Alison Benjamin

Alison oversees all philanthropic income generating activities and the Marketing team across both OnSide offices. The Fundraising team raises money from private individuals, corporates and charitable foundations for the following areas: new YZ capital projects; the first three/four years of revenue expenditure for new Youth Zones, the bulk of fundraising is undertaken in the pre-opening; and funding for OnSide’s own revenue costs. Additionally Alison and her team raises income from trusts, foundations & statutory funders for Network projects, i.e. projects that take place across open YZs. The Marketing team focuses on enhancing the OnSide brand; developing and marketing individual YZ brands for new projects; and raising OnSide’s profile in the national press.

What inspired you to join OnSide? 

I joined Onside in 2018, a momentous time of exciting growth when we were transforming from a northwest charity to a national one. It was the combination of the scale of support we provide for thousands of young people and the depth of support that we can offer to each and every one that inspired me to join. We believe all young people have the right to access youth work, and it’s been a privilege to play a part in expanding across to youth workers across the country. 

What’s been a memorable moment you’ve had working with the team?  

Whilst every time a Youth Zone opens is a truly memorable moment, I’d say the time that has stuck with me the most was meeting a young woman who was facing significant challenges. Suddenly homeless and alone as a young adult, life could have taken a very different trajectory if her youth worker hadn’t stepped into to provide assistance both at the practical and emotional level. Hearing her powerful story has stuck with and reminds me of why Youth Zones are needed. 

What was the first Youth Zone you visited and what did you think?  

I visited Wigan Youth Zone as part of the interview process and I was hooked from that moment on. The scale of provision was unlike anything I’d seen before, and I knew this was the charity for me!  

What would be your go-to Youth Zone room and why?

When I volunteer on a session, I always head straight to the training kitchen. I love the space, helping around eight young people at a time to learn more about food preparation, getting to know them and hopefully passing on some of my love of cooking in the process.