Sir Stephen Fry Champions New Support Hub for Young People in Cambridge

Actor and writer Sir Stephen Fry has endorsed a significant initiative aimed at assisting young people in need in Cambridge. The campaign, launched by charity Centre 33, seeks to establish a new support hub that will provide vital services for mental health, housing, and caring responsibilities for local youth. The appeal, named Building Stronger Futures, was initiated in May and aims to raise £500,000 by the end of November 2023.

Located at the intersection of James Street and Maids Causeway, the new hub will replace the charity’s existing facility on Clarendon Street, which has served the community since 1981. This new space is designed to accommodate double the number of young people who will receive support annually, enhancing the charity’s capacity to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.

The Building Stronger Futures appeal has already garnered over £2 million in funding, surpassing 80 percent of its target, aided by recent grants of £100,000 from the Wolfson Foundation and £40,000 from the Bernard Sunley Foundation. Centre 33’s Director of Development and Partnerships, Harriet Millward, expressed gratitude towards the community’s support and emphasized the need for continued contributions to complete the project.

Impact of Early Support

Sir Stephen Fry highlighted the importance of early intervention for young people, stating, “Early support can have a lasting, transformational impact.” According to Centre 33, last year, over 90 percent of the young individuals they assisted made progress toward their goals. Additionally, more than 70 percent reported improvements in mental health, and 85 percent of young carers felt less isolated.

Centre 33 operates five drop-in hubs across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, providing free, no-referral support to thousands of youth up to the age of 25. The charity has recently released a short film showcasing the positive effects of their services. In the film, one young woman, who sought help while experiencing homelessness, shared her experience: “I can’t imagine what would have happened to me if I was left alone in that situation. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt like I could finally breathe.”

To fund essential amenities such as soundproofing for confidential support spaces and fire safety measures, Centre 33 is urging the community to contribute. Millward stated, “Donations big or small all make a huge difference. This hub will transform young people’s lives for years to come, but we need your help. This isn’t just a building – it’s much more. By coming together, we can ensure more young people thrive.”

For those wishing to support this initiative or seeking additional information, donations can be made through the Centre 33 website at centre33.org.uk/new-cambridge-hub. The charity’s drop-in hubs are located in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, Peterborough, and Wisbech, providing accessible support to young people throughout the region. More details can be found at www.centre33.org.uk.