Creating a new support hub for young people in Cambridge

Today, Centre 33 is launching its Building Stronger Futures appeal to create a new support hub for young people in Cambridge.

Cambridge is one of the UK’s most unequal cities, with many young people living in deprivation, and rising numbers of local young people are experiencing mental health problems.

We have offered free and confidential support to young people in Cambridge from our hub on Clarendon Street since 1981, but for many years there hasn’t been enough space to support the number seeking our help.

We have bought a building on the corner of James Street and Maids Causeway to use as a new early support hub for young people in Cambridge, but it needs significant refurbishment before we can open (a bunch of budding artists have already been busy getting our blue door ready – see them in action below 🎨).

We’ve set a fundraising target of £3m and have already raised over £2m thanks to the support of generous funders including The Evelyn Trust, The John Apthorp Charity, The National Lottery Community Fund and The Clothworkers’ Foundation. Today, we’re turning to the public to help us raise the remaining £900,000.

"I had no support. I was alone and had Centre 33 not been there and helped me, I honestly don’t believe I would be here today. Centre 33 made sure I had a place to sleep, food to eat and a warm place during the day, as well as listening to me. Thank you so much for being there when no-one else was.”

The new hub will be three times bigger than Clarendon Street and will enable double the number of young people to be supported – 4,000 a year. There will be more space for one-to-one and group support, as well as room for multiple partner organisations, ensuring joined-up support. We know how much of a difference it will make.

Beth Green, Chief Executive Officer of Centre 33, said: “Young people tell us they have no-one to talk to. We know early, flexible support without barriers makes all the difference. Our new hub will enable us to reach thousands more young people every year.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to think big and ambitious, and develop something that will make a significant long-term impact for the young people of Cambridge and across the county.”

There are lots of ways you can get involved with the appeal – you could donate, organise a fundraiser, ask your workplace to match your efforts or simply share news of the appeal. Find out more here.

You can also join us at drop-in events being held at 33 Clarendon Street, Cambridge, CB1 1JX, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 5th June and 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Saturday 12th July. We’d love to show you around our current hub, hear your thoughts and explain a bit more about our plans.

And if you are a young person – don’t worry. We’re still offering our support at Clarendon Street – there will always be someone to talk to.

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