What’s Been Happening at Youth Hubz This November

November has been an exciting month at Youth Hubz, filled with cultural celebrations, community events, and meaningful activities for our young people in supported accommodation. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to this month!

Celebrating Diwali

We kicked off the month by celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Our young people participated in a crafting workshop where they decorated beautiful paper lanterns. This hands-on activity wasn’t just about creativity—it was a chance to learn about Diwali’s traditions, including the values of hope, positivity, and renewal. Engaging in these cultural celebrations helps our young people embrace diversity and build connections in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Honouring Remembrance Sunday

On November 10th, we came together to pay tribute during Remembrance Sunday. Young people joined the community at local cenotaphs to reflect on the sacrifices made during times of conflict and the enduring importance of peace. Events like these foster a sense of belonging and provide our young people with an opportunity for thoughtful reflection, helping to develop resilience and gratitude.

UASC Young People’s Blackpool Zoo Adventure

This month, some of our young people who are unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) visited Blackpool Zoo. This trip was an incredible experience for them, offering a fun and educational day out while also providing a much-needed break from daily challenges. The young people enjoyed seeing the animals, learning about conservation, and spending time in a new and exciting environment.

Storm Bert Postpones Blackpool Illuminations Trip

Sadly, our planned visit to the Blackpool Illuminations with our floating support young people had to be postponed due to Storm Bert. While disappointing, this highlights the importance of flexibility and resilience—values we continuously strive to instill in the young people we support. The good news is the trip has been rescheduled for next month, and we’re looking forward to brighter weather and an even better experience!

Focusing on Well-being

November was also a month of raising awareness for health and well-being, starting with a coffee morning to discuss menopause with our staff. Later, we marked International Men’s Health Day on November 19th with another coffee morning aimed at encouraging open conversations about mental and physical health. These events reinforce the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue—something we practice daily with the young people we support, ensuring they feel empowered to share and seek help when needed.

Winter Wonderland in Progress

As the month wraps up, our office is starting to transform into a Winter Wonderland. The festive decorations have sparked excitement among both staff and young people, creating an atmosphere of joy and anticipation as we head into the holiday season. We look forward to celebrating the festivities together and making this time of year special for everyone involved.

November has been a month full of activity, learning, and connection at Youth Hubz. From celebrating cultural traditions to fostering community ties, and even weathering a storm, each experience highlights our commitment to supporting and empowering young people.

We’re excited for December and the many opportunities it brings to create positive memories and help our young people thrive. Stay tuned for more updates next month!

April

Floating Support keyworkers
After leaving school, I worked in the textile industry for over 20 years. To support and encourage my daughter to attend college I completed an access to higher education course, where I had the chance to volunteer at a homeless shelter as part of the curriculum.

My passion for helping others then led me to start working with young people, initially in a mother and baby unit. In 2003, I joined Calderdale Council as a casual residential worker, becoming a permanent staff member in 2007. I then moved to a short break unit for children with learning disabilities in 2011, where I stayed until 2015 before changing my career path to focus more on support than care.

For the next 8 years, I had the privilege of supporting 16-18 year old care leavers, and I was even promoted to manager in 2018. It was a very rewarding experience, but I was eager for a new challenge when the opportunity to become a team leader working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) became available. I'm really enjoying the new experiences and the chance to support these young people as they navigate the asylum process and work towards living independently developing skills for community safety and involvement, personal hygiene, and basis English.

Outside of work, I cherish my time with my children and grandchildren. It brings me great joy to be able to spend quality time with my loved ones.

Babita Mehta

24/7 Operational Manager
Babita has worked with children for over 20 years. She has worked in the Education sector in a safeguarding role, before transitioning into Safeguarding Lead with Youth Hubz Semi Independent Support where she has worked for the last 18months. She is currently completing Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner and ensures she keeps up to date with her role by attending various Safeguarding Leadership courses with new legislation and guidance. Babita has been Safeguarding Lead since 2021. She supports the implementation of policies and procedures with safeguarding practices. She ensures staff are up to date with all the developments in child protection policy, research, practice and guidance. In 2023 Babita was promoted to Operational Manager for 24/7 support.