A new hub for young people is now open in Sunderland, bringing a range of services together to create a welcoming and safe space.

Based in the Stanfield Centre, in Hendon, the hub has been designed for care-experienced young people and those supported by the Youth Drug and Alcohol Project (YDAP) and Targeted Youth Services.

It brings together services and facilities to help young people build confidence, develop life skills, meet socially and access the advice and opportunities needed to move towards independence.

The space offers a range of facilities including cooking equipment and internet access as well as comfortable spaces where young people can meet and socialise.

Iain Kirkup, strategic service manager of residential and care-experienced services at Together For Children, and Councillor Elouise Redmayne, deputy cabinet member for children's services, education and social mobility at Sunderland City Council, are pictured alongside some of the young people who use the hub.

placeholder image — Iain Kirkup, strategic service manager of residential and care-experienced services at Together For Children, and Councillor Elouise Redmayne, deputy cabinet member for children's services, education and social mobility at Sunderland City Council, are pictured alongside some of the young people who use the hub.

Building on the support already delivered by Together for Children’s Next Steps team at the Stanfield Centre, the hub will bring together a range of partner organisations to provide housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing support.

Helen Monks, director of children's social care at Together for Children, said: "Together for Children already provides a wide range of support for care-experienced young people through our Next Steps team, wider services and partner organisations.

"This ranges from help with everyday life, such as free gym membership, to support with driving lessons, essential household items, attending medical appointments, completing official forms, securing housing and accessing financial assistance for education and training.

"However, we wanted to create a space that young people could truly call their own.

The young people came along to take part in activities during the launch of the new young person's hub at the Stanfield Centre.

"The hub has been designed to be flexible, giving young people somewhere they can use in whatever way works best for them – whether that's meeting their personal advisors, accessing support, meeting friends, studying, developing life skills, meeting a professional about support they need or simply spending time in a safe and welcoming environment.”

The hub has been funded by the government’s Better Youth Spaces fund and developed by Next Steps, Sunderland City Council’s Leaving Care team and YDAP.

Councillor Carol Giles, Sunderland City Council's cabinet member for children’s services, education and social mobility, said: "We want every care experienced young person in Sunderland to have the support, opportunities and encouragement they need to fulfil their potential.

"This new young person’s hub provides a welcoming space where young people can access practical help, meet with support services, connect with friends and build the skills and confidence they need for independent living.”