A new support service has opened in Luton town centre to help young people find jobs, access training and overcome barriers preventing them from moving into education or employment.
Part of a national government programme to expand youth hubs to more than 360 areas, the aim is to ensure no young person is more than an hour away from one by public transport.
Based at Arndale House, the Luton Youth Hub will provide personalised support for 16 to 24-year-olds, bringing careers advice, job application help, financial guidance, housing support and health services together under one roof.
More than 300 young people are expected to benefit during its first year, although the scale of the challenge across the town is considerably greater.
Nationally, around one in eight 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training (NEET). In Luton, that applies to more than 3,300 young people, who could benefit from targeted support.
The service was officially opened by Dame Sarah Healey, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, alongside Luton MPs Rachel Hopkins and Sarah Owen, Luton Council Leader Councillor Amjid Ali and Councillor Lee Bridgen, Portfolio Holder for Enhancing Skills and Education.
Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins said the town was the first in Bedfordshire to have a youth hub up and running.
“Thanks to this Labour government, we now have a brand new Youth Hub in Luton town centre,” she said.
“The hub will offer wraparound support for young people from across Luton, helping them access education, training, and employment opportunities and set them up for better futures.
“I was so glad to attend the opening alongside Sarah Owen MP to thank the team for their work and celebrate the impact it will have across our town.
“Ours is the very first hub to be up and running in Bedfordshire, and I can’t wait to see more of the positive impact it will have. This Labour government is delivering for Luton’s young people.”
In a video posted on her social media pages, Ms Hopkins explained: “The hub is a place for young people to come and find out about employment and training opportunities, things that will help you get on the green ladder.
“Equally, it will help you if you need support with housing issues or your medical health.
“It’s as easy as getting off the bus, walking into the town centre, and going to Arndale House, where the Youth Hub is based.”
Cllr Bridgen said the service would help young people access opportunities regardless of their background.
“Every young person in Luton deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, regardless of background or circumstances. We know talent is equally spread across our town, but opportunity isn’t.
“The Luton Youth Hub will provide the welcoming, personalised support our young people need to build their confidence, develop skills and build their future.”
The service will offer careers advice, help with job applications and interview preparation, work experience opportunities and training, alongside financial planning and support with housing and health.
Cllr Bridgen said it was designed to help young people facing a range of different challenges.
“Whether someone is looking for their first job, facing challenges with housing or finances or is just unsure about their next step, the hub can provide all the right support, all in one place.”
The service is part of Luton Council’s Emerging Potential Programme and is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, local employers, education providers and voluntary organisations.
It will also seek to connect young people with employment opportunities in some of Luton’s growing sectors, including aviation, construction, health and social care, and hospitality.
Shaun Sadler, Service Leader for the South Midlands District at the Department for Work and Pensions, said the hubs were intended to provide support tailored to individual needs.
“Youth hubs provide personalised support that’s not one size fits all and bring together all the support young people need to start learning or earning.
“They are making vital support available to more young people and opening up links to local employers and real job opportunities.”
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