Published: Wednesday, 16th September 2026
Young people in Oldham are set to benefit from two new Young Futures Hubs, bringing together support, activities and opportunities in communities across the borough.
Oldham has been selected to join the Government’s Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme, with funding allocated for two hubs in the borough.
The hubs will make it easier for young people to access the support they need by bringing services together in a more joined-up way.
This could include youth services, mental health and wellbeing support, skills and training, routes into employment, sports and creative activities, as well as support for young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in crime.
Young Futures Hubs are designed for young people aged 10 to 18, extending up to the age of 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
A key part of the programme will be making sure young people themselves are involved in shaping the two Oldham hubs.
Oldham Council has secured an initial £100,000 to begin the planning and co-creation stage, working with young people and partners to look at existing youth services, identify where improvements can be made and develop an approach that responds to the needs of young people across the borough.
Jodie Barber, Assistant Director of Youth and Communities at Oldham Council said: “We’re delighted that Oldham has been selected to join the Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme, recognising both the opportunities and ambitions we have for young people across our borough.
“This is a significant opportunity to bring services together in a way that makes a real difference to young people’s lives. By creating a more joined-up approach, we can make it easier for young people to access the support they need, whether that’s youth services, mental health and wellbeing support, skills and training opportunities, or pathways into employment.
“What makes this programme particularly exciting is that it will be shaped by young people themselves. We want the two Young Futures Hubs in Oldham to reflect the aspirations, experiences and needs of our young residents, and we’ll be working closely with them, alongside our partners, to co-design a service that is accessible, inclusive and genuinely responsive to local needs.
“The £100,000 investment we have secured will help us begin that important planning and co-creation work, with further funding available to help deliver the hubs and strengthen youth services that create lasting opportunities that help young people thrive, fulfil their potential and achieve positive futures.”
The programme will see new Young Futures Hubs created across England, giving young people easier access to a range of support in their local communities.
The hubs are intended to provide welcoming spaces where young people can build trusted relationships with adults and access support, advice, activities and opportunities in one place.
Work will now begin on the planning and co-creation stage in Oldham, with young people and partners helping to shape how the two hubs will work and what support they will offer.
More information about Oldham’s two Young Futures Hubs, including opportunities for young people to get involved in shaping the plans, will be shared as the programme develops.