Wythenshawe’s Young People Take the Lead

The Opportunities Hub in Wythenshawe was full of energy as local young people came together to explore skills, training, and future opportunities. They also had the chance to share their thoughts on the town centre’s regeneration plans and discuss how these changes could create new opportunities for them and their peers.

Based in Civic, the Opportunities Hub has been developed as a space where residents can receive help with learning, training, finding a job, or setting up their own business. This forms part of the wider plans to create a thriving, inclusive Wythenshawe for everyone.

The recent four-week programme, delivered in partnership with charity Career Connect and funded by UK Government, brought together eleven young people aged 16–18 (or up to 24 for care leavers and those with an EHCP) who were not currently in education, employment or training.

The group represented young residents who are often furthest from the job market, ensuring their perspectives and experiences shaped a programme designed to support them into future training and employment.

Participants took part in workshops, mentoring and employer-led sessions, gaining hands-on experience, new skills and confidence in planning their next steps, whether that’s moving towards a job, training or further support. They were supported throughout the events with travel, lunch, and a bursary to remove barriers to participation.

Each session explored a different theme:

Opportunities Day

Opportunities Day introduced the group to the town centre’s regeneration plans, including the food hall, Culture Hub and new residential developments. Young people shared their ideas for spaces, suggesting wellbeing zones, community gardens, outdoor gyms and social areas that would help bring people together and promote safety at night. These insights will play an important role in shaping the regeneration of Wythenshawe to create welcoming and inclusive public spaces.

Youth Voice Day

A day focused on how young people could shape the future of the Opportunities Hub. The group discussed how Open Space, the new town-centre shopfront where residents can drop in for support, information and opportunities linked to the regeneration, could be made welcoming, accessible and inclusive. They emphasised the importance of friendly staff, good lighting, and clear information, as well as community awareness to ensure everyone knows what’s on offer.

Skills & Pathways Day

Skills & Pathways Day gave participants the chance to meet local training providers and employers, create online profiles using Kloodle to showcase their skills, and plan their next steps with a qualified Careers Adviser. The group also shared their thoughts on recruitment, creating a ‘Young Person’s Chance Charter’, a set of ideas for employers to make hiring processes fairer and more accessible for young people.

Meet an Employer Day

During Meet an Employer Day participants took part in mock interviews and mentoring sessions with five local employers. They practised answering real interview questions, received feedback, and learned how to present their strengths with confidence. This session was designed to help prepare them for future job applications and build the confidence they need to move into work, training, or further education.

The programme not only helped young people understand the regeneration plans but also built their confidence, self-esteem and readiness for future employment.

Their insights have given the regeneration team valuable direction, offering practical ideas for housing, public spaces, and how the new Culture Hub and food hall can best serve local residents: They called for youth-friendly, inclusive spaces, affordable food options, and opportunities for local people to perform, create and celebrate together.

The Opportunities Hub is already helping young people take their next steps and play an active role in shaping Wythenshawe’s future.

The team will continue to build on these conversations, and future sessions will explore how to turn the feedback into visible action through Open Space and other community channels.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming youth projects and ways to get involved.

Keep up to date

If you’d like to be kept up to date on the plans for Wythenshawe Town Centre please register here.

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