(Image: Tom Banks)
Young people in Newton Aycliffe are set to benefit from easier access to support, activities and advice following the opening of a dedicated youth hub.
Next Chapter is Durham County Council’s new Young Futures Hub and part of a government pilot programme being rolled out across the country.
Based at the town’s leisure centre, it aims to improve opportunities, mental health and wellbeing for children and teenagers.
The new Next Chapter hub aims to boost opportunities, wellbeing and confidence among young people (Image: Tom Banks)
The centre is open to 10- to 18-year-olds, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and offers group sessions, drop-in activities and places to relax.
Councillor Cathy Hunt, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: "We are so pleased to see Next Chapter open.
"It will be an important lifeline for children and young people in the area and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive benefits it will bring.
Next Chapter will offer support, activities and advice for young people in Newton Aycliffe (Image: Tom Banks)
"We have worked closely with young people throughout the development of the hub, and will continue to do so, to make sure we get their views on what they want Next Chapter to become.
"They were clear that they not only wanted it to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming space where they can speak to trusted adults to get the information they need, but also a place where they can have fun and chill out.
"This is what we have set out to do."
Arts, sports, skills projects and social activities will all be available at the Next Chapter hub (Image: Tom Banks)
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport awarded £2 million to the pilot areas to develop facilities, with a further £4 million from the Local Youth Transformation Fund for youth services.
The hub is part of a government programme being piloted across the country.
It brings youth services under one roof, making support easier to find and access.
Young people celebrate the opening of Next Chapter, Newton Aycliffe's new Young Futures Hub (Image: Tom Banks)
Activities include arts and crafts, sports, volunteering, skills projects and social events such as shared meals.
The programme aims to build young people’s confidence, resilience and sense of belonging.
After Next Chapter’s success, the government has chosen Durham County Council to establish a second Young Futures Hub.
Next Chapter will offer support, activities and advice for young people in Newton Aycliffe (Image: Tom Banks)
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Young people and partner organisations will help choose the new hub’s location.
The approach aims to put the centre where it will have the greatest impact and best meet users’ needs.
The Next Chapter hub is open during leisure centre hours, offering scheduled sessions and drop-in times.