News Alessia Russo endorses new Maidstone Youth Hub

England Lioness Alessia Russo, who was born and brought up in Maidstone, has taken the time to record a message of support celebrating the launch of the new 326 Youth Hub.

Situated in upper level of The Mall Maidstone, the new Youth Hub will open for the first time on Friday 24 February. It will be open to young people Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm and during the day on Saturdays. Work is ongoing to develop workshops and events in the Hub which will be promoted through schools and youth services in due course.

Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) Community Protection Team has worked in partnership with the Safer Maidstone Partnership, The Mall and One Maidstone to get the project off the ground.

Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid, MBC Lead Member for Communities and Public Engagement said:

This new youth hub will be a great place safe space for young people to visit and it is fantastic that Alessia took time out of her busy schedule to record such a supportive message. I couldn’t agree more that it is important to provide a place for young people to meet, it will also allow them to access a range of support and advice in an informal setting if they need it.

National increases in youth violence, mental health concerns and suicides can all be linked to the fact that our young people are facing a challenging time. Through the work of the Town Centre Task Force, supported by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit, we set out an ambition to create a space, in the heart of Maidstone, that gives young people a place to be safe, where they are supported and where they are allowed to grow as individuals.  Above all, a space to be a young person.

The 326 Youth Hub will provide a range of activities and opportunities that appeal to a wide range of young people from musicians, dancers, artists and footballers, creating a space that makes them feel like they belong. They will be able to engage with professionals informally, such as youth workers and health professionals, helping to build resilience, confidence and develop life skills to make better informed choices.

Lottie continues:

It is hoped the town centre hub will generate initiatives that can also be delivered in smaller satellite hubs across the borough, either at existing facilities, such as the Shepway Youth Centre or through the creation of a mobile service for rural areas.

To see Alessia’s message click here.

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