Youth hub in Downham aims to fill gap in creation of employment pathways
A new youth hub has opened in Downham which aims to help guide young people into careers.
Elevate 100 is a first-of-its kind project based at Downham Leisure Centre which is designed by young people, for young people.
The hub, at Downham Health & Leisure Centre, in Moorside Road, is open between 10am-5pm from Monday to Friday.
Elevate 100’s Youth Action Board worked closely with the architects to co-design the space and used Youth Build, a local organisation who train disadvantaged young people in construction, to complete the building work on the space.
Young people from 16-30 years can now access employment, skills and well-being support. The Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, launched it on Monday.
It is estimated that only 3 per cent of Lewisham’s jobs are based in Downham and young people have reported difficulty navigating fragmented services to support both their personal and professional growth.
Responding to this, Elevate 100 offers a mix of personal, professional and start-up business services and opportunities and is a partnership effort between the council, Circle Collective – a charity helping young unemployed people in deprived areas of London – Phoenix Housing and an award-winning employment service Lewisham Works.
The programme aims to identify barriers facing marginalised young people and collaborate with them to develop effective strategies for system change.
Mayor Brenda Dacres said: “I am proud to be able to launch the Elevate 100 service for young people in the heart of Downham. Young people in our borough have unlimited talent and it’s our responsibility to help them achieve their potential. Elevate 100 is more than a space – it’s a commitment to the young people of Downham, designed by them and for them.
“I can’t wait to see how this service develops, breaking down the barriers faced by local young people looking to create career and entrepreneurial pathways. We’re inviting other services and employers to collaborate with us on that journey. “
Brandon Treacy, from the Youth Action Board, said: “For me, Elevate 100 is the reward for a lot of hard work and is the first step in helping people realise their dreams and aspirations both in education and employment.”
Fellow member Allarna Owusu said: “Elevate 100 is the hope, voice and opportunity for change.” And Hector Yu added: “We hope Elevate 100 will be a space where young people from Downham and the surrounding area will find their futures, and how to reach them.”
Pictured top: members of the Youth Action Board (Picture: Lewisham council)