‘Routes - Dudley’, a new Youth Hub in Merry Hill shopping centre, was opened on the 18th of October by the Mayor of Dudley - Councillor Hilary Bills. The youth friendly space is operated by a service called Cranstoun that has been helping local people rebuild their lives for over 50 years. Cranstoun whose company motto is ‘Empowering people, empowering change’ hopes to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people aged 13-25. The hub will provide advice on areas including but not limited to mental health, education and career planning and support young people (over the age of 16) to stop vaping/ using e-cigarettes and give additional support to young people who need it, for example: young people suffering from domestic abuse. Advisors will be available to ensure resources and support is prompt and relevant. Young people can access this support, information and advice through walk-ins on Tuesday-Friday 3pm-7pm and Saturday 10am-2pm.
The accessibility of these services for young people in these areas are increasingly important particularly vaping; studies have shown that nearly 16% of 16–24-year-olds vape, despite the ever-increasing research surrounding the dangers of it. This is a significant increase from pre-2021 when only 1 out every 200 people vape - highlighting how essential services like ‘Routes - Dudley’ are for young people and their health.
Cranstoun hopes the location of ‘Routes Dudley’ in the Merry Hill shopping centre (visited by thousands of young people every week) will make it easy for young people to access the support provided for them.
To contact Routes Dudley:
Call: 01384 880687
Or email: routesdudley@cranstoun.org.uk
Sources used:
Empowering People, Empowering Change | Cranstoun
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