Hammersmith & Fulham Council has opened a one-of-a-kind social hub in Shepherds Bush.
The Care Leavers' Hub – open to all young residents who have experienced life in care in H&F – has been designed to be a home away from home, filled with a mix of useful resources and personal touches.
"It's great to have our hub for care experienced young people officially open," said Cllr Sanderson, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education.
"It's been a project that wouldn't have been possible without their passion and input. It's really exciting to see their hard work come to life."
The space includes a new kitchen, with free-to-use laundry facilities, a group workspace, a meeting room, an art room, and a communal lounge. It is also the new permanent meeting spot for H&F's Children in Care Council.
"The hub is their front room, it's a place for them to meet each other, their friends and social workers, and most importantly, to relax and feel at home," Cllr Sanderson added.
Making the hub their own
The hub fills a previously disused tenants and residents' association meeting space that was transformed by the local young people.
Alongside contractor Kier – who donated their time and resources for free – the hard-working youngsters painted every wall in the hub, including the art room's mural.
"I helped paint the tree and some of the leaves," said Nabil, 22, talking about the mural.
"It took us a week and I hadn't done anything like it before. I come to the hub every month and it's really good to have this space and cool to see my art on the walls. I'm so excited it's open."
Supporting young people
H&F social workers will also be able to use the hub to host talks and workshops with key organisations. Planned sessions include presentations from the NHS, Department of Work and Pensions, and the Job Centre Plus.
"The hub feels so friendly, that's my favourite part," said lifelong local resident Molly, 22.
"There are going to be different professionals coming down from places like the job centre, and I think this is going to be a good opportunity to help young people engage with these services a lot more easily.
I'm excited to see what the hub brings, not only for myself but for other young people in the borough as well."
