Sir Stephen Fry backs new youth support hub

Sir Stephen Fry has in the past called for more early support hubs for young people

The actor and writer Sir Stephen Fry has backed a campaign for a new support hub for young people in need.

Centre 33, which supports young people up to the age of 25 across Cambridge and Peterborough, launched an appeal to refurbish one of its buildings.

The space on the corner of James Street and Maids Causeway would replace its hub on Clarendon Street, Cambridge, where it has been based since 1981.

It would double the number of young people able to receive support for their mental health, caring responsibilities and practical issues like housing, every year.

The appeal was backed by Sir Stephen, who grew up near Norwich, and he has previously called for more early support hubs.

"Early support can have a lasting, transformational impact," he said.

"Last year, over 90% of young people Centre 33 supported progressed towards their goals, over 70% had improved mental health and 85% of young carers felt less isolated."

Centre 33 said it had raised more than £2m for its project, but a final £500,000 was needed by November to fully refurbish the building and open its doors.

It ran five drop-in hubs around Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to offer thousands of young people with free support.

Harriet Millward, Centre 33's director of development and partnerships, said the hub would "transform young people's lives for years to come".

"But it isn't just a building - by coming together to make this happen, we can ensure more young people can thrive," she added.