New youth hub boasts climbing wall and music rooms

Leys Youth Hub asked its members what they wanted in a space - and the answer included a climbing wall

A youth centre has moved into its permanent home after a year running out of rented rooms.

Leys Youth Hub in Oxford's Blackbird Leys got the keys to its new premises in August.

The space features a training kitchen, music rooms, table sports and even a climbing wall.

The project is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and follows a 74% real-term cut in funding for Oxfordshire's young people since 2010.

Referring to the cuts, Youth Hub Co-ordinator Jen Considine said, "We've seen the results. Young people absolutely need these spaces.

"This is one of many hub projects all across the country that has been rebuilt in response to the absolute need for youth services."

A YMCA report found 502 youth centres have been lost across England since 2011.

Leys Youth Hub launched in July 2024 and was running sessions from rented rooms and public places like parks before getting its new space.

It made a point of asking young people what they would like to see in it, from the facilities to the furniture.

Cousins Ouley and Amie, both 11, said the hub gives them their own space away from home

"You can do a lot of things, like play on the PS4 or the XBox," said 12-year-old Reuben.

"You can play ping pong or pool with your friends, and you can do painting and make food."

"This is an amazing place," said 11-year-old Ouley. "Everyone's welcomed here [and it's nice] having our own space."

"Our young people absolutely love this space," Miss Considine said. "They don't have the demands of school; they don't have the stresses of home.

"They've made this space theirs and it really belongs to them."