Supporting young people on Hayling Island
Creating a safe space for young people on Hayling Island
Wave Children’s Charity is a registered charity based on Hayling Island, providing a safe, welcoming space for local children and young people. Through free weekly youth sessions and community support, Wave helps young people relax, build friendships, grow in confidence and feel part of their community.
The Wave youth hub at 23–25 Elm Grove opened in 2022 and is supported by volunteers, local partners and the wider community, all working together to create positive opportunities for young people on Hayling Island.
Our Hub and Our Story
In 2022, Wave secured the former TSB building at 23–25 Elm Grove and transformed it into a welcoming youth hub for the Hayling Island community. With the support of volunteers, friends, families and local organisations, the space was refurbished to create a safe, comfortable environment designed specifically for young people.
The hub opened its doors in September 2022 and has since become a place where children and teenagers can meet regularly, feel supported and take part in positive activities in a space that truly belongs to them.
What we offer at WAVE
A safe place to belong
A friendly environment where young people can relax, socialise and feel supported.
Wellbeing support
Trusted adults who offer encouragement, guidance and emotional support when needed.
Activities and creative spaces
Pool, table football, gaming, arts and crafts, computers, a recording studio and a chill-out area.
Workshops and life skills
Practical sessions in cooking, sewing and crafts, plus events that build confidence and communication.
Free hot meals
A free hot meal at every session, helping young people feel cared for and included.
Our journey so far
Wave’s journey has been shaped by the local community and guided by the voices of young people on Hayling Island. From early conversations about creating a safe space, to opening the doors of our youth hub, each step has been driven by the same goal: supporting young people in a meaningful and lasting way.
This timeline highlights some of the key moments that have helped shape Wave into the charity it is today.
Read genuine feedback from parents and volunteers about how Wave supports young people on Hayling Island through safe spaces, creative activities and community connection.
2018
Discussions on securing a building for the young people on Haying Island started March 2018 with Y Services and Community First.
2019
Meetings held with students during their Council meetings highlighted the need for:
- A safe place to meet
- A cafe where they can meet with friends
- Structured activities
- Provide food and drinks
- Offer a place to do homework space
2020
WAVE decided research was required to establish what the young people need/would like on Hayling Island.
WAVE commissioned Y Services to conduct the research.
2021
Wave secured funding from:
National Lottery Awards for All, supporting youth research carried out by Y Services
Hampshire County Council, funding the first year’s rent for the Wave building
The first Wave Festival, raising additional funds to support the charity
2022
WAVE secured the TSB building 23-25 Elm Grove Hayling Island 1st June 2022.
With a lot of hard work from friends, family and the community we were ready to open on the 27th September 2022. Click here to see pictures of the work done and of the building.
Issy’s Story – Founder of WAVE
WAVE began in 2017, inspired by a simple need: there was very little for young people to do on Hayling Island. Having raised our own children here, it was clear more local youth support was needed. With early guidance from Y Services and Community First, we developed a plan to trial youth provision on the island.
Funding was secured in 2019 to research what local young people wanted, working closely with Hayling College. This led to the opening of our first Homework Space at the United Reformed Church, providing a safe place for young people to meet and connect.
Young people themselves helped shape WAVE, choosing the name and logo through a school competition. With growing community support, WAVE continued to build momentum, launching events, securing grants, and bringing people together after lockdown through the first WAVE Festival.
Finding a permanent home was a challenge, but in 2021 the former TSB bank became our base. With huge community backing, local trades, charities and volunteers helped transform the space into a safe, welcoming youth hub for young people on Hayling Island.
Since opening, WAVE has grown beyond all expectations. With long-term funding secured, dedicated volunteers, and the leadership of our manager Sarah and Amanda, we continue to adapt our support to meet the real needs of young people on Hayling Island.
Built around young people
Wave is shaped by listening to the voices of local young people. Before opening the hub, research was carried out to better understand what children and teenagers on Hayling Island wanted and needed from a youth space.
The findings helped guide everything from the design of the hub to the sessions and support offered today. This approach ensures Wave continues to respond to real needs and creates a space where young people feel heard, valued and supported.
Supported by our community
Wave is a registered charity supported by trusted partners and funders, including Community First and The National Lottery Community Fund. Their support helps ensure Wave is well run, sustainable and able to continue providing free youth sessions for children and young people on Hayling Island.
Alongside this, Wave is powered by the time and commitment of volunteers and the wider community, whose ongoing involvement helps make everything we do possible.
Providing guidance on governance, structure and sustainable growth.
Funding support helping Wave continue delivering free youth sessions through to at least 2027.
How you can support Wave
Wave’s work is made possible through the support of the local community. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, make a donation or attend events like the Wave Festival, every contribution helps us continue providing free, safe and welcoming support for young people on Hayling Island.