In the heart of Shrewsbury, a vital charity has launched an innovative scheme to secure the future of its transformative work with young people. The Hive, a registered arts and wellbeing venue, is calling on its community to join The Hive100, a new circle of regular givers designed to provide stable, long-term funding.
A Lifeline Forged From Community Support
The initiative was born directly from the overwhelming public response to last summer's Save The Hive campaign. Marketing Manager Vicki Duckett-Snape revealed that many locals asked how they could continue their support after the urgent appeal. The Hive100 was created as a simple, accessible, and affordable way for the community to stand with the charity not just in crisis, but for the long haul.
CEO Katie Jennings emphasised the critical difference this kind of sustained backing makes. "The heartfelt donations from our community last summer were a crucial lifeline," she said. They allowed the doors to stay open and provided a grace period to secure additional funding. Jennings explained that while project grants are essential, they come with deadlines, making reliable monthly income invaluable for forward planning.
Building a Confident Future for Shropshire's Youth
This stable funding empowers The Hive to develop vital projects with confidence. A key example is their new Alternative Provision programme for Shropshire. This programme offers a safe, creative, and non-academic environment for children and young people who find traditional education challenging or who have complex needs. Projects like this require a solid, permanent home in Shrewsbury, serving young people from across the county.
The need for The Hive's work is stark. Recent figures show that 45% of young people and 48% of students report daily life being affected by anxiety. In England, new mental health referrals for under-17s more than doubled in 2023-24 compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Hive directly addresses this by providing inclusive spaces where young people can belong, build skills, and combat isolation.
What Does Joining The Hive100 Involve?
For a monthly donation of just £12, individuals can become one of the first 100 Founder members. This commitment directly helps to:
- Empower young lives through creative wellbeing projects like Amplify, where local youth explore music with industry experts.
- Provide safe, inclusive spaces at the venue and in the community.
- Respond to the rising crisis in youth mental health and isolation.
- Build a stronger, more resilient future for Shropshire's children.
Founders will receive several benefits as a token of thanks. Their names will be featured on The Hive's website as Founding Members, and they will get exclusive behind-the-scenes updates, stories from participants, and priority invites to showcase events. They can also collect a custom-designed canvas tote bag.
For many young people, The Hive is the only place they feel understood and able to express themselves. As young trustee and participant Luna Jones puts it, "The Hive is a step closer to home." The Hive100 represents a chance for the community to help ensure that this lifeline remains open, fostering a more creative, connected, and confident future for Shropshire's youth.
Those interested in becoming one of the first 100 supporters can join the scheme today at hiveonline.org.uk.
