Pendle YES Hub transforms lives of couple facing homelessness

 

The Hub, managed by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community on behalf of Pendle Borough Council, is designed to build the confidence, health and wellbeing of people aged between 16 and 24 and to boost their employability through skills training and work experience.

Emily and Calum relocated to Pendle from Carlisle in search of a fresh start. Shortly after arriving, they faced homelessness and limited resources, urgently needing support to rebuild their lives.

The couple reached out to Pendle YES Hub, who were able to secure emergency accommodation thanks to its partner organisation Curry on the Street.

Alongside safe housing, they were provided with hot meals, food parcels and essential toiletries to support their daily needs. 

Understanding the emotional toll of homelessness, the Hub arranged for counselling sessions with Lancashire Mind, which proved to be a turning point for the couple, helping them process their experiences and build the confidence needed to move forward.

Emily and Calum fully embraced the opportunities offered at the Hub, participating in a wide range of activities designed to improve physical health, emotional wellbeing and life skills such as gym sessions, badminton and walking groups.

Thanks to the wraparound support of the YES Hub, the couple secured stable housing within just one week. They have since settled in Nelson and built a supportive local network, giving them the stability and confidence to look ahead to a brighter future.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we've received from the YES Hub,” said Calum and Emily. “Previously, we were living in homeless hostels and sofa surfing after leaving care.

“We had both faced legal troubles and felt stuck. The YES Hub gave us a fresh start, helping us turn our lives around and build positive relationships within the community. Thanks to their support, we now have a strong and reliable network around us.”

Dave Marshall, Project Lead at Pendle YES Hub, added: “Calum and Emily have made full use of the support available to them, and it’s rewarding to see how much they’ve transformed. As residents of Pendle, we will continue to offer them our support.”

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, added: “I’m pleased this young couple was given the help and support they needed to turn their lives around.

“Their story demonstrates just how important this facility and the teams involved are to our young people.”

Emily and Calum’s story is a testament to the power of holistic, community-led support. Through emergency aid, counselling, skills development and housing assistance, Pendle YES Hub continues to help young people overcome adversity and move forward with resilience and hope.

To find out more or access support from Pendle YES Hub, email DMarshall@activelancashire.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY ACTIVE LANCASHIRE