“I wish I had all of these things when I was younger”: Luton care leaver shapes new hub to support young people
A man from Luton who used to be in the care system has used his experiences to create a new dedicated space for young people leaving care.
Everton Sutherland-Adebiyi, 24, was instrumental in developing the Care Leavers Hub, drawing on his own life to design a place for those leaving the care system.
The former 18+ office in the town hall has been transformed into a welcoming multi-use space for those who have left the system to meet others, learn new skills, relax, and get advice.
Everton said: "It’s a space for young people to get them out of isolation and loneliness, a space where they can develop skills and have a safe, relaxing environment.
“It encourages community… having that thing constantly there, and knowing that it’s constantly available, an added support network.”
It was officially opened earlier this month and will serve as a place for young people to meet their personal advisors in an informal and calm setting. They are invited to chill in the games area, and use the computer for applications to colleges, universities, or jobs.
Everton listened to the needs of young care leavers and used that information to tailor everything in the hub, from the colour scheme and picking out the furniture, to setting up workshops for the near future.
Artwork created at a previous engagement session is now on the walls of the hub.
He explained: “We’re in the midst of creating the program for next yea, financial literacy, resilience, communication, life skills in general.”
Mark Riddell MBE, the national implementation advisor for care leavers at the Department for Education, Cllr Umme Ali, and many of Luton’s care leavers marked the opening of the hub.
At the unveiling, young people spoke about the importance of care leavers using their experience to improve services for those transitioning from care.
Cllr Ali, portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “Within Luton Council, children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.
“The Care Leavers Hub is a tangible example of our commitment to listening to care leavers and working alongside them to create meaningful, long-lasting change.
“The Hub is a space where our young people can relax, have fun, meet friends, study, catch up with their personal advisors, or simply take a break in a safe and supportive environment.
“Our goal is for this hub to be a place where care leavers feel welcomed, respected, and empowered, every time they walk through the door.”
Feedback from service users will help to adapt the space, to make it better for those it has been designed to help.
Everton now hopes more young people will use the service, something he could have used growing up.
He added: “I wish I had all of these things when I was younger.”
And he had this message for any young people thinking about visiting: “Give it a try. What is it going to cost you? They have a choice to improve their lives, why not take that opportunity?”