Dozens of youth hubs have closed over the years – but what council-operated provisions are currently available to the youth of Birmingham today?
Birmingham City Council is in charge of multiple centres across the city(Image: Alexander Brock.)
Youth centres have been the heart and soul of many generations of Brummies – with organised youth groups beginning in the early 20th century.
In Birmingham, there has been a demise in youth facilities over the last few decades as centres have been lost, leaving young people without access to vital services.
Today, Birmingham City Council runs council-operated youth services from 13 youth centres across Birmingham, with a fourteenth due to open as part of a government initiative in August.
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Operational youth hubs in Birmingham:
- Concord Youth Centre, Sparkbrook
- E R Mason Youth Centre, Attwood Green
- Lozells Recreation Group, Lozells
- Shard End Youth Centre, Shard End
- The Factory, Longbridge
- The Lighthouse, Aston
BirminghamLive understands district youth teams are based at four of the Council’s youth centres – Concord, The Factory, The Lighthouse and Shard End – who are also responsible for delivering services at the local centres in Birmingham.
Two youth work sessions per week are currently delivered at the following sites:
- Clifton Road Youth Centre, Sutton Coldfield
- Maypole Centre, Maypole
- Naseby Centre, Alum Rock
- Small Heath Youth Centre, Small Heath
- Soho Youth Projects, Winson Green
- The Vibe, South Yardley
- Three Estate Youth Work Project Shop, Kings Norton
It is understood there are plans to transfer the Naseby Centre and Clifton Road Youth Centre buildings to a third-sector organisation, which will deliver additional services, alongside existing Youth Service sessions.
Oakland’s Young People’s Centre in Handsworth is part of the Hamilton School redevelopment, and therefore is not currently operational as a youth centre, it is understood.
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The Youth Service is continuing to deliver outreach youth work on the Soho Road on Fridays.
Kitts Green’s The Pump youth facility is also operational but it is now being run by The Pump Trust, a charity at the heart of East Birmingham focusing on supporting the development of all young people.
A new Young Futures Hub will also be opening on Cannon Street in August of this year, as part of a government wide initiative.
Currently, the new facility, dedicated to providing services across mental health and wellbeing, employment and crime prevention, is open at the Library of Birmingham – but it will be moving very soon.
Do you have any fond memories from visiting youth centres in Birmingham you’d like to share? If so get in touch on hannah.ahmed@reachplc.com