94%
of children and young people surveyed said they enjoyed taking part in our programs.
86%
of children and young people who took part were doing better emotionally, including improved confidence, resilience and motivation.
81%
of children and young people who took part had a meaningful positive improvement on their wellbeing as a result.
43
volunteer opportunities were created for people to share their lived experience.
105
people were signposted to other services that could help them through the 19 partners we worked with.
Stories from our community
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When me and my daughter first came to the craft drop-in, she was very quiet. She barely spoke any English, and I could tell she was nervous. She spent the whole session just cutting up bits of Play-Doh, not really joining in. But the team was so kind. One of the assistants sat with her, helping her shape the Play-Doh into little food items. I could see they were making her feel welcome, and that meant a lot.
The next week, she wanted to go back. That’s when I told the team a bit more about our story. We had just arrived from Ukraine. My daughter had seen some bad things from the war. I didn’t know how it had affected her, and I was scared about how that might affect her long term.
But we kept going to the sessions. Slowly, she started communicating more, even picking up some new English words. She seemed more at ease, and the team got to know her. Then, something I never expected happened—she wanted to join the youth theatre for their Christmas lantern parade performance.
Seeing her perform in the parade, smiling and confident, brought tears to my eyes. She was finding her voice again. This place gave her a safe space to heal, to grow, and to be a child again. For that, I am truly grateful.
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When my daughter and I found the creative hub, it felt like a small relief. As a single mum with little money, it’s hard to find things for her to do after school—most clubs cost more than I can afford. So, when I found out the hub activities were free, I was thrilled.
My daughter loved all the arts sessions, when she heard about the half-term costume-making activities, she wanted to join. I was so grateful—it didn’t just give her something fun to do for the week, but they also provided lunch, which helped us a lot.
At the start of the half term programme, she filled out a well-being survey, and the team told me that her score was quite low. I hadn’t realised she was struggling so much. We talked about ways they could help, and they suggested different options for support.
She then joined the weekly youth theatre, which she really enjoys. That’s when the team told me about their youth counselling service. They even offered a bursary so that money wouldn’t be such a barrier.
Now, she’s going to weekly counselling at the hub, and I’ve noticed a real difference in her. She seems lighter, happier—like a weight has been lifted. I can’t express how much this place has helped us. It’s more than just activities—it’s a community that truly cares.
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