Elena first joined our youth provision during the Summer Programme 2024, and from day one she was all in. She attended every session, threw herself into activities, and quickly became a familiar and friendly face around the Youth Hub.

Over the summer, we saw a huge boost in her confidence and communication skills, and she produced some truly amazing creative work along the way. Elena enjoyed her time so much that once the summer ended, she decided to stick around and join our core provision at Westoe Community Hub.

Fast forward to Summer Programme 2025, when Layla signed up to everything on offer, just like Elena had the year before. Layla brought bundles of energy, enthusiasm, and humour with her. Her bubbly personality and “joke of the day” quickly became a highlight of sessions, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone at the Youth Hub.

It was during this summer programme that Elena and Layla met, and it didn’t take long for a friendship to form. They quickly discovered shared interests, including a love of Stitch, Disney, and a shared (and slightly mischievous!) sense of humour. Whenever these two are at the Youth Hub, the space is filled with laughter, positivity, and joy. Alongside the fun, their friendship is built on genuine support, helping each other out when things feel tricky and always being there for one another.

Some of their friendship highlights include wearing matching Halloween costumes, spending Christmas Day together and teaming up to pull a naughty Elf Day prank on Youth Hub staff.

Elena sums it up simply: “She makes me laugh.”

Layla shares what the friendship means to her: “Elena makes me happy because I have someone to talk to on a night time.”