Following months of planning, hard work and community support, Hubbub – the new Ysgol y Deri retail space – has officially opened its doors.
Located in the heart of Penarth, the shop is now fully operational and is a retail training space designed to give young people with additional learning needs the opportunity to gain real-world work experience and lifelong skills.
Hubbub is run by Ysgol y Deri students and helps them prepare for future employment after leaving school, while also deepening their connection with the local community.
The opening follows a heartwarming wave of community spirit, as volunteers from Morgan Sindall, CS Flooring, Ian Williams Carpentry, Whiteheads Building Services, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council offered their time, resources, and skills to bring the shop to life.
Stacey Long, Post-16 Transition Lead at Ysgol y Deri, said: “What we’re doing is quite different, the real purpose is to give our learners meaningful work experience and help them develop employability skills they can take forward.
“This is about showcasing our learners in their own community, helping them feel comfortable and included – and making sure others get to know them too.”
Local makers and small businesses are able to rent shelf space at Hubbub, with a number of products made by Ysgol y Deri students also available for sale.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “It’s inspiring to see this project come to life, as the Hubbub shop shows how meaningful real-world opportunities can help young people gain invaluable skills and confidence as they step into the world of work.
“I encourage everyone in the community to visit, support the shop, and see the impact for themselves – well done to everyone involved in making Hubbub such a success and creating a space that truly empowers our learners.”
