It’s a life-changer, it’s really good, it makes you think.
Since 2008 we have raised millions of pounds of funding and developed partnerships within communities nationwide to establish a federated network of Youth Zones – each local, trusted, independent charities – and provide ongoing support to the Network to maximise the impact for young people.
We are proud that as a network we are changing lives and creating opportunities for young people in some of our most disadvantaged communities.
Here are some examples of the difference we have made together for young people and their communities.
It’s a life-changer, it’s really good, it makes you think.
young people supported by Youth Zones every year
visits to Youth Zones per year
of members are more self-confident
of frequent attenders have more friends
of members feel less isolated
of members consider that they are healthier
of members on free school meals feel happier about their lives
of young people who completed the ‘Get a Job' programme progressed into work or further study
of local stakeholders say Youth Zones help them achieve their objectives
For every £1 spent on running the facilities, Youth Zones generate £2.06 of social value
raised by OnSide to 'start-up' new Youth Zones nationwide
new jobs and volunteering opportunities created
of local stakeholders say their area is better since their Youth Zone opened
youth workers and staff trained through our Talent Academy
raised to support programmes for young people nationwide
Young people and their families tell us about the transformative impact of Youth Zones on their lives. We conducted independent research to quantify this impact against our 5 Network goals.
Give young people exciting, safe places to connect and grow.
Help young people to lead healthier, happier lives.
Enable young people to better face the challenges of life.
Support young people to raise their aspirations and fulfil their potential.
Stronger communities with empowered, active, caring citizens.
As well as establishing Youth Zones across the country that have a lasting positive impact on young people and the wider community, we also provide ongoing support to the Network of open Youth Zones, across almost every aspect of operations. This support helps them to have an ever-greater impact on the lives of young people and build strong, foundations for the future.
We work together to drive excellence and harness the skills, experience and innovation that exists within Youth Zones and OnSide so that Youth Zones continuously improve what they offer young people. OnSide’s Talent Academy – our unique, central training and development programme – is a clear demonstration of this.
Over £11m has been secured to develop and roll out innovative national programmes across the Network of Youth Zones which have a tangible impact on young people. For example over 1600 young people have completed our Get a Job employability course, with 83% progressing into employment, education or training
Putting young people first is one of our core values. We have advocated for young people and supported them to be heard and valued within society at a local and national level. We also support our Youth Zones to have a voice at a national level to influence decision makers, funders and policy.
We undertake robust research and evaluate impact on behalf of the Network to enable us to build our evidence base, better understand and communicate our impact and drive excellence.
The OnSide Network provides a supportive environment, continuous learning, shared knowledge and resources, enabling us to achieve excellence.
It's been transformational, I’ll use everything I’ve learned.
The Talent Academy develops our people across the Network so they have the skills they need to inspire the next generation. To date we have:
It was great to look back on how I’ve developed & grown from the start of the OnSide Fundraising Academy to now; both as a fundraiser and personally. Thank you for having me on the course!
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