Full Breakdown
Cornwall Launches Youth Hubs to Support Young People
3/30/2026, 11:28:48 AM
Overview of the Youth Hubs Initiative
Cornwall has launched a network of youth hubs as part of a pilot scheme aimed at assisting individuals aged 16 to 24 in accessing employment, training, and personalized guidance. The three centers, located in St Austell, Liskeard, and Pool, officially opened at the end of February and were inaugurated last week. In their first month, 44 young people who were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) enrolled to receive career and pre-employment support.
Integrated Support Services
The youth hubs are designed to provide integrated support by bringing together various stakeholders, including Jobcentre Plus staff, local council services, training providers, employers, and youth specialists. This collaborative approach aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by young people, such as employment, training, mental health, and financial barriers. Jane Cornelius, the Youth Engagement Project and Skills Hub Manager at Cornwall Council, emphasized that the hubs are structured to ensure that young people receive timely assistance in a welcoming environment tailored to their needs.
Official Statements on the Initiative
Councillor Hilary Frank, the cabinet member for children, schools, and families at Cornwall Council, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, "By bringing advice, mentoring and practical help together in one place, we can give young people the support they need to move forward into education, training or work." Frank also indicated a desire to expand this model to support more young people across Cornwall, contingent on the pilot's success.
Potential for Expansion
The Cornwall Council has indicated that if the pilot proves successful, there is potential for the establishment of additional youth hubs in the region. This expansion would aim to further enhance the support network available to young people, thereby increasing their opportunities for education and employment.
Criticism & Opposition
While the initiative has received positive feedback, there may be concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of funding and resources necessary to maintain the hubs. Critics may question whether the pilot's success can be replicated on a larger scale, particularly in terms of securing ongoing support from local government and community stakeholders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These new youth hubs will ensure young people can get the right help at the right time, in a space that is welcoming and built around their needs.” — Jane Cornelius, YEP and Skills Hub Manager, Cornwall Council
- “I'm keen to see how this approach can grow and support more young people across Cornwall.” — Councillor Hilary Frank, Cornwall Council
The Cornwall youth hubs represent a significant step towards addressing the needs of young people in the region, with the potential for broader implications depending on the pilot's outcomes.
