Young Futures Hub Launches in St Austell

A new support hub for young people aged 16 to 24 has officially opened in St Austell, marking a first for the area.

Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay, launched the constituency’s first Young Futures Hub at the Cornwall Youth Hub in St Austell. The hub has been developed through collaboration between Cornwall Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, following confirmation from Secretary of State Pat McFadden that St Austell would act as a trailblazer location.

During the launch, Noah met staff who will be running the service, along with young people expected to benefit from what is on offer.

Support for young people entering work

The hub is designed to help young people access opportunities and remove barriers to employment. Support is available for those currently receiving benefits and looking for work, as well as those already in employment who want to improve their prospects.

Services will focus on helping individuals overcome challenges linked to employment and education, while also offering routes to learn new skills.

What the hub offers

Young people using the hub will be able to access a range of support, including:

• Careers advice and employability support
• Access to training, apprenticeships and further education
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Financial and housing guidance
• One to one mentoring tailored to individual needs

The Chi Austell Young Futures Hub is one of 50 being introduced across the country. It has been designed locally by young people in Cornwall to create a space that feels welcoming and accessible.

All hubs share three core aims, which are to increase opportunities, improve mental health and wellbeing, and reduce crime.

“Going the extra mile for young people”

Noah Law said:

“Chi Austell has already been a great venue for families through our Labour Government’s Best Start Hub – offering younger children language and emotional development support and stay and play sessions, as part of giving them the best start in life. Now, we’re going the extra mile for young people entering the workforce for the first time, with local-tailored support and career advice.

“With so much opportunity coming about in Cornwall’s most promising industries and employers going the extra mile to find hidden talent, I’d encourage any young people looking for work, or looking to bolster their career, to make good use of the services available.”