Thanks to a grant from the DCMS Youth Investment Fund, the Services for Young People (SfYP) Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre has now been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space for young people in the community. The celebration event was an opportunity for partner agencies and other local service providers and stakeholders to come together and view the completed centre. Some of the young people who played a crucial role in the transformation also attended and talked about their involvement and the difference the improvements and new facilities has made to them and other young people in the area.
Speakers at the event (top left to right): Nathan, a member of Broxbourne SEND Youth Council, and Havanah, the Chair of Broxbourne Youth Council and Broxbourne Youth Mayor; Mark Hughes, SfYP Area Service Manager; Hero Slinn, HCC Director of Inclusion and Skills, Cllr Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion
Cllr Mark Watkin, Cabinet Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, who attended the event, said:
"Thank you to all the extraordinary young people who worked so hard alongside Services for Young People staff and contractors to create such a wonderful centre. They have been involved at every stage of the refurbishment and now have a centre they have ownership of and can be proud of. I love the works of art they created to decorate the venue. Everything about it, from its inception to what it is now delivering, embodies the philosophy of inclusion, enabling the young people to flourish in a challenging world."
Young people attending SfYP youth work projects at the venue were actively involved in every stage of the refurbishment. Their ideas included upgrades to the music studio, the creation of sensory room, the installation of an outdoor gym and vegetable garden, a new dance studio, and a new design for the groupwork area.
Young people involved in the development of the centre said:
"I feel like our voices were heard and put in to action. We asked for a sensory room with colour changing lights. The lights are good for young people with special educational needs and disabilities." – Nathan
"We were listened to and now have a great building. We also have a nice outdoor area now that is my favourite." – Havanah
"It is an amazing building. We wanted a dance studio and now have one." – Meckenzie
"I like the way we they have redesigned rooms that are spacious with good facilities." – Daniel
The youth work projects on offer at the Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre and other SfYP venues across Hertfordshire help young people to develop their skills and confidence, have their voices heard and make a difference in their community. Our professionally qualified Youth Workers and Advisers provide support which enables young people to stay safe, make informed decisions and make a successful transition to adulthood.
As well as a wide range of term-time projects, SfYP delivers activity programmes during the school summer holidays. Get full details here: Summer 2025 with Services for Young People.
