hoodex youth fitness hub – Giving Young People a Real Second Chance

From an empty shop to a thriving community space — supporting local youth through mentoring, sport, and opportunity.

Follow our journey | Get involved

A Fresh Start for North Shields

We’re proud to be taking on 2 Nile Street — formerly Hoult’s the Butchers — in partnership with North Shields Council. For a building that’s stood empty for years, this is a fresh start. And for us, it’s the beginning of something that matters — the HoodEx Youth Fitness Hub.

From here on, it’s simple. This is The Hub. 

Why The Hub Matters: Supporting Young People to Thrive

The Hub will be a safe, positive space where young people feel supported, valued, and part of something bigger. Through one-to-one mentoring, sport, skills training, and personal development, HoodEx helps at-risk young people build confidence, find direction, and take control of their futures.

The Hub in Action – making it happen

We’re transforming 2 Nile Street into a fully functioning youth space — starting with making it safe, then building it into something the whole community can use.

  • The first floor will become a dedicated boxing gym, run by Bedford Street Boxing Club (now part of HoodEx Charity).

    To get this ready, we’re:

    • Installing safe electrics and power

    • Refurbishing the space so it’s secure and fit for training

    • Preparing it for regular sessions for young people and the wider community

    This will give local young people a place to train, focus, and build discipline.

  • The ground floor will be a welcoming, open space for the community.

    This will include:

    • A small shop selling affordable sports clothing and equipment (including donated and recycled items)

    • Fitness nutrition, drinks, and simple food

    • A space that helps fund our mentoring and youth support work

    Longer term, this area will also include a drop-in and media space for young people to connect, learn, and spend time positively.

  • Before anything else, we need to make the building safe and usable.

    That means:

    • Installing safe electrical systems

    • Clearing out old equipment and waste

    • Repairing and preparing both floors for public use

    • Ensuring the space is secure, clean, and fit for purpose

    This is the most important first step — and the one that allows everything else to happen.

  • We’ll develop The Hub step by step — improving, expanding, and opening up more opportunities as we go.

    The more support we have, the faster we can make it happen.

How You Can Help

Donate

Support refurbishment and equipment costs.

Volunteer

Help run The Hub or donate your time/skills.

Partner with us

Partner, creative business, or become a Trustee.

watch this space

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @hoodex_charity

Vacancies

Part-time Hub Manager role (youth + retail skills).