Accessible support, skills, and space for local young people

This Saturday, 5th April, something special is happening in Middlesbrough. The KFC Youth Foundation is officially opening the doors to its very first permanent Youth Hub — and it’s a big deal for young people in the area.

At a time when many youth services across the country are being closed down due to budget cuts, this new Hub is a welcome and much-needed boost. Since 2010, more than two-thirds of council-funded youth centres in England have shut their doors. In the North East alone, over a quarter of young people say they have no access to youth clubs. That’s why this launch is so important.

A Space for 3,000 Young People

The new Middlesbrough Youth Hub is designed to be a safe, inclusive space for young people to hang out, get support, and access opportunities. The centre will serve over 3,000 young people, offering everything from youth worker guidance to skills-building workshops, social events, and even cooking classes.

It’s not just about keeping young people off the streets — it’s about giving them a place where they feel heard, respected and inspired.

Community Comes First

To celebrate the opening, the KFC Youth Foundation is hosting a community event on Saturday 5th April from 11am to 3pm at the Hub on Meath Street, Middlesbrough (TS1 4RY). Local young people, families and community members are invited to come along, explore the new space, and meet the dedicated team of Youth Workers.

This event will be a chance for the public to see what the Youth Hub is all about — and to experience the energy and creativity behind it.

The People Behind the Project

Friday 4th April saw an official ribbon-cutting event ahead of the public launch, attended by:

• Rt Hon Andy McDonald MP, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
• Chris Guttridge, from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland
• Bobzilla, local mural artist and illustrator
• Students from The Northern School of Art

These supporters joined the KFC Youth Foundation in celebrating a space built for young people — with young people at the heart of its design.

More Than Just a Youth Centre

The Youth Hub is much more than a place to hang out. It has been carefully designed to help young people build skills and confidence. Inside, you’ll find a wellbeing room, a kitchen, and creative art installations inspired by Middlesbrough’s landmarks, including a striking mural of the Transporter Bridge by Bobzilla and art students.

Some of the key programmes offered include:

• Weekly cooking classes – teaching ten healthy meals and tips on reducing food waste
• Operation Creation – a content creation programme run with Bauer Academy to help young people explore their creativity
• Hatch – a pre-employability programme from KFC and the KFC Youth Foundation that builds skills and work-readiness

These activities are all part of a bigger mission: to empower young people with real-life tools and role models to support their growth and future success.

A Foundation with a Mission

The Middlesbrough Hub is the first of four planned Youth Hubs that the KFC Youth Foundation hopes to open across the UK by 2030. This comes after nine years of ongoing investment in young people, with over £9 million given in grants to local youth projects through the Foundation.

Louise Norris, Manager of the KFC Youth Foundation, explains:

“Statistics show that the alarming youth club closures over the past decade have left 1 in 10 young people without any access to youth work, and cost the country 4,500 youth work jobs. At the KFC Youth Foundation, we believe inclusive spaces like these can truly change lives. We are proud to open the doors to our first ever Youth Hub in Middlesbrough.”

Sarah Hunter, Manager of the new Middlesbrough Hub, adds:

“We’re so excited to finally open this space. It’s more than a building – it’s a home for creativity, friendship, and development. We want every young person in Middlesbrough to feel welcome and supported here.”

Celebrating with Style

To mark the occasion and raise further funds for youth support, the KFC Youth Foundation has also released two special jewellery items — a KFC Chicken Drumstick Pendant Necklace and a KFC Bucket Pendant Necklace. 20% of the profits from each sale will go straight back into supporting the Foundation’s work. You can purchase these fun and funky charms from the KFC online shop.

Why It Matters

Research shows that many young people in the UK lack role models — with 31% in the North East saying they don’t have anyone to guide them on careers, and 25% feeling lost when it comes to relationships or social skills. With no access to support, they risk falling behind or feeling isolated.

That’s why places like the Middlesbrough Youth Hub are so important. They offer guidance, friendship, support and fun — all under one roof.

At a time when young people are facing increasing pressures and fewer resources, the KFC Youth Foundation is standing up and saying: “You matter. We believe in you.”

Join the Celebration

So if you’re in or near Middlesbrough this Saturday, come down and check out the brand new KFC Youth Foundation Youth Hub. It’s open to the public from 11am to 3pm on 5th April at Meath Street, TS1 4RY.

Whether you’re a young person looking for a new place to hang out, a parent wanting to see what’s on offer, or just a member of the community who wants to show support — this is your invitation to be part of something truly inspiring.

Together, we can build a better future for young people — one hub at a time.

For more updates on community events, youth opportunities and what’s on near you, keep an eye on our website.