A HOMELESSNESS charity re-launched their youth hub at Chelmsley Wood Library last week.
The Deputy Mayor, Coun Ken Meeson, and Solihull Council’s cabinet member for Housing, Coun Mark Parker, joined staff from St Basils for their relaunch.
Around 20 teams and organisations in Solihull who support young people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness attended the event to hear about the new Hub and what it can offer.
There were also performances from young people who have been supported by St Basils, plus opportunities to network and exchange ideas about how to help our young people.
Comissioned by Solihull Council, St Basils Youth Hub plays a crucial role in the council’s efforts to support young people aged 16 – 25, who are either homeless or who are at risk of homelessness.
The hub was originally piloted in 2018 and has helped hundreds of young people back into permanent housing by offering housing advice and providing essential housing support.
With the relaunch, the hub has now moved to Chelmsley Wood Library in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and provides a drop-in service, making it more accessible and ‘normal’ for young people facing the trauma of homelessness to get help.
The new hub will provide lots of support in a welcoming space with friendly staff and resources tailored especially for younger people, to help prevent them from becoming, or remaining, homeless.
Deputy Mayor Coun Ken Meeson said: “Having spent most of my life involved in young people’s organisations, I am delighted to welcome the St Basils Solihull Youth Hub to its new home.
“St Basils does tremendous work in tackling homelessness and the accessibility of this new hub will ensure that they will be able to help many more youngsters. Welcome to Chelmsley Wood Library.”
Mark Kwabia team leader at St Basils Solihull Youth Hub said: “We want everyone who comes in to feel comfortable seeking advice and support.
“But it’s not just a change of address.
“We’re doing more than ever to help, from guiding on housing challenges to preventing homelessness.
“We know young people have unique needs so our hub is designed to give advice and support that makes sense to them, making their housing journey easier.”
Solihull Council’s cabinet member for housing, Coun Mark Parker, added: “ The new hub is an excellent example of the crucial partnership between the council and St Basils in tackling homelessness and focussing on the root causes of it.
“This is particularly important for young people because of the impact that homelessness can have on their health, wellbeing and development as they transition to independence.”
Contact [email protected] for more information.
