Hill Street Youth & Community Centre

Hill Street Youth & Community Centre is a registered charity (Charity number: 1156128) based in Rugby, Warwickshire, England, dedicated to providing a wide range of services and support to the local community. The centre functions as a vital hub for people of all ages, offering educational opportunities, social activities, and community engagement in an inclusive and safe environment.

History and Purpose

The centre has served the Rugby community for over a decade, operating as a cornerstone institution that delivers support, guidance, advice, and direction to residents across multiple age groups. Its mission focuses on being the venue of choice for the community by providing accessible educational and social programming through a passionate team of staff and volunteers[1].

Services and Activities

Hill Street Centre hosts numerous activities and services, including:

• Youth clubs
• Adult and community learning programs
• Youth engagement initiatives
• Job clubs
• Community groups for people over 50
• Dance and recreational activities
• Advice on housing, employment, mental health, and substance abuse support

The centre also offers various facilities such as a coffee lounge, music studio, sports hall, conference rooms, and meeting spaces, supporting over 50 local charities and community groups that use the venue regularly[1][5].

Community Impact

Hill Street plays a critical role in the community by providing essential resources, particularly for vulnerable children and teenagers. It has a successful track record in preventing youth involvement in crime and gang culture, offering a safe space and constructive programs to at-risk young people. The centre supports lifelong connections, with some community members attending for nearly 50 years[5].

Property Ownership and Development

Previously facing challenges due to the facility's condition and uncertainty over ownership, the charity secured a significant milestone in January 2022 by purchasing the property outright with a £125,000 loan from Charity Bank. This acquisition has ensured the centre's long-term security and enabled the development of a new independent youth hub on site. The new hub, funded primarily by grants, will expand the centre's capacity to deliver simultaneous services to both young people and adults and introduce new educational courses and youth programs[5].

Governance

Hill Street Youth & Community Centre is overseen by a board of trustees, with periodic recruitment to support its evolving projects and initiatives, ensuring the sustainability and growth of its community offerings[1][2].

Hill Street Youth & Community Centre remains an indispensable community asset in Rugby, continuing to foster social inclusion, education, and well-being across generations.

[1] https://www.hillstreetcentre.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5045328 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5045328/contact-information [4] https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/directory-record/7139/hill-street-youth-community-centre [5] https://www.charitybank.org/news/hill-street-saving-a-vital-community-asset/