Liverpool City Council is proposing to invest £458,000 to create the city's first dedicated Care Leavers Hub in the city centre. The proposal will be considered by Cabinet on Tuesday 13 October.
The council currently supports around 800 care experienced young people up to the age of 25. At present, services operate from temporary accommodation at Merseyside Play Action Council one day a week, which the council recognises does not provide a suitable environment for young people.
What the hub will offer
The new hub will provide drop-in and appointment services. Young people will be able to meet friends, speak to their Personal Advisor, access food, use laundry facilities, receive advice and support, and have access to private appointment rooms and digital resources.
The facility will have space for up to 20 staff and will be located in an accessible city centre position.
Background to the proposal
An extensive review of council accommodation found no suitable premises within the local authority estate. The need for a better facility was highlighted in a recent Ofsted inspection, which rated Children's Services as 'Good' in three out of four areas.
The council will take on a 10-year lease for the new premises. It is expected the hub will open next summer.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "We know that our young people in care are rightly passionate about the need for a dedicated facility which is better suited to their needs. We are working really closely with them on the type of services that they would like to see provided, such as drop-in access, private appointment rooms, communal and social spaces, laundry facilities and digital access."
Jenny Glennard, Corporate Director for Children and Young People Services, added: "Our care experienced young people deserve the very best support and having a dedicated venue will enable us to provide it. As a UNICEF Child Friendly City we are putting young people at the heart of our decision making and their voices are an integral part of developing the services provided in the new hub."
