Goal 1
Give young people exciting, safe places to connect and grow.
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.
As a Network, we are passionate about delivering high quality youth work to support young people’s personal and social development.
Our Me App evaluation system was designed with EDIT (the Evidence Development and Incubation Team) at King’s College London. The survey of short attitudinal questions asks young people to rate themselves between one and five in several areas aligned to our outcomes, including self-confidence, social skills, physical health and mental wellbeing. These are reflected in our five Network Goals which all Youth Zones work to:
Me App surveys are completed alongside a trusted youth worker no more frequently than six monthly, so we can monitor change over time. Responses are logged online and linked to our content management system. Salesforce, from where we can analyse the data locally and nationally.
young people attend Youth Zones
engagements by young people across the Network
of young people increased or maintained self-confidence in 2024/25
of young people increased or maintained their aspirations in 2024/25
of young people improved or maintained their social skills in 2024/25
of learning delivered to 404 members of staff through the Talent Academy.
social return on investment for every £1 invested into Youth Zones
raised by OnSide to 'start up' new Youth Zones nationwide
of social value generated across the OnSide Network in 2023/24
invested in our network to support Youth Zone delivery and programmes
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.
Our members have incredible stories to tell. Here, you can hear directly from them about their journeys: how the Youth Zone has shaped their lives and the support they’ve received from youth workers along the way.
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