Wesley’s Queen St. Youth Centre has a new look, and more importantly, a new feel! Thanks to a $10,000 contribution from Ward 1 in Hamilton, recommended by Councillor Maureen Wilson, we were able to replace worn-out furniture with durable couches and new TVs, transforming the space into a comfortable, welcoming place where youth can relax, connect, and feel at home.
The Wesley Queen St. Youth Centre serves a diverse group of teens, many of whom live in the neighbourhood. For these youth, the centre offers something incredibly important: a safe space of their own where they can unwind, hang out with friends, and just be teens.
With the updates, the space now truly reflects how youth want to spend their time. On any given visit, you’ll find them playing video games, watching movies, listening to music, or diving into board games. Others head to the gym space down the hall to play sports. What makes the centre special is the choice it offers. Some youth come for activity and energy, others come simply to sit, relax, and recharge. On average, about 30 youth use the space each week.
Before these updates the room provided a safe space, but old, worn out couches and less activities to draw interest saw less youth attending than the program is designed to serve. Almost immediately after the upgrades, we saw more teens coming through the doors and staying longer. Now, every visit is filled with laughter, conversation, and groups of youth gathered together on the new couches, gaming and connecting.
From the LED lights to the comfortable seating, the space is now more youth-friendly than ever! The response from youth has been overwhelmingly positive as they explore the new amenities together. These updates didn’t just refresh a room; they helped create a place where young people feel welcome, comfortable, and excited to spend time together.
