On Friday 23rd of September, Wigan Youth Zone invited their Patrons and Supporters to become ‘Big Kids for the Day’ by ditching the office for the Sports Hall, Climbing Wall, Art Room, Dance Studio, Music Room and many other areas which thousands of young people have the opportunity to benefit from day in, day out.
By opening the doors for grown-ups for the first time, Wigan Youth Zone provided the opportunity for local businesses and philanthropists to experience the facilities and services first hand, all of which have a proven impact on improving mental health, increasing confidence, reducing isolation, reducing anti-social-behaviour, increasing activity and improving health.
Over 50 people were in attendance and were greeted by the Duty Managers for the day, two of Wigan Youth Zone’s Young Leaders (12-19 year old volunteers), who took the 50p entry fee (the amount charged to young people for attending Wigan Youth Zone programmes) and asked the guests to complete an ‘All About Me’ form – which all young people complete when coming to the Youth Zone for the first time so the team understand what support might be needed to best support the young person. Guests were then free to take part in many different activities which were available throughout the day.
Samantha, a Graduate Solicitor at Brabners, said;
“The day was fantastic! The Youth Zone was opened as I was finishing college and about to go to university so, sadly, I didn’t get to experience what it offered. That changed today as we were invited to today’s event. It is such an amazing space with so much to offer and gives young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) an opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills and access support to achieve their potential.
The facilities are fantastic and I am proud that Brabners are a Bronze Patron for such a vital part of the community in my hometown.”
Since opening in 2013, Wigan Youth Zone have facilitated over 700,000 visits to the centre which significantly exceeds the numbers projected at the outset. At the event there was a special unveiling of the newly refurbished Café, Gaming Area and 1-2-1 Room, which is part of the charity’s strategy of ensuring that the facility continues to be of the highest standard for young people. The cost of the works was £135,000 and was only made possible thanks to the generosity of Wigan Youth Zone supporters.
Anthony Ashworth-Steen, CEO of Wigan Youth Zone, said;
“I would like to thank everyone here who has bought into the vision of investing in the next generation of young people of Wigan and Leigh. Wigan Youth Zone is a vital community asset and a living legacy; it plants the seeds today, which will benefit the Borough for a lifetime.
Since opening in 2013 we have had a significantly positive impact on thousands of young people, which has generated over £36m worth of social value for the Borough. This is a significant achievement and one which we fully intend on increasing in the years to come.
But we can only continue generating phenomenal social value if we keep attracting thousands of young people to the Youth Zone and therefore it gives me great pleasure in unveiling our newly upgraded facilities, which were completed by our locally-based contractor, Truline, as part of our commitment to retaining as much of our expenditure within Wigan and Leigh.”
As a local, independent, charity, Wigan Youth Zone is reliant on the support of the local community to ensure that their vitally important universal and targeted services can continue for young people in Wigan and Leigh. Wigan Youth Zone is only possible thanks to financial support from Wigan Council, local businesses, philanthropists and supporters, grant-giving organisations and young people who contribute to its annual running costs, but new investment is required in order to enable the charity to continuing offering the breadth and depth of its services.
For more information on how YOU can support Wigan Youth Zone to achieve their vision, please contact Lynsey, Head of Fundraising, on email lynsey.heyes@wiganyouthzone.org or call 01942 612061.