed Next Chapter, a name chosen by young people at the Newton Aycliffe hub.

Full details about the hubs and their services are available at www.durham.gov.uk/youngfutureshub.

The location of the second hub will be determined through a co-production process, during which the council will work directly with young people and partner organisations.