Youth Hub Launched at YMCA West Bromwich

2 February 2024

Department for Work and Pensions today launched their Sandwell Youth Hub, in partnership with Sandwell Council and YMCA Black Country Group at YMCA’s West Bromwich site in Carters Green. The Sandwell Youth Hub works with young people aged 18-24, who are referred by the Jobcentre to overcome barriers they may be facing that are preventing them from accessing employment, training or education.

Louise Kumar, Head of Community & Business Development for YMCA Black Country Group said “The launch of Sandwell Youth Hub marks the start of a formidable partnership with the DWP, to support young people in our locality to reach their full potential. Our mission is that everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become, in order to raise their aspirations”

Youth Hubs are not contained within Jobcentres, in order to provide a less formal environment and encourage young people to open up about their concerns and challenges facing access to employment. They bring together partners to join up local employment and training services in one place to allow young people easy access to the opportunities available.

Sue Macpherson, Senior Operations Leader and Clair Ricketts, Jobcentre Leader from the Department for Work and Pensions are both passionate advocates in their support and promotion of young people; helping them move closer, and into the jobs market. They were both present at the recent opening of the Sandwell Youth Hub and shared their excitement with their partners, the YMCA and Sandwell Local Authority.

Young people engaged with the Youth Hub were invited to the launch, along with a number of key employers, partners and training providers, to meet and discuss their prospects and aspirations.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Supporting Sandwell’s young people into education, training or meaningful employment is vital as it enables individuals to fulfil their potential and get on in life. We are proud to support and be involved in initiatives such as this to ensure that those young people facing obstacles are assisted and not disadvantaged or left behind at this pivotal point in their lives.”

Steve Bavington, CEO of YMCA Black Country Group said “It was exciting to be at the Youth Hub Launch; the possibilities for what it will mean for young people are huge. The future of how we can develop our services to further support young people in Sandwell and the wider Black Country area is bright and we’re delighted to be leading that along with our partners.”

Young people looking access this service can be referred through Job Centre Work Coaches. For more information please contact Jay Pyatt at james.pyatt@ymcabc.org.uk or call 0121 524 1950.