New youth hub launches in Rossendale

Young people in Rossendale are set to get further support with employment, training and wellbeing with the launch of a new Department for Work and Pensions Youth Hub.

Based at Futures Park, Bacup, the Youth Hub will provide support for people aged 16 to 24, helping them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to move into work, education or training.

The Youth Hub will be run by Rossendale Borough Council and Active Lancashire’s Rossendale Works programme, with funding from the DWP, alongside support from local partners.

The hub gives young people a place to get practical, one-to-one support to build confidence, develop life and employability skills, and explore volunteering, work experience and other opportunities.

The project launches in early October, with the 12-week development programme running at Futures Park in Bacup on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.

Alongside the Youth Hub, Rossendale Works is working across Rossendale Leisure Trust sites to create further opportunities for young people across the borough. A separate Resilience Hub will also be available at the Adrenaline Centre in Haslingden, supported by £35,000 from Rossendale Borough Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The programme will include sports classes, indoor football and a 12-week resilience course, with support available to people aged over 25.

Rossendale Works is also working with local businesses, wellbeing providers and other partners to create opportunities for residents, including through Pride of Place activity in Edgeside and Staghills and links with Connect to Work and Lancashire Skills Hub.

Rossendale Borough Council Leader, Councillor Alyson Barnes, welcomed the announcement. She said: “We want young people in Rossendale to have the support and opportunities they need to take their next steps, whatever that looks like for them.”

“Finding work or training can often be about much more than simply applying for a job, it’s about having the confidence, support and opportunities to get to that point. Our Youth Hub will provide that support and help connect young people with employers, training and other local services.” 

“This investment is a real opportunity for young people in Rossendale. By working with DWP, Active Lancashire, Burnley College and other partners, we can offer a much wider range of support in places that are accessible to local people.”

“We’re also pleased to be able to offer wider support through the Resilience Hub, making sure there are opportunities available to people at different stages of their working lives. I’d encourage anyone who could benefit from the support to find out more.” 

Paul Becouarn, Community Partnerships Manager at Active Lancashire, added: “We are thrilled to be working with DWP and Rossendale Borough Council on this project for young people.”

“Physical activity has always been a key part of the work we do, and we know that helping people to get active can have a positive impact on confidence, wellbeing and wider outcomes.”

“We have a dedicated team ready to support young people through the Youth Hub and connect them with the opportunities and services that can help them take their next steps.”

The hub is part of the Government’s commitment to deliver a Youth Hub in every local area of Great Britain, building a national network of support for the nearly one million young people not in education, employment or training.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden added: “This new Youth Hub marks a major step forward for young people in, delivering real support and opportunity right here in the community.

"We are determined to bring opportunity to every corner of the country because no matter where you grow up, you deserve the chance to earn, to learn and to get on in life."