Demand grows for safe after-school spaces at Halton Hills youth hubs

Following a busy summer and a historic 120 per cent attendance spike last fall, two Halton Hills community youth hubs are preparing for their busiest season yet as youth look for safe after-school spaces.

Alexandra Fuller, the town’s director of communications, said town staff expect a similar surge this fall, driven by a 33 per cent jump in summer attendance and upcoming outreach visits to local schools.

“Historically, participation at our youth centres increases during the fall season as students return to school and seek safe, welcoming spaces to spend time during after school hours,” Fuller said.

Recreational activities are hosted at 19 Willow St. N. in Acton and 96 Guelph St. in Georgetown.

Both locations have returned to their fall and winter schedule with the new school year underway.

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The hours of operation are now 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for youth between the ages of 12 and 24.

Fuller said although recreational activities and peer drop-ins mainly attract attendees, community partnerships play a key role in expanding what the centres can offer.

External service providers use the spaces to deliver food security initiatives, mental health and addiction resources, homelessness support, harm reduction education as well as practical life skills workshops.

Additionally, external grants and community donations have allowed the town to introduce tailored, free-to-low-cost activities without relying only on municipal operational budgets.

Fuller said both community hubs offer staff mentorship and foster a consistent sense of belonging for local youth.

With Files From The Canadian Press