New youth centres open their doors for young people in Tower Hamlets

Two new youth centres in Bigland Green (Shadwell Ward) and Christian Street (Whitechapel ward) have launched in Tower Hamlets this week, expanding the network of safe, supportive spaces for young people across the borough.

The new centres launched during National Youth Work Week (4-10 November), bringing the total number of council-run and commissioned youth centres to 15, with three additional centres planned to open by the end of December.

On the day, young people were encouraged to get involved in a range of free activities including henna, face painting, and refreshments.

The Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Cllr Maium Talukdar, and Deputy Young Mayor Iffat Bhuiyan were on hand to cut the ribbon at Bigland Green Centre, officially opening the centre to local young people.

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Maium Talukdar, said:

“Thank you to everyone who has joined us for the launch of Bigland Green and Christian Street youth centres. The new spaces represent our continued dedication to supporting young people’s wellbeing and development.

“Young Tower Hamlets is a true community effort, but I extend a special thanks to our youth workers this National Youth Work Week, for their incredible work to make our youth service ambitions a reality.”

Throughout the rest of National Youth Work Week, young people have got involved with a range of activities and sessions provided by youth centres and partners. This included creating a sensory garden for young people with autism, a rap, song and spoken word workshop, and art-based projects exploring what diversity means to young people.

The new youth centres are part of Tower Hamlets Council’s £13.7 million investment in its youth provision, Young Tower Hamlets.

Young Tower Hamlets has committed to creating supportive and safe spaces for young people across the community, where young people can socialise, receive support, and accelerate their education.

Young Tower Hamlets provides over 100 free activities for young people in the borough. Activities at the two new youth centres will include sports such as basketball and table tennis, games such as pool and board games, and homework club. They will also be a space where young people can access information and support around employment and training.

To find out more information about Young Tower Hamlets and activities on offer, visit www.youngtowerhamlets.org.uk