Barnsley Youth Zone appoints first Chair and Trustees

Barnsley Youth Zone is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Stephens as its first Chair.

Matthew brings a wealth of experience to the charity from his 25-year career in the property sector, specialising in regeneration projects.

He has served as the president of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce since November 2022 and has held influential positions on several local boards, which position him well to steer the Youth Zone towards success.

His vision is to create an inclusive environment that benefits all young people, regardless of their background.

Construction on Barnsley Youth Zone began in May, and the youth centre will open next year.  It will be run as an independent charity within our ever-growing Network, which includes 15 similar centres across the UK.

This will be the first Youth Zone in Yorkshire, marking a unique partnership between the private sector, local authority, young people, and the community. This dynamic four-way relationship is designed to drive the Youth Zone’s success and ensure its sustainability.

“I am incredibly excited and proud by the opportunity to chair Barnsley Youth Zone,” said Matthew.

“It’s essential to provide young people with hope and quality services. Every town should have a Youth Zone, and I’m proud that Barnsley will lead the way in Yorkshire. Our goal is to create an inclusive space that offers both recreational and developmental activities, fostering a sense of belonging and ambition among our youth.”

The Youth Zone will be funded by a range of sources, including private sector contributions, and the charity is actively fundraising for its annual running costs.

Emphasising the critical role the local business community plays in the success of the Youth Zone, Matthew added: “We need the support of our local businesses. Your contributions will make a significant difference to the lives of our young people and help ensure the sustainability of this vital community asset.”

During his career, Matthew has played a significant role in numerous prestigious initiatives, including the largest private sector regeneration scheme at Gateway Plaza in Barnsley.

Matthew also served as Development Director at Brook Group for 19 years and has been a prominent figure in Barnsley’s business community.

Also joining the Youth Zone’s Board of Trustees are Marie Lang and Barry Eldred.

Marie is Director and co-owner of GBAC Limited, an accountancy practice based in the centre of Barnsley. Born and bred in Barnsley, she has over 30 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant and is a Vice Chair of Barnsley College, where she has been a Governor for 4 years.

Marie says she “is excited to be part of Barnsley Youth Zone’s mission to enhance the lives of the young people by providing an aspirational place for them to grow.”

Barry has a background in the Building Society movement, having been a director and chairman of the Barnsley building society and also a CEO of a chain of retail shops which was the family business. He now runs a small property development company and is a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire and a former High Sheriff of South Yorkshire.

Barry also volunteers as a Team Leader with Habitat for Humanity and has led around 25 teams of volunteers to developing countries building affordable housing since 2002.

Barry says he believes “that only by investing in the lives of young people in our community can we expect them to live fulfilled and satisfying lives which will enable our society to prosper and be cohesive for the benefit of all.”

Located in Barnsley Town Centre on the Eastern Gateway, Schwabisch Gmund Way, opposite Barnsley railway station, the Youth Zone promises to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people in the area.

The Youth Zone will be open seven days a week, offering a safe and engaging space for young people aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs. With a membership fee of just £5 and a 50p admission fee, it aims to be accessible to all.

As well as sports, arts and recreational activities, young people will also be able to access support and guidance from trained and dedicated youth workers.

The charity will be led by Chief Executive Mandy Carlson who was appointed earlier this year and has spent time on placement at Mahdlo, another OnSide Youth Zone in Oldham.

Mandy has a robust background in statutory and charitable organisations, local authorities, and education.  Her recent work has focused on supporting vulnerable populations through her roles at Shelter and Crisis.

She said: “Being born and bred in Barnsley, I am deeply committed to addressing the needs of our young people.

“The Youth Zone is not just an activity centre; it’s a vital provision where young people can feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their dreams.

“In five to ten years, I want the Youth Zone to be so embedded in Barnsley’s culture that it becomes a natural part of daily life for young people. Our mission is to create a space where young people have a real stake in what is delivered, ensuring we meet their needs and aspirations.

“We would be unable to make this happen with the support of the local private sector and I’d urge anybody interested in supporting our young people to get involved. Your support can make a tangible impact on their lives and the broader community.”