Community Spotlight: Cranstoun ROUTES 8 September 2025

Here at Merry Hill, we’re very lucky to have Cranstoun ROUTES within our centre for young people who visit us and live nearby!

ROUTES is a young people’s advice hub, where those aged between 13 – 25 can drop in. Here, you’ll find support from Latitia (Youth Hub Manager), Charley, Priya and Trae (Youth Hub Advisors), Sarah-Lou (Youth Participation Coordinator) and Sarah (Administrator).

They officially opened their doors in October last year, and since then have provided vital information, advice and guidance to young people who present with an issue or problem.

Here’s a bit more about them and the amazing work they do:

Merry Hill: What services do you offer?

ROUTES: Within walk-in, we have partners here at the hub who can offer more specialist advice, such as Brook Sexual Health and Here4Youth on a Tuesday, Young Persons Health Advisors on a Wednesday, Reflexions Mental Health on a Thursday and The Job Centre on a Friday.

If ourselves or partners cannot help, we will support in signposting young people to the right service needed. Additionally, we as Youth Hub advisors provide 1-to-1 mentoring for young people for up maximum for 12 sessions.

MH: What are the weekly activities that take place at ROUTES?

R: Apart from our walk-in service, we have our ongoing Thriving Thursdays (4.30 – 6pm) where young people aged between 13 – 19 can come and socialise, play games, arts and crafts, and more. Also, keep an eye out for more activities in the future.

MH: Are there any particular memorable moments that you can share?

R: We would say providing the young people an opportunity to go on the Brumside radio show called “Teen Talk” in Kings Heath, Birmingham, to have a live discussion about a topic in which they are were passionate about. It made us proud of all three of them being able to clearly articulate their views on “anti – racism” and how they worked in unison prior to the show to agree cordially to discuss this subject.

MH: What does someone need to do if they need to use your services?

R: Simple… walk-in between our opening times and speak to someone straight away. No referral is required with our service; it has purposely designed this way, so there are no barriers in accessing help, including no postcode restrictions.

MH: Why is it so important to be located here at Merry Hill?

R: Merry Hill is a very popular shopping centre in Dudley which attracts people of all ages due to its variety of outlets there. The bus station connects Merry Hill to most places within the Dudley Borough and much more making it accessible for everyone.

MH: What work do you do with Merry Hill?

R: We do outreach work with Merry Hill security, in hope to ease any barriers between young people and the security team. It also gives us all the opportunity to have open discussions and build relationships with young people.

Whether you want to access support or just chill and chat with a friendly face, the wonderful ROUTES team are here between 3pm – 7pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10am – 4pm Saturdays.

Find Cranstoun ROUTES on the Lower Mall, next to the Bus Station.