New Young Futures youth hub opens on Cannon Street

Birmingham has opened a new permanent youth hub in the heart of the city centre, giving young people a bright, welcoming place to meet friends, study and get expert help with planning their futures.

The Birmingham Youth Service hub, at 11 Cannon Street, opened on Monday as part of the government's Young Futures Hubs programme. It is for young people aged 10 to 18, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

One of the first in the country

The national programme aims to build a network of up to 50 Young Futures Hubs by March 2029, bringing services together so young people can find support and opportunities in their own communities. Birmingham is one of eight "early adopter" councils chosen to lead the way, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The hub had previously been housed temporarily at the University of Birmingham. Its new home was designed with the help of young people themselves, with bright colours, study rooms, artwork made by young people and spaces to chat and relax. Organisations including St Basils, Aquarius and Pause will offer specialist help there.

"A very proud day"

Councillor Kamel Hawwash, Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for children, young people and families, cut the ribbon. "This is a very proud day for us in Birmingham," he said. "To have this youth hub opening and the promise of a second one in Shard End, it is really brilliant."

"I think the nature of what the young people need is changing, so here they will come and meet people who are experts in their own field to help them plan their future," he said.

He told Birmingham Live that young people "are looking to acquire skills to get employment", and that giving them positive things to do could help steer them away from trouble. "That's not going to completely eradicate all the antisocial behaviour and the crime, but it will go a long way towards helping those we can get to do that as well."

Young people's verdict

Members of the hub's youth board were at the launch. One, aged 17, said: "It may seem so simple, but many young people do not have support. If the support is not at home we will have support here."

Another, also 17, said the hub "will help people to be able to succeed in life because they will be able to socialise with friends and get work done", and would offer mentoring and help reaching other services in the city.

Why it matters

Young people under 25 make up around 40 per cent of Birmingham's population, and like much of the UK, the city has seen youth centres close over the years. A new city centre hub, with a second planned for Shard End, is a welcome step in the other direction.