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19/06/2026
A year on from leasing the Resource Centre to the KFC Youth Foundation (KFCYF), Actes Trust is proud to see the building transformed into a thriving Youth Hub that is making a real difference to young people across Middlesbrough.
Since formally launching in March 2025, KFCYF has delivered almost 3,000 meaningful engagements with young people, recording an impressive 2,930 “touch points”. Around 90% of these are repeat visits, highlighting the strong relationships being built and the trust young people have in the Hub.
Working with young people aged 8 to 24, the KFC Youth Hub has quickly become a valued space where young people can access support, develop new skills, and connect with others in a safe and welcoming environment.
A Growing Programme of Support
In its first year, KFCYF has delivered 17 different programmes designed to meet a wide range of needs and interests. These include:
- Girls’ and boys’ development sessions
- One-to-one and group mentorship programmes
- Health and wellbeing activities
- School engagement programmes
- Boxing and physical activity sessions
- Employability support
- Open-access youth clubs
Each programme is tailored to support personal development, improve wellbeing, and help young people build confidence and future opportunities.
Strong Partnerships with Local Schools
Partnership working has been a key feature of the Hub’s approach, including:
- Working with Archibald School, programmes have included Girls Rising, Beyond Mentorships, wellbeing sessions, and Stay and Play activities.
·- Working with Thorntree School, support has included Girls Rising, Beyond Mentorships, and wellbeing programmes focused on building resilience and confidence.
- Working with Macmillan Academy, the Hub has delivered Girls Rising alongside food-based programmes, combining practical skills with personal development.
These partnerships help ensure consistent and accessible support for young people both in and outside of school.
Expanding Reach and Participation
What began as a single weekly youth club has grown significantly over the past year. The KFC Youth Hub now runs four nights per week, with an average attendance of 32 young people aged 8 -18 at each session. This growth reflects both the demand for youth provision locally and the success of the Hub in creating an environment that young people want to be part of.
Building Bridges Across Communities
One of the most significant outcomes has been the Hub’s role in bringing together young people from TS1 and TS3 - areas that are diverse and do not always have opportunities to connect. Through shared activities and experiences, the Hub is helping to break down barriers, build friendships, and create a stronger sense of inclusion across communities.
Supporting a Space That Delivers Impact
For us, leasing the Resource Centre to KFCYF has always been about enabling high-quality provision that benefits local communities. Over the past year, we have seen the building come to life as a vibrant, youth-focused space that is supporting hundreds of young people and creating meaningful opportunities. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of the KFC Youth Hub as it grows in the years ahead.
KFC Youth Foundation Hub Manager Sarah Charming said:
"Over the past year, the Hub has grown tremendously, achieving so much through the dedication of our team, partners, and community. We have expanded our reach, strengthened our services, and created more opportunities for people to connect, learn, and thrive. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and excited about what the future holds."
