Sandwell Council’s Youth Service has launched a number of warm hubs for young people during National Youth Work Week, which runs between 6-12 November.

Young people aged 11-19 and up to 25 with additional needs can access the warm hubs at their local youth provision, during normal opening times.

The warm hubs will be safe and welcoming spaces, accessible and open regularly and facilitated by qualified and experienced youth workers and volunteers.

Depending on facilities at each hub young people will be able to get a hot drink, a snack or even be able to rustle up a hot meal. oung people’s warm hubs will provide opportunities to take part in positive activities, the chance to make new friends and advice and support from youth workers with referrals to more specialist services if required. 

Councillor Simon Hackett, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education helped serve young people hot drinks at the launch of Sandwell’s young people’s warm hubs. He said:

“Young people are always given a warm welcome at any of our youth sessions and I am pleased they will now be offered a warm drink and a snack each time they visit. Where facilities allow they will be able to learn to cook and share meals.

“It’s great to see young people gaining food hygiene knowledge and qualifications as well as helping staff to serve hot drinks. The qualifications and experience will also serve the young people well when they are looking for work and future opportunities.

“The ongoing cost of living emergency is placing huge financial pressures on families in Sandwell so warm hubs for young people provide a place to visit where they can be safe and warm. Young people are very aware of the challenges affecting our communities and have come up with this initiative to support others.”

Warm hubs are available at the following locations:

• Brickhouse Youth Club - Brickhouse Community Centre, Dudhill Road, B65 8HS, open Monday and Wednesday between 6 – 8pm
• Coneygre Arts Centre - Coneygre Arts Centre, Sedgley Road East, Tipton, DY4 8UH, open Monday – Thursday between 5 – 8pm
• Tanhouse Youth Club - Tanhouse Community Centre, Hamstead Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 5EL, open Tuesday and Thursday 6 – 8pm
• Wednesbury Youth Club - Wednesbury Library, Walsall Street, Wednesbury, WS10 9EH, open Monday and Wednesday, 6 – 8pm

More sites for young people are expected to be added in the New Year. Staff and young people have all undertaken a level 2 qualification in Food and Hygiene at each hub.

The Youth Service is calling on local businesses who would like to adopt a warm hub and support them with regular supplies, to get in touch, helping  o provide this offer year-round to young people.