The Finishing Line invests in young people through support of OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway

Dynamic supply chain specialist The Finishing Line is investing in local young people as they join a growing family of local businesses supporting OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway being built in Tilbury.

The Finishing Line has become the latest Founder Patron of the new charity, joining forces with OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway to fund a vibrant new space for young people, which will be part of our network of 19 other Youth Zones nationwide.

When open, young people will be able to explore new activities, build real-world connections, and get support from dedicated youth workers in a state-of-the-art facility being built on Anchor Fields. For just £5 annual membership and 50p a visit, those who visit will have access to incredible facilities including a two-court sports hall, climbing wall, training kitchen, music room with recording studio, and an enterprise and employability suite. The Youth Zone will also benefit the wider community and create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as many volunteering opportunities.

OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway is an independent charity with a private sector-led board. It will be part of our Network, which supports over 60,000 young people ever year through our tried and tested model of affordable activities and highly skilled youth work. The Youth Zone will be open to young people aged between eight and 19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week.

Founded by Andy Mead aged 24, having thought of the company name aged just 17, The Finishing Line began life as a small print finishing business in 1987 in Basildon and has become a dynamic supply chain specialist offering eCommerce Fulfilment, Warehouse Management, Contract Packing Solutions, and Returns Management. They are dedicated to making a positive impact in their community, supporting local charities and initiatives through fundraising, volunteering, and using their resources to support organisations doing vital work.

Andy Mead, Managing Director of The Finishing Line, said:

“The highest qualification anyone can have is confidence. The Youth Zone will show our young people what they can achieve, rather than what they can’t, and I’m absolutely thrilled that The Finishing Line is now in a position to be part of making a real difference for our young people.”

Drew Mead, Finance Director of The Finishing Line, said:

“We believe that all young people should have equal opportunities and the right to a safe place, which is why we’ve made a significant investment into this amazing project. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local communities where many of our team are based, and we’re really looking forward to becoming active supporters of the Youth Zone, helping our young people realise their potential.”

Bethanie Cundy, OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway CEO, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that such a strong local business has joined the growing group of Founder Patrons supporting our Youth Zone. Building something like this for young people is a true community effort, and The Finishing Line’s support will help us create a truly life-changing facility that will help young people in our area fully realise their potential.”

We are delivering OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway in partnership with Thurrock Council and Tilbury Towns Fund, with the support of local businesses and philanthropists. The Founder Patron campaign aims to achieve long-term sustainability, to ensure the Youth Zone will be an asset to the community, transforming young people’s lives for generations to come.

To ensure that the doors of Thames Gateway open to a first class offering, we are looking for investment from local businesses and philanthropists. If you would like to support young people living in Tilbury, please contact: David.mellis@onsideyouthzones.org