Youth hubz

UASC Supported Accommodation

At Youth Hubz we provide accommodation for UASC (unaccompanied asylum-seeking children), that are safe, warm, homely and welcoming.

USAC Accommodation

We provide a supportive multi- lingual environment in which UASC can learn to develop and grow. We nurture a sense of belonging, strengthening the UASC confidence and trust in adults. Whilst providing the UASC with the emotional stability needed to develop positive friendships, and to engage with the wider community. All staff support the UASC to settling into the property, to develop independent skills and to be a part of the community.
Aims
  • To provide safe and top-quality accommodation for UASC aged 16-18 years of age.
  • To champion and advocate for UASC voice, using the feedback to ensure positive service outcomes, and a high-quality provision.
  • To support UASC with family contact and communication (either in the UK or country of origin).
  • To promote equal opportunities for UASC to engage with the local community to promote inclusion, participation and emotional resilience.
  • To work in partnership with professionals involved in UASC support to optimise the potential for positive outcomes.
  • To enable the positive transition of UASC to independent living with a robust independent skills program.
  • To support with UASC mental health, trauma, registering for all medical services, education, housing and leisure activities.
  • To meet the cultural and religious needs of each UASC, to link with local religious and community groups.
  • To support UASC with the asylum process and finding legal representation.
  • To safeguard and manage specific risk/s of all UASC, including modern slavery, trafficking, radicalisation, CCE and CSE.


Youth Hubz staff approach is person centred and aims to assist young people who seek greater independence and autonomy. We appreciate the additional supported that may be required for UASC Young people to integrate within the local community, this is why we will also be working in partnership with other agencies to build links with community groups so that UASC feel connected to others and develop a sense of belonging.

Get in Touch

    April Helliwell

    Team Leader
    After leaving school, I worked in the textile industry for over 20 years. To support and encourage my daughter to attend college I completed an access to higher education course, where I had the chance to volunteer at a homeless shelter as part of the curriculum.

    My passion for helping others then led me to start working with young people, initially in a mother and baby unit. In 2003, I joined Calderdale Council as a casual residential worker, becoming a permanent staff member in 2007. I then moved to a short break unit for children with learning disabilities in 2011, where I stayed until 2015 before changing my career path to focus more on support than care.

    For the next 8 years, I had the privilege of supporting 16-18 year old care leavers, and I was even promoted to manager in 2018. It was a very rewarding experience, but I was eager for a new challenge when the opportunity to become a team leader working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) became available. I'm really enjoying the new experiences and the chance to support these young people as they navigate the asylum process and work towards living independently developing skills for community safety and involvement, personal hygiene, and basis English.

    Outside of work, I cherish my time with my children and grandchildren. It brings me great joy to be able to spend quality time with my loved ones.

    Babita Mehta

    24/7 Operational Manager
    Babita has worked with children for over 20 years. She has worked in the Education sector in a safeguarding role, before transitioning into Safeguarding Lead with Youth Hubz Semi Independent Support where she has worked for the last 18months. She is currently completing Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner and ensures she keeps up to date with her role by attending various Safeguarding Leadership courses with new legislation and guidance. Babita has been Safeguarding Lead since 2021. She supports the implementation of policies and procedures with safeguarding practices. She ensures staff are up to date with all the developments in child protection policy, research, practice and guidance. In 2023 Babita was promoted to Operational Manager for 24/7 support.