Youth Stop, located next to the bus station, has been created to bring existing support in Dudley to young people, offering NHS mental health support, counselling, mentoring and practical support.

It is being funded by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership, which brings together agencies from statutory, voluntary and community sectors to co-ordinate efforts to prevent and reduce violence, and Dudley Community Safety Partnership - a partnership of public sector and voluntary organisations working to address community concerns around crime, disorder, Anti-Social Behaviour and substance misuse.

Located directly opposite bus stop B, Youth Stop will be open Monday to Friday. It aims to ensure young people can access the support they need, in order to reduce the likelihood of them becoming involved in violence or anti-social behaviour, aiming to create positive routes away from it.

There will also be tailored support available for LGBTQ+ youth, plus access to the Dudley Young Carers Support Group. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said:

“It is incredibly important we create dedicated, safe spaces for our young people, that can offer them the support they need, so they can grow and thrive.

“Merry Hill shopping centre is one of a number of places our young people enjoy visiting and where they feel safe. That’s why it makes perfect sense to offer them the support they need in this location."

Gurpreeth Singh Aujla, lead for Dudley Youth Justice Service, added: "This new youth centre will help ensure the young people that need us most have access to trusted adults and appropriate support based on their specific needs.”