Businesses are being invited to get involved in the provision of a unique new facility for young people serving the city of Stoke-on-Trent.
YMCA North Staffordshire on Harding Road, in Hanley, has received £1.98 million funding to build a two-storey Youth Hub as an extension to its existing headquarters.
The Hub will contain a series of flexible spaces themed around art activities, cooking, digital, gaming and photography.
It will be open to 10 to 16 year-olds and 16 to 24-year-olds with additional needs – and it will be available to other youth groups around the city.
YMCA leaders are issuing a clarion call to business to help them kit out the Youth Hub or act as mentors in one of the activities.
“The funding from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund covers the fabric of the building, not the fit-out,” said Nicky Twemlow, Director of Communities and Partnerships at YMCA North Staffordshire.
“It would be great if businesses would want to sponsor an area within the Youth Hub, or to get involved with mentoring young people in one of the spaces.
“We would also welcome any donations which would help us purchase items such as laptops, digital equipment or air fryers.”
The project has been praised by the National Youth Agency for encouraging active input from young people who have co-designed the spaces.
The emphasis is on creating a positive space which will boost youngsters’ confidence, with numerous opportunities including creative workshops and cooking classes.
“For businesses, sponsoring the Hub would be a chance to support the future of the city by investing in young people,” said Nicky.
“They would see a tangible result from using their social capital to change things.”
The new Youth Hub, to be opened in winter 2024, builds on the existing wide range of youth provision offered by YMCA North Staffordshire.
To sponsor a space at the Youth Hub or make a donation contact Nicky Twemlow at [email protected]. Alternatively phone her on 01782 222376 Ex 212 or 07969 951021.
