Mobile hubs to aid youth support

RHONDDA Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) will soon receive two new vehicles for use as “mobile hubs” – in a bid to increase youth support within communities without venues and to host local activities and sessions.

The new hubs will be brought into use by the end of April and are aimed at increasing the service’s ability to reach all areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf, filling in historic gaps within the provision.

The heated vehicles will include seating areas, laptop connections, Wi-Fi capability and television screens.

The new provision will host activities such as general youth clubs, gaming sessions, arts and crafts, film nights and sports activities – as well as more targeted provision such as CV writing, job application support, interview techniques and youth worker one-to-one support in a confidential space.

The vehicles will also act as bases for YEPS during larger community events such as the annual Armed Forces Day and Big Welsh Bite.

They will also be deployed when the service requires an immediate response within a specific community – for example, to provide youth support following a major incident.

The hubs are Covid-19 secure and therefore suitable for use during the pandemic, as the internal doors can remain open to provide full ventilation.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, said: “The council’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service is an invaluable network for young people across Rhondda Cynon Taf and, throughout the pandemic, has provided increased support at a time when there is great uncertainty for our young people and when mental health and well-being needs have increased.

“The new mobile hubs will further increase the service’s capability to reach more young people.”