b"THEEIIMMPPAACCTT Jaxons JourneyTHB Jaxon started attending Leigh Youth Hub (LYH) in BEEHHIINNDDTTHHEE January 2023, aged 11, and has been a regular ever N since. Now 14, he has found a real passion for music. NUUMMBBEERRSS Around 12 to 18 months ago, his family faced a difcult time when a relative fell seriously ill, creating instability at home that affected his school and social tHESE ARE JUST TWO STORIES FROMlife.THE PAST YEAR ; THERE COULDVE BEEN HUNDRES MORE. When Wigan Youth Zone (WYZ) partnered with LYH in June 2023, Jaxon found a safe, supportive space through music sessions. Youth workers from WYZ and Sophies Story LYH, along with his school, provided wrap-around support that helped him feel secure and valued. When Sophie (name has been changed toThrough these trusted relationships, his musical talent maintain anonymity) rst began workingand condence began to grow.with Joe, she was struggling with her mental health and felt she had no one to talk to. SheWith encouragement, he successfully applied for often bottled up her emotions and resorted tofunding from the Chance To See Fund, supported byJaxon self-harm to cope.The Lathums, which paid for invisible drumsticks and drumming lessons at The Music Centre at SpinnerswithI used to self harm to cope. I have beenMill. Hes now in two bands, with one set to perform at able to talk to people more and this meansMADD Fest at WYZ.YouthI don't bottle my feelings up the same Worker , way. Without coming to Leigh Youth Hub and working with the youth workers, I wouldn't have beenHannahThrough regular sessions with Joe, theycondent to be part of a band. Music has made explored the feelings behind self-harm andme more condent and it's made me realise who I introduced healthier ways to cope, likeam as a person. Playing music gives me a escape grounding techniques and staying active. Joefrom the stress of school and home at times.encouraged Sophie to try boxing and MMA, explaining the benets of exercise on mental health. Over and above the impact on young people themselves, the positive impacts our If I was in a mood or motivation wasn'tcharity has on young people, also have a tangible impact on our local communitythere, Joe would encourage me to dootherwise known as social value.boxing or get involved in activities. ThisIn 2024/25, Wigan Youth Zones social value was as follows:helped me to get out my head and I would Meet always feel better afterwards. FOR EVERY 1 SPENT, WE GENERATE 15 IN SOCIAL VALUE Joe Boxing became a turning point for Sophie. She enjoyed learning combinations, improved her tness, and felt healthier and more condent. It also gave her the chance to socialise with friends. At myI feel saferMy self- It is easierI am lessMy condence I discovered youth zoneat mycondenceto really belonely aroundwho I reallyAs her condence grew, her self-harmI am free toyouth zoneis bettermyselfother peopleamstopped. Her relationship with her parentshave funis betterimproved, and she no longer felt guilty about making them worry. Sophie even began6.1 Million 5.4 Million 4.6 Million 4.1 Million 4.1 Million 3.9 Million 3.1 Millionsupporting others, showing real growth in herTOTAL SROI: 28.8MILLIONability to manage emotions and build resilience. To see the methodology behind these gures: Click here"