A new retail shop is offering young people hands-on work experience.
Hubbub is a retail training space in Penarth, designed to give young people with additional learning needs the opportunity to gain real-world work experience and lifelong skills.
The shop is run by students from Ysgol y Deri and aims to prepare them for future employment after leaving school, while also deepening their connection with the local community.
Stacey Long, post-16 transition lead at Ysgol y Deri, said: "What we’re doing is quite different, the real purpose is to give our learners meaningful work experience and help them develop employability skills they can take forward.
"This is about showcasing our learners in their own community, helping them feel comfortable and included—and making sure others get to know them too."
Months of planning and collaboration made the project possible, with support from numerous volunteers and organisations.
Contributions came from Morgan Sindall, CS Flooring, Ian Williams Carpentry, Whiteheads Building Services, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, with volunteers donating time, resources, and skills to bring the shop to life.
Councillor Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education, arts and the Welsh language, said: "It’s inspiring to see this project come to life, as the Hubbub shop shows how meaningful real-world opportunities can help young people gain invaluable skills and confidence as they step into the world of work.
"I encourage everyone in the community to visit, support the shop, and see the impact for themselves—well done to everyone involved in making Hubbub such a success and creating a space that truly empowers our learners."
Shelf space is available for rent, and products created by Ysgol y Deri students are also available for purchase.
This provides students with the chance to see their work in a retail environment.
Hubbub is now open to the public, and the team is keen to encourage the wider community to visit, shop, and support the students.
For more information about the Hubbub shop or to get involved, members of the community can contact Stacey Long at slong@yyd.org.uk.
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