Community workers in Dudley have highlighted alarming levels of poverty among young people in deprived areas, to the extent that some children have resorted to stealing water out of sheer necessity.
Adam Bradley and James Bragg, who have a decade of experience working with young people aged 11 and upwards in some of Dudley’s toughest neighbourhoods, are preparing to open a new youth hub and community centre called The Forge, located within Dudley’s Churchill Centre. Their goal is to provide young people with training and opportunities for future careers, but their work underlines the many challenges faced by the community.
“If you walk around the town centre, you will notice the usual issues found in many such places,” said Adam Bradley. “You’ll see kids loitering-not necessarily up to any mischief-but there is a real risk that without safe spaces and trusted adults, things could escalate.”
The Forge will be equipped with facilities such as music and podcast studios aimed at engaging young people creatively. However, the need for fundamental necessities remains an urgent concern. Adam explained, “One of the first items we’re installing is a water fountain because we know these kids come in thirsty.”
He recounted visiting several local shops where thefts had taken place, including cases where some young people had taken bottles of water. “It’s been very hot recently, and some of the young people we work with simply don’t have access to water.”
“In one shop, water was taken from next to more expensive items like electronic toothbrushes. I’m not condoning the theft, and we aim to prevent it, but the fact they took just water-a basic necessity-shows the extent of deprivation.”
James Bragg added perspective about their training courses, which include sports coaching. “The young people often don’t bring their own water bottles, and it’s not that they don’t want to but rather because they haven’t got the money to buy one.”
The severity of deprivation in parts of Dudley is reflected in statistics indicating that 28% of its population live in the poorest 20% of local authority areas nationally. But while the numbers paint a picture, Adam and James witness the harsh realities on the ground daily.
“You see it in the kids’ appearance and demeanour,” Adam shared. “One boy wore shoes two sizes too big and clothes that were far too large for him, day after day, which points to serious hardship.”
He also spoke about families struggling to provide food. “We encountered siblings who couldn’t take enough food home to share, not out of greed but because it was the only meal for the family. We reached out to Black Country Food Bank, which has been a vital source of support.”
The impact of such deprivation goes beyond material needs. The Forge team also offer specialist mental health support, which has seen increasing demand in recent times.
Their work continues to shine a light on the pressing issues faced by young people in Dudley, emphasising the need for community action to provide not only opportunities but also the most basic essentials.