A Penarth town centre shop providing retail training and work experience for young people with additional needs is celebrating its first anniversary.
Hubbub, Ysgol Y Deri’s vintage-style store, marks one year since opening on October 1, having supported 25 current and former pupils during its first 12 months.
The shop was established by Ysgol Y Deri’s Curriculum Lead for Careers and Work-Related Experiences, Stacey Long, after learning that just four per cent of adults with additional learning needs in Wales are in paid employment.
Hubbub provides pupils with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real retail environment, developing skills in customer service, communication, teamwork, till operation, money handling and maintaining the shop floor.
The initiative also aims to build confidence and independence, giving pupils skills they can use in future employment and everyday life.
Up to 40 current and former pupils are expected to take part during the 2026/27 academic year.
Stacey Long, Curriculum Lead for Careers and Work-Related Experiences at Ysgol Y Deri and Hubbub Store Manager, said: “Our first year of Hubbub has exceeded all expectations. It has become a space where our pupils can thrive, grow in confidence and learn real-life skills that could help them move towards employment in the future.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Penarth community for the way it has welcomed and supported Hubbub over the past year, and to everyone who has helped us along the way. That includes Morgan Sindall, which supported us with building work free of charge, and Social Firms Wales, whose advice and mentoring have been invaluable, and many others who have supported Hubbub throughout its first year.”
The shop sells donated pre-loved items alongside products from small and local makers and is exploring opportunities to sell selected items through Vinted as a registered charity.
Pupils also make products to sell in the shop during Friday morning vocational sessions.
Partnerships with local businesses, including Peggy’s Pots and Apothecary, provide opportunities for pupils to learn practical skills such as ceramics and candle making while making use of resources available within the school.
Hubbub’s work has already received recognition locally and nationally.
The initiative was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Bro Radio Community Awards and has also been shortlisted in the One to Watch category at the Social Business Wales Awards. Winners are due to be announced on October 7.
Following its first anniversary, Hubbub is now looking to expand the number of pupils able to benefit from the initiative.
One of its priorities is securing grant funding for an electric vehicle, which would enable Ysgol Y Deri to transport pupils between the school and the Penarth shop while supporting Hubbub’s aim to operate more sustainably.
The initiative is also appealing to businesses and organisations that may be able to provide suitable storage space in or around Penarth as it continues to grow.
Anyone able to support Hubbub with storage space, grant funding or other assistance can contact Stacey Long at [email protected] or follow Hubbub on Instagram.
