Building Stronger Futures: Join the appeal to create a new support hub for young people in Cambridge

May 7, 2025

Did you know that Cambridge is one of the UK’s most unequal cities? Many young people are living in deprivation, and rising numbers of local young people are experiencing mental health problems.

Centre 33 has helped over 50,000 young people facing hardship or disadvantage since first opening its doors in Cambridge in 1981. Over the years, there has been a huge, prolonged rise in the number of local young people seeking help and Centre 33 have been struggling to support them from their tiny terraced building on Clarendon Street.

We are delighted to share that, thanks to support from some generous funders, Centre 33 has purchased a larger building on the corner of James Street and Maids Causeway. It will be transformed into a new early support hub for young people in Cambridge, enabling double the number of local young people to access support under one roof to help prevent later crises and allow young people to thrive.

Centre 33 has already raised over £2m thanks to the support of generous funders including The Evelyn Trust, The John Apthorp Charity, The National Lottery Community Fund and The Clothworkers’ Foundation. Today, they’re launching the Building Stronger Futures fundraising appeal to pay for significant refurbishment and are inviting local business partners to get in touch and get involved to transform the lives of local young people for years to come.

There are plenty of ways to get involved in the public campaign. You could engage with your team to fundraise, sponsor part of the new building, donate – big or small, or help to spread the word. They want to hear your ideas and invite you to play a key role in this legacy for young people in Cambridge. There will be open events on Thursday 5th June between 6.30-8.30 pm and on Saturday 12th July between 2.30-4.30 pm, at 33 Clarendon Street, Cambridge CB1 1JX where you can learn more about plans.

“I had no support. I was alone and had Centre 33 not been there and helped me, I honestly don’t believe I would be here today. Centre 33 made sure I had a place to sleep, food to eat and a warm place during the day, as well as listening to me. Thank you so much for being there when no-one else was.”

The new hub is three times bigger than Clarendon Street and will enable double the number of young people to be supported – 4,000 a year. There will be more space for one-to-one and group support, as well as room for multiple partner organisations, ensuring joined-up support. We know how much of a difference it will make.

Beth Green, Chief Executive Officer of Centre 33, said: “Young people tell us they have no-one to talk to. We know early, flexible support without barriers makes all the difference. Our new hub will enable us to reach thousands more young people every year.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to think big and ambitious, and develop something that will make a significant long-term impact for the young people of Cambridge and across the county.”

If you know a young person who visits Centre 33 – they don’t need to worry. They’ll still be offering support from Clarendon Street until new building is ready – there will always be someone to talk to at Centre 33.

You can find out more on Centre 33’s website at https://centre33.org.uk/help/new-home-cambridge/ or contact Corrina O’Flaherty Seddon, Development & Partnerships Lead at fundraising@centre33.org.uk or phone 0333 414 1809 to get involved today.