“Every young person deserves this” Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza back Youth Zones as key to helping young people navigate challenges

Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has recognised OnSide Youth Zones as a key part of the solution to the challenges young people face today.

Addressing attendees at OnSide’s Network Summit 2024 at WEST Youth Zone, in her keynote speech Dame Rachel she said “We need this at scale. Really brilliant youth work, and youth experiences, like the OnSide experience are a solution to so many of the difficult things that I see young people face, day in day out. Every  young person deserves this.”

Dame Rachel also gave guests a fascinating insight into her work and powers as a Children’s Commissioner, including the right to access any setting or data involving children – which has seen her visit and learn from the experiences of thousands of children including those in care and young offenders institutions.

With her priority on giving all children a voice, she shared data from The Big Ambition, a large-scale consultation of children in England.

A fascinating finding was the thoughts of children surveyed through this study on youth work and the vital role it plays. As Dame Rachel explained: “Youth work is an essential part of the change that children want to see. It’s part of their ambition for this country. Unequivocally, children have told me they want better access to youth clubs and youth workers, they tell me time and time again the value they put on youth workers.”

Dame Rachel also welcomed the announcement of the recently launched National Youth Strategy, sharing her wishes to see OnSide Youth Zones included, and the successful model scaled across the country.

The day was also the backdrop for the launch of OnSide’s Social Return on Investment study, which found that for every £1 invested into Youth Zones, there’s over £13 social return on investment. The findings were discussed in a panel discussion with Nicola Lynch from Lynchpin Support Ltd, Melanie Barnett from West Northamptonshire Council, Nicole Lovett from Burberry and Youth Zone member, Donald.

OnSide CEO Jamie Masraff updating delegates on plans for the future and progress against the 2024-27 Strategy. Jamie reflected on the challenges young people currently face, and the findings from the Generation Isolation report, which found that 1.3million young people spend most of their free time when not in school on their phone, thought over half want to break free from phone addiction, 46% simply don’t know how. He shared:

“Young people need us to continue to support them. We owe it to them to give them the opportunities they need in real life. We owe it to them to give them activities in real life that are so compelling and accessible that it helps them get off their phones. We need more of the magic of youth workers and Youth Zones; I’m hoping with your help we can do more of this in the future.”

With over 200 delegates including colleagues from across the OnSide Network, Trustees and sector partners, OnSide Chair, Charles Mindenhall took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank those who make the work of OnSide and Youth Zones possible. This included recognising the tremendous contributions of Trustees:

“Today’s an opportunity to thank our Chairs and Trustees. We can do what we do because of them standing up in their local communities. All of you know the sense of achievement you can feel when you impact a child’s life. We thank you for making our Youth Zone’s work.”

OnSide also introduced the inaugural Outstanding Trustees Contribution Award, with the winner being Janaki Allen from Unitas Youth Zone, who not only volunteers on the Board but also gives her time to volunteer on sessions at the Youth Zone. Lauren Graham from Carlisle Youth Zone and Gary Speakman from Wigan Youth Zone were also recognised as shortlisted for this award.

The Summit’s theme was ‘young people first’, and members from across the Network brilliantly represented their peers and their Youth Zones throughout the day. From the excellent host, Charise, a member of WEST Youth Zone, to Donald and Alice who gave a unique insight into the most pressing issues impacting young people. Attendees were also treated to an incredible performance from WEST Youth Zone member, Mars.

As a growing network of Youth Zones supporting 55,000 young people every year, each centre brings a unique approach to best serve its young people and local community. Coming together provides valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and celebrate achievements together.