Next Chapter Hub opens for care experienced young people

A new safe, welcoming space for care experienced young people to get advice, support and build connections has opened in County Hall, Beverley.

Named by young people – the Next Chapter Hub – provides a safe space for care leavers to connect with East Riding teams for support, as well as their care-experienced peers.

The Hub is equipped with a kitchen and laundry facilities, activities including a pool table and games console, and will also serve as a venue for visits from partner agencies, including health, accommodation providers, the Job Centre, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: “Opening the Next Chapter Hub is about giving young people new chances and real hopes for the future. It’s our promise to walk alongside young people as they move forward, finding their own paths to independence and success.

“The space is welcoming and provides a place to relax, have fun and for young people to connect with their peers. It also offers chances to learn and pick up new skills, support is on hand, and crucially, we will help open doors to jobs, to turn ambitions into reality. Together we will work to make sure every young person feels suppoorted, valued and empowered to do well.”

One of the young people involved in designing the Hub was Summer. She said: “I’m happy it is open and it’s important for independent skills, from cooking and washing to budgeting. The Hub allows young people to get support as the grow into their adult life. My favourite part is the community here.”

The Next Chapter Hub is part of East Riding’s pledge to care experienced young people which launched earlier in November – National Care Leavers Month.

Watch the video of the Hub opening and hear more about what it has to offer: https://youtu.be/BQVqrLdeVZg

Find out more about support available to care leavers: eryc.link/leavingcare