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Our work doesn't end once a Youth Zone opens; in fact, it only just begins.

Each Youth Zone operates as an independent charity, tailored to its community. They offer exceptional youth work and OnSide supports the 15 open Youth Zones with guidance on governance, fundraising, staff development, and best practices to help them thrive and adapt to evolving needs.

We’re also dedicated to expanding the Network so that even more young people have access to these incredible spaces and, more importantly, life-changing youth work. Our vision is to build a thriving Network of 35 Youth Zones, supporting 150,000 young people by 2035.

We are passionate about playing our part in growing and rebuilding the youth sector alongside other youth organisations through our work with the Back Youth Alliance. Our size and scale position us to provide valuable knowledge and insights into the sector and to serve as a powerful example of the impact of youth work and youth centres.

How we support the OnSide Network of Youth Zones

Measuring impact

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We're grateful to our supporter for helping us to measure the impact of our work through a centrally coordinated system. We have robust data on outcomes and ways young people engage with their Youth Zone and youth workers. We also facilitate the sharing of knowledge to ensure that each Youth Zones’ experience of youth work, leadership, safeguarding, fundraising and beyond, informs others.

Developing and retaining talent

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Our award-winning Talent Academy provides learning and development opportunities for Youth Zone colleagues to recognise and nurture outstanding performers, ensuring the highest quality youth work for our members. Talent retention has been identified as a top risk factor within the network, so in response, we're offering the Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles and Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice, with plans to launch the Level 6 Youth Worker Apprenticeship in 2025.

Enhancing our offer for young people

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To ensure we're offering young people the best support and responding to their changing needs, we're committed to evolving the activities and opportunities available at Youth Zones. Thanks to supporters like Burberry and People's Postcode Lottery, we're able to invest in innovative network-wide projects, offering young people life-changing experiences and greater support.

The difference Youth Zones make

Youth centres are a lifeline for many young people. They’re spaces where they feel safe, included and able to thrive. By supporting OnSide, you enable young people to discover their passions, achieve their potential and transform their lives.

Speak to the team

If you or your organisation could offer support to help us expand the Network of Youth Zones, we’d love to hear from you.

Alison Benjamin

Director of Fundraising

Start the conversation

Simon Marsh

Head of Trusts, Grants and Statutory

Start the conversation

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