If you’re a young person in Greater Manchester, you know the vibe. Sometimes you need a safe space to chill, sometimes you need advice on your next move, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to who actually gets it.
Well, that support is officially landing right on your doorstep.
Today, at the Moss Side Powerhouse, the government announced a massive expansion of the Young Futures Hubs programme. We’re talking 42 new hubs across England, building on the 8 already up and running. And the best part? This isn’t just another youth club, it’s a total upgrade for how our city backs its young people.
The announcement was made right here at the Manchester Young Futures Hub at the Powerhouse,. Unity Radio Academy graduate Megan, reporting for Primetime, caught up with the New Minister for Young People, Vicky Foxcroft, to see the difference it’s already making.
She said: “By co-creating every Young Futures Hub with young people, we are ensuring they are the architects of their own future.”
And that’s the key takeaway. This isn’t a top-down decision. The government spoke to 14,000 young people to build the National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters. The message was loud and clear: young people need somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to.
So, what actually is a Young Futures Hub?
Think of it as a one-stop shop for your future. While traditional youth clubs are great for hanging out, these hubs are designed to tackle the real stuff you’re facing today—from mental health and unemployment to serious violence.
Here is what’s on offer:
Mental Health Support: Real help when you need it, without the long wait.
Skills & Training: Routes into employment and enterprise schemes to get your career started.
Sports & Creative Activities: Because you need somewhere to express yourself and have fun.
Crime Prevention: Keeping our communities safe and offering alternatives.
The goal is to stop you having to repeat your story to a different service every time you need help. At a Young Futures Hub, the services work together so you get seamless, holistic support. Whether you’re 10 or 18 (or up to 25 if you have SEND), this is about you.
The Bigger Picture
This is part of a massive £500 million investment in youth services over the next decade. Alongside the Hubs, there’s also £132 million going into the ‘Every Child Can’ programme for weekend and holiday activities, and funding for Enrichment Expansion in schools.
Secretary of State Lisa Nandy said: “It is a symbol of this government wrapping their arms around young people, telling them we believe in their generation and that we know they can succeed.”
Get Involved
If you’re in the local area, the Moss Side Powerhouse is already open. Whether you need help with a CV, want to join a sports session, or just need a safe place to be, the doors are open.
To find out more about what’s on offer at the Manchester Young Futures Hub and how to get involved, keep it locked to Unity Radio and follow us on inst @unityradiofm
