A new hub providing help and support for care leavers in Staffordshire has opened in Lichfield.
Located at the Bird Street Offices, The Hive provides a welcoming and safe space where care leavers can meet up, get advice, and access a range of services.
County council staff and young people worked together to clean and decorate the hub, partially furnishing it with items supplied through the Care Leavers Recycle Hub, which makes essential household items available to care leavers free of charge.
Open every Thursday, The Lichfield Hive is available to care leavers from across the county. As well as providing a place to meet, have a meal and connect with others, young people can also join workshops covering topics like independent living, health and fitness, community safety, sexual health and parenting.
Advice on education, learning and work will also be available, including help with writing a CV and information on apprenticeship and employment opportunities. A regular marketplace from items donated from the recycling project will also take place and there are plans to develop a further room to provide art sessions and private additional emotional support.
One care leaver at the launch event said:
“The hive is great and will give care leavers opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise get. It’s genuinely just a great program to be a part of, that will also help young people build new connections and make new friendships.”
Nick Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It is incredibly important that we continue to support our care leavers as they move into adulthood and begin to live independently.
“The Hive provides them with a safe, welcoming and accessible space where they can socialise, build confidence and access practical advice when they need it.
“I'm particularly pleased that young people are playing such a key role in creating the hub themselves, helping to shape a place that reflects their needs and aspirations. This is a fantastic example of how we can work together to deliver meaningful support.”
Another care leaver said:
“A massive thanks to everyone who helped create The Hive. With all your incredible efforts you have made a beautiful centre for young people, families, and staff to feel welcome. It also has some special touches such as Baby Bee’s where young people can bring their children to play and make a community of young parents who support each other through parenthood. The Hive’s message is clear that all are welcome.”
Further information about support for care leavers is available on the Staffordshire County Council website.
