Care experienced young people in Torbay aged 16 to 25 can now access a brand new ‘hub’ which not only provides a welcoming social space but can also support them in education, skills, employment and wellbeing.

The brand new hub, which is based at, The Flat, Mayfield College, Preston Down Road Paignton TQ3 1RN, was officially opened on Monday 16 March by Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Nancy Meehan, Director of Children’s Services at Torbay Council.

Staff at the council and a range of local volunteers pulled out all the stops to decorate the hub in a short space of time.

Cllr Bye said: “I am absolutely delighted to officially launch this fantastic new hub which will make such a vital difference to the lives of our care experienced young people.

“The hub has been carefully chosen to ensure it is easy to access for young people, with on-site parking and outdoor spaces that support both wellbeing and informal social connection. Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming and aspirational space where young people feel valued, supported and empowered to shape their futures.

“I am very pleased to say as well that within the first day of opening, the hub has already helped two of our young people who were not in education, employment or training, with one being offered a place with the King’s Trust and the other being offered a place at South Devon College.”

The new hub aims to provide: 

A safe space with purpose

The hub will be a central base for delivering targeted sessions, with a strong focus on supporting NEET young people. Work from the hub will be underpinned by a personalised curriculum and pathway plan, ensuring support is tailored to individual strengths, ambitions and needs. This approach will help young people build confidence, skills and clear next steps into education, employment or training.

The hub will also be a safe space for young people to come and relax; we will hold social events regularly including sports sessions and specific workshops like cooking and budgeting. Alongside it being available for care experienced young people to do their washing and freshen up if needed with our shower. There will also be a wellbeing check in available as well as virtual school support.

Daily drop-ins and community connections

A key feature of the hub will be a daily drop-in, offering consistent support and a trusted place young people can return to. The team will work closely with community resources and partners, strengthening local links and ensuring young people can easily access wider opportunities and specialist support.

Supporting immediate needs

The hub will also host a mini food bank, baby bank and clothes bank, helping to meet immediate practical needs in a dignified and accessible way.

Donations needed for care experienced hub

Donations are needed to help keep the hub going so if you are able to donate the following please do:

• Food – especially chilled and dry food
• Cleaning products
• Toiletries including period products
• Men’s clothing
• Easter eggs
• Board games

Items can either be dropped off at the hub itself at The Flat, Mayfield College, Preston Down Road Paignton TQ3 1RN or at the Torbay Council Town Hall reception at Castle Circus, Torquay.

Watch a video from the Care Experienced Hub opening here.