Coventry Building Society and youth homelessness charity Centrepoint have joined forces with us to open a one-stop youth hub for young people facing homelessness in Coventry.
Staff from the Council and other agencies will also operate from the venue to help single young people between 18 to 24 access a range of support in one place.
The Youth Hub is based at Harp Place on Sandy Lane, CV1 4DX and is open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. It will offer support services for any single young person or couple without children. The centre is accessible via appointment only.
The hub was opened by Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities in Coventry City Council. Guests in attendance included Councillor Pat Seaman, Cabinet member for Children’s Services and West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor Andy Street.
The Hub will offer young people in crisis a safe space to get support and advice on housing, benefits, education and training. This support will be provided by St Basils, the Council’s housing and children’s services and partners including Haven, the Probation service, MIND and Positive Choices.
New research from Centrepoint reveals that 13,700 young people faced homelessness in the West Midlands between April 2022 and March 2023.
During that time in Coventry, 1,945 young people reached out to the Council for help – an increase of 17 per cent on the previous financial year, underlining the need for more support services like the hub.
The youth hub is central part of Coventry Building Society’s three-year multi-million pound partnership with national youth homelessness charity Centrepoint.
Kip, a young person who benefitted from St Basils, commented on the issues facing young people and why this provision will invaluable: “I am so happy that there is going to be a youth hub in Coventry. Before I was safely housed and supported by St Basils, I was having to retell my story to so many different people and organisations, which is beyond exhausting and upsetting. It would have been so much easier if I only had to tell my story once, and not constantly have to constantly relive my past and be extremely vulnerable to strangers. This is going to be so useful to young people who need support at a crucial time in their lives. I’m grateful that other young people can now access a single service to help take over the massive burden of navigating the housing system by yourself, so they can concentrate on their wellbeing and building themselves up again, with support from an organisation who believes in them.”
Seyi Obakin, Chief Executive at Centrepoint, said: “Almost 136,000 young people faced homelessness last year – this is a shocking figure, but only accounts for those who have reached out to their council for help. Many young people don’t know where to turn for support or what their options are, which is why dedicated hubs like this one, connecting vulnerable young people to a range of holistic services, are so sorely needed not just here but everywhere.
“It is a real privilege to stand here today knowing not only what difference it will make in the future but also the amount of hard work from Coventry Building Society and St Basils have put into getting us over the line. It’s this sort of partnership working, where expertise and resources are pooled together, that we need to see more of if we want to end youth homelessness for good.”
Jean Templeton, Chief Executive at St Basils, said: “We are delighted to be part of this multi-agency partnership providing the opportunity for young people in Coventry to have one place to go when they need assistance with their housing situation, where support is wrapped around them.
“It would not have been possible without the commitment and support from Coventry Building Society, Centrepoint, Coventry City Council and Cameron Homes who have helped us to make the Hub as welcoming and accessible as possible. We look forward to welcoming young people to the Hub.”
Steve Hughes, Chief Executive at Coventry Building Society: “We’re proud to be part of something that’s tackling the issue of youth homelessness in our home city. Coventry Building Society is making a difference nationally through our partnership with Centrepoint, but it’s through the Youth Hub that we’ll see vital support delivered by our partners and bringing positive changes for young people at risk of homelessness in Coventry.
“The Hub is a vital addition to the support St Basils, the Council and other local organisations can provide, and we have to thank our network of suppliers who have rapidly transformed this space, often at no cost, into a positive and inspiring place for young people to use.”
Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing for the Council, said: “Partnership working is crucial to tackling the housing crisis and I’m delighted that Coventry Building Society, St Basil’s and Centrepoint are working together in such a positive way. It’s this joint working that really makes the difference and sets us apart from anywhere else.
“I have been very impressed by what I have seen, and I am sure the hub will be a big success, making a real difference to the people who use it.”
Cllr Pat Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added: “When you see that almost 2000 young people reached out for help – an increase of nearly 20% – to the Council, between April 2022 and March 2023 you can see how important this Hub is.
“I’m really delighted to see the Hub opening. Lots of credit needs to go to all those organisations who have played a part in making it happen and will continue to in the future.”