Oldham has been selected to join the Government's Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme, with funding allocated for two hubs in the borough.
The hubs will bring together support, activities and opportunities in communities across Oldham, making it easier for young people to access the help they need in one place.
What services will the hubs offer?
Services brought together at the hubs could include youth services, mental health and wellbeing support, skills and training, routes into employment, sports and creative activities, as well as support for young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.
The hubs are designed for young people aged 10 to 18, with services extending to age 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Young people to shape the hubs
A key part of the programme will be involving young people themselves in shaping the two Oldham hubs.
Oldham Council has secured an initial £100,000 to begin the planning and co-creation stage. This funding will support work with young people and partners to review existing youth services, identify improvements and develop an approach that responds to needs across the borough.
Jodie Barber, Assistant Director of Youth and Communities at Oldham Council, said: "We're delighted that Oldham has been selected to join the Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme, recognising both the opportunities and ambitions we have for young people across our borough."
She added: "What makes this programme particularly exciting is that it will be shaped by young people themselves. We want the two Young Futures Hubs in Oldham to reflect the aspirations, experiences and needs of our young residents, and we'll be working closely with them, alongside our partners, to co-design a service that is accessible, inclusive and genuinely responsive to local needs."
Next steps
Planning and co-creation work will now begin across Oldham, with further funding available to help deliver the hubs and strengthen youth services.
