New Salisbury hub helping care experienced young people access support, advice and opportunities

Personal Advisers at the Southern Hub (SHUB), based at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, provide support with employment, apprenticeships,housing, wellbeing and other important life decisions.

The hub is located within the leisure centre rather than a traditional office setting. The aim is to help remove barriers to accessinghelp and create a relaxed environment where young people can build confidence, independence and connections within their local community.

Since opening, 12 young people have already engaged with the service, highlighting the need for accessible and flexible support forcare experienced young people as they navigate adulthood.

Young people can drop in without a formal appointment, speak to experienced staff, access information and advice, and receive supporttailored to their individual circumstances.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We know that care experienced young people can face a range of challenges as they move into adulthood, whether that's finding employment, securing housing, looking after their wellbeing or simply knowing where to turn for advice.

"SHUB provides a welcoming and informal space where young people can access practical support, explore opportunities and build trustedrelationships with people who are there to help. By being based at Five Rivers, the hub is easily accessible and offers a comfortable environment where young people can drop in for advice, guidance or simply a chat.

"SHUB is about much more than providing services. It's about connection, community and making sure young people know they are not alone.Whether someone needs support with apprenticeships, employment, housing, wellbeing or other important life decisions, we're here to help.

"The response since opening has been really encouraging, with 12 young people already engaging with the service. We're excited to continuedeveloping the hub and ensuring care experienced young people across south Wiltshire can access the right help, at the right time, in a place where they feel welcome and supported."

One person who has attended SHUB, said, “it really helps knowing that I can come and speak with someone face to face without needingan appointment. I can just turn up and someone is here to help me.”

Alongside SHUB in Salisbury, care experienced young people can also access advice and support through the council's Care Leaver Hubat County Hall in Trowbridge.

The SHUB runs every Tuesday from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, Salisbury. The Trowbridge Hub is openMonday, Tuesday and Friday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Care experienced young people who would like to find out more about SHUB can speak to their Personal Adviser or Social Worker or visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk for information on the support available.