A major new youth hub has officially opened at 11 Cannon Street, providing a dedicated space designed with and for young people.
Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Young Futures Hub offers an inclusive, welcoming environment for young people aged 10 to 18, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Developed with direct input from young people, the refurbished ground floor and basement spaces feature flexible activity areas, meeting rooms and IT facilities, reflecting what young people said they wanted from a modern youth space.
Bringing support, advice and opportunities together under one roof, the space provides a safe, youth-led environment where young people can build confidence, develop skills, improve their wellbeing and connect with youth workers . Operating on an open-door basis, it makes it easier for young people to access support when they need it, while digital pathways will help extend Cannon Street’s reach beyond its physical location.
Cannon Street already hosts a growing network of partners, including Pause, Aquarius, the Virtual School, Careers Service, Department for Work and Pensions and the Serious Youth Violence Team, enabling young people to access a wide range of services in one convenient location.
The opening marks an important moment in Birmingham's Year for Children and Young People, a city-wide celebration that puts children and young people centre stage by amplifying their voices, championing their rights and showcasing the projects, services and partnerships making a difference across the city every day. Plans are also already underway for a second Young Futures Hub in Shard End to support young people
Young people visiting Cannon Street can access:
Mental health and wellbeing support
Careers guidance and employment support
Skills-building and volunteering opportunities
Youth workers and specialist support services
Information, advice and guidance in a safe and welcoming environment
Councillor Kamel Hawwash, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said:
"The Young Futures Hub is much more than a building. It's a place where young people can feel safe, supported and inspired. Whether they need advice, want to improve their wellbeing, gain new skills or simply have somewhere welcoming to spend time, this hub has been designed around their needs.
"As we begin Birmingham's Year for Children and Young People, it is fitting that one of our first major milestones is opening a space that demonstrates our commitment to listening to young people and investing in their future."
The Young Futures Hub is open Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 6pm, at 11 Cannon Street, Birmingham B2 5EN, with outreach youth work also taking place in the city centre on Thursday and Friday evenings. Young people can drop in during opening hours to meet youth workers, access support and explore opportunities available across Birmingham.
