We’d love to show you around a local Youth Zone, allowing you to see for yourself the impact that these centres make. Simply fill in your details below and a member of the team will be in touch to arrange a visit.
Take a Virtual TourAt OnSide, we raise the funds to build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound Youth Zones in the country’s most economically disadvantaged areas. OnSide Youth Zones aren’t youth centres as you may know them. These are brand new, purpose-built spaces fizzing with energy, and crammed with incredible facilities. They are staffed by skilled and dedicated youth workers who truly believe in young people – helping them see what they could achieve, and giving them the skills, confidence and ambition to go for it. They’re a message to young people that someone really believes in them and has invested in their future.
But ‘our’ Youth Zones are not, in fact, ours. They belong to the young people and staff who fill them with passion and possibility. They belong to the communities that trust and treasure them. Their stories are unique, their successes are their own. The reason we talk about them too is because we’re so proud of what they’re doing. And because they show what we already know – that all young people need is the same opportunity others may take for granted.
We believe that every young person deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their postcode or background. That’s why we are working to bring more Youth Zones to more areas across the country.
Learn how you can support a new Youth ZoneWe introduce new Youth Zones to towns and cities across the country by working in partnership with local authorities, communities, businesses and young people from the local area and then we recruit and train the amazing people that run them.
Local partnerships are an integral part of any new Youth Zone. We bring together our knowledge of building successful Youth Zones, with insights and input from the community that know and understand local needs best, to create something truly amazing for young people.
From the initial building design (which we constantly evolve using experience gained from the existing Network of Youth Zones), to the construction and internal specifications, we have developed the expertise to ensure every Youth Zone is delivered on time and on budget.
We involve young people throughout the process of developing every Youth Zone, after all it is their space. We work with them to develop and decide on the Youth Zone’s name and branding, it’s interior design, and to recruit the key staff who will run it.
We work with the Youth Zone’s Board to raise funds for the cost of building a new Youth Zone, and the first three year’s running costs ahead of opening. We also support on internal and external communications, helping the local community understand how they can make the most of their soon-to-be Youth Zone.
Everything we do is about collaboration; our success depends on us working with others who share our vision. Our unique four-way partnership is at the heart of how we create vibrant and thriving Youth Zones. We bring together young people and their community, local authorities and supporters from the private sector, including business and philanthropists, to fund and build each Youth Zone.
By working together, we are able to create a new local charity which will go on to support thousands of young people for years to come.
Local Authorities provide a suitable site and contribute funds to support the build and running costs of each new Youth Zone.
The Youth Zone provides recruitment and volunteer opportunities for local people as well as partnership opportunities for local schools, organisations and charities.
Generous support from businesses and philanthropists is at the heart of every Youth Zone project.
Bring the Youth Zone to life with their energy, ideas and enthusiasm.
a week including evenings, weekends and school holidays
activities to take part in every session
visits to Youth Zones per year
£1 for a hot meal, £5 annual membership
of social value generated for every £1 spent running the Youth Zone
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