Wirral Council has recently opened Our Space, a dedicated hub offering support to young people with care experience. The hub- which is based in a building the council are leasing from charity the Callister Trust- was co-developed with young people, giving them a place of their own where they can feel safe and access a wide range of services. There is a multi-functional activity space where young people can play pool or perform on a small stage, with a sewing room where young people can create or upcycle new clothes. Regular group activities are held from the hub, including a weekly social evening and a ‘Tea at the Hub’ session where PAs cook a meal for young people. There are also private spaces where young people can access a counselling service in confidence, without having to go to a clinical setting. Our Space also has a kitchen and washing machine amenities, with a shop on site where young people can pay whatever they can afford, with hygiene products, fruit and vegetables available for free. The money made in the shop is re-diverted back to the hub. Our Space also has a popular weekly Stay and Play group for care experienced young parents, who may feel apprehensive around attending traditional groups in children’s centres or playgroups. The Group is attended by PAs, youth workers and the Lifelong Learning team and the parents have developed strong friendships and peer support circles outside of the hub.
Our Space works closely with the local college and Department for Work and Pensions, and it also has its own bespoke care leaver employability programme called Get Real, supporting young people through a staged approach of skills development to work experience to employment. Wirral Council pay the young person’s wages to the employer for the first six months employment. Other support delivered from the Hub include a sexual health service and visits from the council’s social housing team, who advise on accommodation options and property bidding. With PAs and duty teams on site, Our Space makes it easier for young people to navigate and engage with a range of key services from one place, rather than having to go from service to service. The model in the Wirral has been particularly successful, with other local authorities seeking to follow suit.