Celebrating the success of Youth Zone this summer

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, our nominated charity, has gone from strength to strength this year.

It provided a brilliant service to more than 2,000 young people in the run up to summer. On top of this, during August, its ‘Get Stuck In summer HAF’ holiday club welcomed almost 4,500 people through its doors – and served them 6,000 meals!

On top of this, its members, aged 5 to 21 (25 for specific projects) engaged in a range of activities in a safe and welcoming environment.

Being a patron

Blackburn Youth Zone is a 21st century youth hub that aims to change the prospects offered to young people in the area. It’s governed by members of the local authority and business community, who volunteer their time to support the Senior Management Team, which is chaired by former MP Jack Straw. It celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

Granby donated £15,000 to become a patron in 2019 and, to date, we’ve donated a further £2,667 in extra fundraising to help keep the club running. Some of our clients allow us to donate unwanted stock and we hold fundraising raffles.

“Blackburn is a deprived area and families struggle at the best of times, never mind during a cost of living crisis,” said Joanne Kimber, Granby’s Managing Director. “Youth Zone steps into a gap in services for children and young people.

“We’re keen to support our community and have an active Social Value policy to back this up. We feel that supporting Blackburn Youth Zone is a really effective way to make sure children and young people get what they need.

“What they do there is superb. You know, as a patron, that your money won’t go to waste. It’s a very inspiring place. The staff and volunteers are so passionate about what they do.”

What happens at Blackburn Youth Zone?

Based on Jubilee Street in Blackburn, with facilities in Darwen, the youth hub is open 7 days a week and offers a choice of around 20 different activities after school and each evening – all for an entrance fee of just 50p.

“The stuff they do is amazing,” said Joanne. “The kids can build their social skills, make friends, learn music, fitness, lots of different things. It feels like an old style youth club! But it’s very modern and meets the needs of children and young people in the 21st century.”

Recently, the youth hub created a business networking community to give something back to their patrons. “The session with Jack Straw was really insightful!” Joanne added.

YZ at a glance

Q2 2022 performance (from August’s Patron Report):

1,147 visits per week (on average)
1,002 hours of delivery
4,297 members – highest ever!
797 volunteering hours
22 young people receiving a qualification

During August 2022:

4,472 visits
46,000 hours of delivery
684 volunteer hours
6,000 meals prepared

Feedback:

96% young people enjoyed the food provided
92% made new friends
100% young people felt safe at the Youth Zone
100% parents happy with the range of activities on offer
96% of parents are happy with the choice of foods offered
90% of parents would send their child to HAF again
96% would recommend Youth Zone to others

10 years of Blackburn Youth Zone

2022 is the 10th anniversary of the youth hub. Young people and volunteers shared stories and reflections, and celebrated achievements. Patrons and supporters raised £30,000 at the anniversary ball, which will help to secure Youth Zone’s ability to make a difference in our community.

Over 10 years:

3,650 days of services
31,720 hours of service
218 young leaders trained up
387,625 visits
107,540 volunteering hours
More than 18,000 young people supported

If you’re thinking of becoming a patron of Blackburn Youth Zone, brilliant! There are also many other ways you can support the youth hub, from volunteering to fundraising.