KFC opens first permanent youth hub in Middlesbrough

The brand plans to open five by 2030.

KFC’s non-profit organisation KFC Youth Foundation will open its first permanent Youth Hub Middlesbrough to address the demand for safe spaces for young people.

In a survey commissioned by the KFC Youth Foundation, it found that Gen Zs hope government investment for youth services will go to boosting mental health support (42%), education & training programmes (38%) as well as creating more safe spaces for young people (25%). This demand for new investment comes as 24% of those surveyed, reported that there are no youth clubs in their area, and another 17% stated they had to stop attending theirs following closure due to funding cuts.

To meet this need, KFC plans to open five permanent Youth Hubs by 2030, offering safe spaces where young people can easily access mental health and wellbeing support, as well as opportunities to develop their skills and employability.

The Middlesbrough Hub will include a training kitchen to help young people gain experience around cooking and nutrition – essential life skills that could also open up new employment opportunities. This is particularly important as over a quarter (28%) of Gen Z say they are missing the support of a role model when it comes to their career. 

“For us, at the KFC Youth Foundation, we recognise the value of investment in safe, inclusive spaces and access to services that help address some of the challenges young people face. That’s why we’re investing in Youth Hubs and are looking forward to opening the doors to our first Youth Hub in Middlesbrough later this year,” Louise Norris, Manager of the KFC Youth Foundation said.