Earlier this year, Romsey Mill was successful in securing funding from Cambridgeshire County Council, to appoint a youth worker to be based in Northstowe, the new development north-west of Cambridge.

Emma Whitbread is our Northstowe Youth Development worker, and she has begun developing provision for young people in this new community, working three days a week. Emma also works for Romsey Mill in Cambourne on the other two days of the week. 

Emma has an office in Northstowe Secondary College and is providing detached work and 1:1 support for a number of students within the school.

Working in partnership with other organisations, in particular the Northstowe Youth Hive, she will also be creating a range of community-based activities with young people based on their needs and passions.  

Over the last 14 years, Romsey Mill has developed youth provision in several new communities in Cambridgeshire, including Cambourne, Hampton in Peterborough, and the new developments in Trumpington.

We recognise the significant challenges there can be for young people as they move to a new home in a developing area without many established facilities.

Romsey Mill wants to help young people grow in their sense of belonging to their community as their voice is heard and as we create activities with them. 

Speaking of her new role in Northstowe, Emma Whitbread said:

"There’s so much potential in Northstowe and I feel privileged to be part of helping young people shape what youth work looks like in the new town.

Having grown up in Cambourne, another new town, I know first hand how important it is for there to be a space for young people, to access support and have opportunities open to them." 

Emma's appointment has been welcomed by representatives of the community in Northstowe.

Revd Beth Cope, Pioneer Minister for Northstowe and Chair of the Northstowe Youth Hive said:  

“Romsey Mill may have only had a youth worker on the ground in Northstowe for a few months, but they are rapidly getting to know the community and young people.

Already, youth-led ideas are starting to bubble up, and partnership opportunities developing with groups like the Northstowe Youth Hive. I can’t wait to see where this goes next! “