For some young people, turning 18 can feel like stepping off a cliff edge.
After years of support, friendships and routine activities, many are suddenly expected to move on, despite still needing connection, guidance and a place where they feel they belong.
The Hub in Bromsgrove identified that many young people were not ready to leave its services when they turned 17. With support from a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant the Hub launched a new group designed to provide ongoing social connection, positive activities and peer support for 17-25 year olds.
The grant was awarded to The Hub Bromsgrove at a pivotal time, as the organisation moved into a new building and entered a period of growth and expansion.
Originally planned as a monthly session, demand quickly demonstrated the need for more regular support. The group now meets every week, helping young adults build friendships, tackle social isolation and remain connected to their community.
Alongside supporting young people, the funding has enabled The Hub to open its doors to a wider range of local organisations and community groups.The space is now available at no cost or at a reduced rate to organisations delivering activities that improve wellbeing and strengthen community connections. The Hub has also used the funding to increase awareness of mental health by hosting events that encourage conversations around wellbeing and help residents access local support services.
Recognising the importance of making services easy to access, part of the funding was used to redesign and relaunch The Hub’s website. The new site provides clearer information about available services and signposts residents to local support, making it easier for people to find help when they need it.
The investment has also helped The Hub capture the voices and experiences of young people through a series of professionally produced videos. Featuring young people involved with the organisation, the films offer an authentic insight into the impact of the project’s work and will help parents, funders and the wider community better understand the support available.
Funding has additionally supported the expansion of The Hub’s music provision, enabling the purchase of new equipment and increasing the number of young people who can access free music tuition.The enhanced programme allows more young people to learn instruments, develop new skills, express themselves creatively and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Sarah McIntosh director at The Hub Bromsgrove said: “This funding arrived at exactly the right time for us. As we expanded into a new building, it gave us the opportunity not only to grow our services but also to respond to emerging needs within the community.
“The young adults’ group has been particularly important, giving people a sense of belonging at a stage in life where many can feel isolated or overlooked. The funding has helped us create opportunities, strengthen partnerships and ensure more people can access support in a welcoming and inclusive environment.”
For more information about The Hub Bromsgrove, visit: www.thehubbromsgrove.org
To find out more about Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Community Fund, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants