The Kenilworth Centre has this week announced its new 'Wellbeing Hub' targeted at supporting the mental health of local young people.

Kenilworth's community outreach centre had already been working with children at Kenilworth School, but the new Wellbeing Hub means that all young people from year six to 19 year-olds can now access their support.

The hub has received funding from The Heart of England 'Winter Wellbeing Fund' as well as donations from local people, meaning that the first six months are already covered to allow the scheme to get off the ground.

As lockdown persists the hub is currently operating via the telephone, video chats and email. Children in Kenilworth can now access these services for free and mentoring chats can be arranged by contacting [email protected]

Centre Manager Holly Hewitt said "We are really pleased that we can launch this new project from the the Kenilworth Centre / Kenilworth Youth Centre. Youth wellbeing is at crisis point, with young people telling us they are frustrated, lonely, anxious about their education and future, unable to access the activities that keep them active, healthy and happy.

"Being kept within the home is having a strain on family relationships too. There will be much adjustment and support needed to help young people deal with their current experience and what the future holds.

"While we can't provide our usual face to face activities we wanted to be able to provide something ongoing to target the effects of the last year."

Tickets are also available for the first of a series of new online three-week courses.

This first course is to help with 'Calm and Mindfulness.' Supported and funded by the Kenilworth Lions, the sessions give the chance to join a fun and relaxing group that teaches individuals how to feel in control with breathing techniques, massage, yoga and positive self-talk. Jemma from 'Calm Space' will lead the sessions.

Please follow this link to book a space.

The Wellbeing Hub is also using part of the funding from the Heart of England Grant to supply wellbeing packs to go out to young people in Kenilworth in need of a lift.

These will include advice, ideas, postcards, bath bombs, journals, activities, snacks, resources, activities and other fun and useful things to remind young people they are not forgotten, and things will get better.

To request a wellbeing pack for a young person who really needs a lift contact [email protected]