Young People start branding Croydon Youth Zone

Over 10 young people are gathering weekly at Bernard Weatherill House in Croydon to work on the brand identity development for their new Croydon Youth Zone which will go down in history for years to come.

The session, led by SEA – a London based design agency, involved a range of activities to get the group thinking creatively about what they want their Youth Zone to represent in their local community.

From thinking about the history and area of Croydon to thoughts around what the Youth Zone would mean to them, the young people worked passionately together, sharing their ideas on what the foundation of Croydon Youth Zone’s brand values and mission should be for years to come.

Last night’s session was the second of six workshops, which will eventually see young people create a brand identity, including logo and brand values that will become synonymous with the new Youth Zone in time for opening in 2018.

Bethany Monk, 15, from Waddon, Croydon and a pupil at Oasis Academy Shirley Park said: “I think it’s going to be a really positive thing for Croydon and something the borough needs. Croydon doesn’t have a lot if you need somewhere to go to talk. I think there should be a sensory room or a boxing room where you can just go and let loose.”

“I am helping because I think sometimes young people should be helping everyone and give back and get things done to make Croydon a better place. I want to make the centre welcoming and reassuring to everyone.”

To seek inspiration for such a vital task, the same number of young people from the group headed to the North West last weekend to visit some of our existing Youth Zones.

Welcomed by Wigan Youth Zone and The Factory Youth Zone in Manchester, the group were able to see first-hand what a Youth Zone actually is and what will be on offer in Croydon in 2018.