A new community space supporting children, young people and families in Stourport‑on‑Severn has officially opened its doors.
The Younity Youth and Family Hub, based in The Walshes, held a celebratory opening event on Friday, (20 February) attended by partners, families, youth workers and local residents.
The hub, supported through a Worcestershire County Council Public Health Community Grant, offers a welcoming environment where children, young people and families can play, learn and connect.
Early feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
One parent shared: “This is just brilliant. My children are counting down the minutes until they can come. There’s nothing else like this around here, and it’s a safe place with staff I trust.”
Hayley Duffen, Younity Manager, said: “It’s been wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate the opening. For us, it’s all about community, creating a supportive, friendly space where young people feel they belong. They’ve loved using the hub so far and can’t wait to come back. It’s been amazing to see the impact already.
“If you would like to support our work, partner with us, or make a donation to help keep provision running, please get in touch at info@ayos.org.uk. Every contribution, big or small, helps us make a lasting difference.”
The team has ambitious plans to expand their offer, with ideas shaped directly by children, parents and the local school. Upcoming activities include a community colour run, clean up days, CV writing support, a study zone, homework help, digital drop ins, come and play sessions, and more.
Younity staff are trained and supported to gain youth work qualifications, and the hub also works closely with partners to deliver outreach sessions, arts and crafts, and skills based workshops.
Tracey, a new member of the team, described the enthusiasm from young people: “One child ran in saying, ‘Oh no, I slept through my alarm — I didn’t want to miss a minute!’ It shows just how much this place means to them.”
The hub is already attracting between 10 and 25 young people each day, quickly becoming a valued part of the community.
Councillor Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Spaces like Younity are vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities. They give children and young people a safe place to grow, connect and feel supported, and they strengthen the fabric of local neighbourhoods. It’s inspiring to see a project built with the community, for the community, and we’re proud to support it through our Community Wellbeing Grants.”
For more information about Public Health Community Grants, visit the dedicated pages of the County Council website.
For more on Younity, you can find them on Facebook.
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