A youth-led community hub in Alloa is celebrating its first year of helping more than 300 young people.
The Hive is marking its first anniversary on Wednesday as a safe and inclusive space for young people across Clackmannanshire.
Led by the Wasp Community Club and supported by Alloa Athletic Football Club, the hub has become a central part of the community, offering activities and support.
Antony McMinn, project manager, said: "The Hive has never just been about a building, it’s about creating a space where young people feel they belong and where support is joined up around them.
"In our first year, we’ve seen what happens when young people, schools and partners come together with a shared purpose.
"Reaching over 300 young people shows both the need and the opportunity we have to make a real difference.
"This is driven by the commitment of our staff and volunteers, and the support of our partners and wider community."
The Hive says the project is built on strong partnerships, particularly with Alloa Academy, and works closely with schools throughout Clackmannanshire to bridge the gap between education and community support.
This collaborative approach supports early intervention and sustained youth engagement.
The Hive forms part of a broader, joined-up strategy in Clackmannanshire, aligning with the Family Wellbeing Partnership and the Planet Youth Coalition.
These partnerships bring together organisations from education, health, community, and the third sector to deliver coordinated and effective support.
The hub also benefits from the backing of the SPFL Trust, which helps promote football as a positive and accessible entry point for community engagement.
The trust’s involvement has helped ensure the hub is seen as welcoming and free from stigma.
In its first year, The Hive secured a commitment of over £250,000 in funding, reflecting strong confidence from investors and partner organisations in its work.
Due to high demand, the hub has already extended its services to include programmes for primary four and five pupils.
These places were quickly filled, underlining the growing need for early support.
The Hive say they offer more than just activities, as they provide pathways into volunteering, training, and employment, and has contributed to organisational growth, expanding from one staff member to seven in its first year.
Looking ahead, plans include developing targeted employability programmes for young people aged 16 to 25, supporting their transition into work or further education.
The Hive also runs free youth sessions during weekends and school holidays, and operates a community café backed by CTSI and the Family Wellbeing Collaborative.
The café, which received initial funding from SGN and the SPFL Trust, offers food, warmth, and access to advice and support.
The café has become a vital point of contact for families and individuals, providing a trusted space for informal support and connection.
The hub also works in partnership with schools, Police Scotland, and other local services.
Its broader impact has included reduced antisocial behaviour, improved community engagement, and the creation of positive opportunities for young people.
Police and other partners have reported better behaviour and increased community pride as a result of the project.
As The Hive enters its second year, it aims to expand its reach and deepen its partnerships, continuing to provide meaningful, joined-up support for young people across Clackmannanshire.
The Wasp Community Club and Alloa Athletic’s ongoing commitment, alongside a network of partners, has been key to ensuring the project’s success, and its potential to continue changing lives in the years ahead.
Share