YSGOLK Y Deri's vintage style store celebrates one year since its opening in Penarth town centre store on 01 October 2026 – serving as a retail training facility for its current and past pupils with additional needs.

Hubbub was established by Ysgol Y Deri's Curriculum Lead for Careers and Work-Related Experiences, Stacey Long, after learning that just four per cent of adults with additional learning needs in Wales are in paid employment.

Since opening, the store has supported 25 current and former pupils, with up to 40 expected to take part during the 2026/27 academic year.

Working in a real retail environment gives pupils experience of customer service, communication, teamwork, till operation, money handling and maintaining the shop floor. Just as importantly, Hubbub helps pupils build confidence and independence, developing skills they can use both in future employment and in everyday life.

The shop sells donated pre-loved items alongside products from small and local makers and is exploring opportunities to sell selected pieces through Vinted as a registered charity.

Pupils also create products to sell in the shop as part of Friday morning vocational sessions. Partnerships with local businesses including Peggy's Pots and Apothecary give pupils the opportunity to learn practical skills such as ceramics and candle making, while making use of resources available within the school.

Hubbub's first year has already been recognised locally and nationally. The initiative won Entrepreneur of the Year at the Bro Radio Community Awards and has been shortlisted in the One to Watch category at the Social Business Wales Awards, where winners will be announced 07 October 2026.

Stacey Long, Curriculum Lead for Careers and Work-Related Experiences at Ysgol Y Deri and Hubbub Store Manager, said: "Our first year of Hubbub has exceeded all expectations. It has become a space where our pupils can thrive, grow in confidence and learn real-life skills that could help them move towards employment in the future.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Penarth community for the way it has welcomed and supported Hubbub over the past year, and to everyone who has helped us along the way. That includes Morgan Sindall, which supported us with building work free of charge, and Social Firms Wales, whose advice and mentoring have been invaluable, and many others who have supported Hubbub throughout its first year."

Looking ahead, Hubbub intends to make it even easier for more pupils to benefit, with the priority now being to secure grant funding for an electric vehicle. This would allow Ysgol Y Deri to transport pupils between the school and the shop, while supporting Hubbub's ambition to operate more sustainably.

Hubbub is also keen to hear from any local businesses or organisations that may be able to offer suitable storage space in or around Penarth. As the initiative grows, additional storage would make a real difference to what it can achieve.

Anyone who may be able to support Hubbub with storage space, grant funding or other assistance, is asked to contact Stacey Long at [email protected] or follow Hubbub on Instagram.