10 for the next gen

To mark this significant milestone we have launched our exciting ‘10 for the next Gen’ campaign.

Celebrating 10 years of inspiring young people.

Generation wigan Youth zone

2023 is a monumental year for Wigan Youth Zone, as we celebrate 10 years of inspiring and empowering young people in Wigan and Leigh, to fulfil their potential. To mark this significant milestone we have launched our exciting ‘10 for the next Gen’ campaign.

By giving young people the freedom to discover themselves in an innovative, safe and social environment and to support their transition into adulthood for ten years, our charity has created long-lasting change for almost 32,000 young people.

This is a legacy we’re enormously proud of and there is a lot to reflect on and celebrate, but our work does not stop here. We are excited to continue our relentless pursuit to support as many young people as possible in the borough for years to come.

Young people can achieve their potential if we invest in and support them. They are the future, and we need to hear and develop their voices – the benefits will be significant if we do. Through the ‘10 for the Next Gen’ Campaign, we will be highlighting the outcomes that our charity has achieved for the Borough and what we aim to do in the future.

Who we Are

Wigan Youth Zone is a charity that started operating in June 2013 with the vision of inspiring and empowering young people in Wigan and Leigh to fulfil their potential. Wigan Youth Zone provides the borough’s young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to both at the purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility in Wigan Town Centre and across the borough via an outreach team who engages with young people on their estates and the streets and parks.

The charity is open to all young people aged 8 to 19 (up to 25 with additional needs) and strives to offer something for everyone, regardless of their interests or abilities. Wigan Youth Zone offers members the most exciting and innovative facilities and activities and young people can access and experience a vast range of programmes within the safety of our spaces. We have a superb team of trained staff and volunteers who are there to ensure that all our members feel comfortable, safe and most of all have a fantastic time whilst they’re engaging with the Youth Zone.

Wigan Youth Zone is open seven nights a week for young people who can access all facilities (some of the best in the borough) at a cost of £5 for an annual membership and 50p a visit. Young people have access to spaces such as a state-of-the-art fitness suite, boxing & martial arts gym, floodlit outdoor pitches, 10-metre climbing wall, sports hall, skate park, art & design zone, music room, dance studio and much more.

Over and above the wide-ranging activities offered, our staff team also offer more specialised support for young people that require additional engagement; examples of this include, employability programmes, mentoring, LGBTQ+ networks, wellbeing support, safeguarding support and more.

There are so many amazing activities that the Youth Zone has to offer , both inside and outside of its doors. No matter their ability, interests or confidence – there is literally something for every member at Wigan Youth Zone.

Members can get fit like a pro athlete in the state-of-the-art fitness suite or try the dedicated Boxing & Martial Arts Gym. Alternatively, the Youth Zone’s fantastic floodlit outdoor pitches are always available to take part in fun challenges, a kick about or to join one of the football leagues. Young people can challenge themselves and try out the 10-metre Climbing Wall or jump into one of the many sports sessions on in the Sports Hall including basketball, dodgeball, taekwondo and badminton. Also on site is the outdoor Skate Park, hosting regular tournaments and open sessions for all members.

For those members who are a little more creative, there’s the Art & Design Zone, a creative mecca for young people with sessions on everything from painting to printmaking; there’s also the Music and Media team in the Music Room, an ideal space for young people to try out singing, song-writing, music lessons or even recording their own music video. If young people are budding performers, there’s also the APAA Performing Arts Academy, dance sessions and a cheerleading squad. All these activities can be accessed by members for just 50p per session, and this is only a tiny taste of what’s on offer!