Youth Hub investment strengthens support for young people in Plymouth
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Young people aged 16–24 who are claiming benefits in Plymouth can feel confident about their next steps, thanks to a growing network of Youth Hubs providing joined-up, practical support across the city. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, the hubs help young people progress into education, training, volunteering and employment, ensuring the right support is available at the right time and in the right place.
Youth Hubs bring together Jobcentre Plus and trusted local services under one roof. Based in community settings, they offer support with CV writing, careers guidance, skills training, mental health and wellbeing, and housing advice.
The expansion of Youth Hubs forms part of a national commitment to establish a hub in every area of Great Britain. Nationally, almost one million young people are currently not in education or employment - an increase of 248,000 since 2021 – and so the network is designed to ensure that all young people can progress, wherever they live.
Eighty new Youth Hub locations have now been confirmed nationally, with plans to reach over 360 areas. In Plymouth, provision builds on five years of established delivery by Plymouth City Council’s Skills Launchpad Plymouth service. In response to rising youth claimant numbers, a second Youth Hub is now being delivered by Argyle Community Trust in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Together, Plymouth’s Youth Hubs provide holistic support, combining employability help with access to mental health, wellbeing and housing services. This enables young people to progress at a pace that feels right for them, while building confidence, stability and sustainable futures.
Lynne McBain – DWP Plymouth and Tamar Partnership Manager said: “Youth Hubs play a vital role in helping young people take confident steps towards work, education and training. Alongside skills provision and employment opportunities, young people can expect additional support across Mental Health and housing, ensuring they receive practical, tailored support that responds to the real challenges they face.
The expanded Youth Hub network in Plymouth includes the continued delivery of Youth Hub services at Skills Launchpad Plymouth, Cobourg House through Plymouth City Council, alongside a new Youth Hub partner, Argyle Community Trust, who will be delivering support from their Foulston Park Hub specifically across postcode areas PL1, PL2, and PL5.
We are excited to be working with both partners over the next year to support our 16-24-year-old Jobcentre customers towards and into employment.”
Skills Launchpad Plymouth Youth Hub – Cobourg House
Based at Cobourg House on Mayflower Street, the Skills Launchpad Plymouth Youth Hub provides a welcoming, city centre service available five days a week. Through personalised one-to-one and group support, young people are encouraged to explore their goals and take confident next steps.
Support includes careers exploration, CV and application support, interview preparation, and access to training, apprenticeships, volunteering and employment opportunities. Young people can also take part in events that connect them directly with local employers and training providers.
This personalised approach is already making a real difference. Lily, who initially joined the Youth Hub with low confidence in social settings, grew in confidence and independence through consistent support. After developing her skills and strengthening her applications, she has now secured an apprenticeship with Plumbstop - an achievement that reflects her commitment and progress.
The Youth Hub sits within Plymouth’s wider Skills and Post 16 service, bringing together skills provision, employer engagement and targeted support. This joined-up approach ensures clear progression pathways and continuity of support as young people’s needs and aspirations develop.
Support through Skills Launchpad Plymouth is not exclusive to young people claiming benefits. Through www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk, local people of all ages can access free information and resources on:
Plymouth’s key employment sectors
returning to education
finding a job or apprenticeship
starting a business
specialist support for people facing additional challenges (Connect to Work)
exploring career options and next steps.
Upcoming events, training offers and apprenticeship bulletins are also available at:
Councillor Tess Blight, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships at Plymouth City Council said: “We are proud of the support available for young people across Plymouth. Backed by continued investment into the city, we are building on the success of the established Youth Hub at Skills Launchpad Plymouth in the city centre, alongside a strong city-wide network of training providers, support organisations and employers.
“By further strengthening the community-based offer through Argyle Community Trust, we are creating a truly joined-up approach for young jobseekers. These trusted partnerships allow us to respond earlier, provide more holistic support, and help young people build the skills, confidence and stability they need to move forward.”
Argyle Community Trust Youth Hubs – Foulston Park, Manadon Hub and Home Park
Argyle Community Trust is extending Youth Hub provision into local neighbourhoods, offering accessible, community-based support at Foulston Park, Manadon Hub and Home Park. These hubs provide welcoming spaces where young people can engage, build confidence and develop skills close to home.
Working alongside Jobcentre Plus and local partners, Argyle Community Trust’s Youth Hubs combine employability support with a strong focus on personal development and wellbeing. Through activities, workshops and one-to-one guidance, young people are supported to explore opportunities, overcome barriers and progress into education, training or employment.
Caitlin Jones, Skills Manager for Argyle Community Trust said: “Extending Youth Hub provision into local neighbourhoods allows us to meet young people where they are. By working closely with Jobcentre Plus and local partners, we’re creating welcoming community spaces where young people can build confidence, develop skills and explore opportunities close to home. Our focus is on supporting the whole person, helping young people overcome
barriers and progress towards positive, sustainable futures.”
Together, Plymouth’s Youth Hubs reflect a shared commitment to supporting young people holistically -ensuring every young person feels supported, valued and equipped with the skills, confidence and resilience needed to move forward.
Young claimants are encouraged to speak to their Jobcentre Plus Work Coach at their next appointment to access a referral and take their next step towards education, employment or training with the right support around them.
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