New Youth Hub opens doors to the next generation of entrepreneurs
Young people in Hemel Hempstead will have a new route into employment, training and entrepreneurship following the launch of a new Youth Hub – the first of 36 planned across the UK.
Not-for-profit social enterprise Wenta has joined forces with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the South Hill Centre and local partners to help young people aged 18 to 24 access the practical support they need to take their next step.
The Hemel Hempstead Youth Hub officially launched at the South Hill Centre on Tuesday 1 September, bringing employment, education, training and self-employment support together under one roof.
It is the first hub to launch as part of the DWP's national Youth Hub programme, with 36 hubs planned across the country as part of a wider £2.5 billion government investment in employment and skills support.
For young people interested in working for themselves, Wenta will provide free, tailored business advice, mentoring and training – helping aspiring entrepreneurs take an idea and work out what it could become.
Through regular support at the Youth Hub, both face-to-face and online, Wenta's experienced business coaches will help young people explore self-employment, test and develop business ideas, understand the practicalities of getting started and build the skills and confidence to move forward.
The support forms part of a much wider network available through the new Hub, connecting young people with organisations that can help with everything from employment and skills to housing, finances, food provision and mental health.
The aim is simple: rather than expecting young people to navigate multiple organisations and services alone, the Hub creates one place where they can access personalised support based on their individual circumstances and ambitions.
Mariam Khan, Content Creator for Wenta, said: "We're looking forward to helping more young people across Hemel Hempstead develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to achieve their self-employment ambitions.
"In today's economic climate, accessible and practical support has never been more important. Young people can have brilliant ideas and real ambition, but sometimes they need someone to help them understand what comes next.
"By combining local, face-to-face advice with flexible digital support, the Youth Hub can meet young people where they are and connect them with the expertise they need to move forward. We're incredibly proud to be part of that."
The launch brought together DWP representatives, local organisations, community leaders and partners who will help deliver the initiative.
Guests included the Mayor of Dacorum; former Watford FC footballer and community ambassador Luther Blissett; senior DWP representatives Matt Davis and Cheryl Crane; and organisations from across Hertfordshire.
Get involved
The Youth Hub model is designed to respond to the individual rather than offer a one-size-fits-all solution, connecting each young person with the organisations and expertise most relevant to them.
To access free, tailored business start-up advice and training from Wenta, visit wenta.co.uk or call 01438 310020.
To contact the South Hill Centre directly, email [email protected].