Kirtleton Avenue Hub opens in Weymouth to support local care experienced young people

Care leavers have a new place in Weymouth where they can get support and advice. 

The Hub is located on the ground floor of 10 Kirtleton avenue which already hosts existing housing for young people. The addition of the Hub was officially launched on 22 August 2024. 

This innovative space, designed to serve care leavers aged 18-25, is the first of its kind in the Dorset Council area.  

The Hub is a welcoming and vibrant place for young people to spend time with friends, to meet others, or to engage with the wide range of support that is available locally for Dorset’s care experienced young people.  

The design and ideas for the space have come direct from a group of local care-experienced young people.  

The Hub is open every day with plans to offer evening sessions once a month.  

Care leavers can drop in to play pool, engage in cookery sessions, participate in art evenings, or simply hang out in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. 

Education professionals, nurses, and housing officers are also available to offer guidance and support as needed. There will be drop-in sessions detailed on our hub notice board. 

Cllr Clare Sutton Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help, said: "We hope this space will become a cornerstone for care leavers in Weymouth, helping to reduce isolation, build social relationships, and provide practical support. It's about creating a place where young people can feel safe, supported, and connected. Every person leaving care will require different levels of support and the hub is one way we feel we can offer something a little different, something more informal and relaxed - a space to be used and to become part of our community.” 

How you can help

The Hub features a food parcel and an essential toiletries cupboard as well as a washing machine and tumble dryer, ensuring that practical needs can be met (and available daily) for those who need it.  

The care leavers team at the Hub are seeking donations from local businesses and community members to help stock the cupboards with snacks, non-perishable food items, and toiletries. 

If you would like to find out more, or if you are a business who would like to contribute, please email lucy.benham@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.  

About Dorset's care leavers

There are 553 care leavers (age 18-25) in the Dorset Council area, and we are actively supporting 261.  

Every young person leaving care will need a different type and level of support and Dorset Council’s care leaver team makes sure the support is available at the right time, in the right place. 

Every care leaver has a personal advisor up to the age of 21, with the option to have one beyond up until the age of 25. A personal advisor is someone who builds up a relationship with the young person (when they turn 16) to support and prepare for a successful transition from care to independence. 

Find out more about Dorset Council’s local offer for care leavers.