CEO Blog: Momentum, Milestones, and What Comes Next: Reflections on 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what has truly been a year like no other for OnSide – one defined by major milestones, powerful youth voice, and the everyday brilliance taking place across our Network.  

A standout achievement has been the growth of the OnSide Network of Youth Zones. We celebrated the opening of our 16th Onside Youth Zone in Salford this summer, and construction was completed on three more – Barnsley, Preston, and Grimsby – ready to open early next year, with Bristol, Crewe and Thurrock to follow. We also received the welcome news that Wakefield has been formally approved as the newest addition to our pipeline, bringing us closer to our long-term ambition of 35 Youth Zones by 2035.  

But 2025 wasn’t only about bricks and mortar. Across the Network, the everyday magic of youth work continued to shine. A highlight was our annual President’s Cup which brings hundreds of young people along with their youth workers together in real life for a celebration of connection, energy, skill and creativity. In November, the Power of Youth Work Awards honoured the youth workers whose dedication helps young people build confidence, resilience and hope.  

It was also a year of moving forward with our strategic priority to raise mainstream awareness of the importance of youth work. In March, Sir Gareth Southgate visited Mahdlo in Oldham and later used his Dimbleby Lecture to champion youth centres, trusted adults, and the vital role they play in helping young people build meaningful, real-world connections. His message echoed everything we know about the life-changing impact of youth work. I’m also proud that we were able to work with a growing range of media outlets this year – including The BBC One Show, The Observer, The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph, to share our commentary and insight about why youth work matters, to national audiences. 

Youth voice also took centre stage. Our newly formed Youth Advisory Board – a group of young people from across the Network whose insights help shape OnSide’s direction – stepped onto the national stage through their inspiring takeover of The Big Issue. Their honest, bold and thought-provoking perspectives reached thousands, demonstrating exactly why youth voice matters and why young people must be at the heart of shaping services designed for them.  

Yet, despite these positive moments, we cannot ignore how tough it is to be a young person right now. Rising inequality, social tensions, financial pressures and limited opportunities are leaving many feeling isolated and overwhelmed. A UNICEF report confirmed that UK teenagers are among the most dissatisfied in Europe. It’s no surprise that many are turning to AI for advice or company. Our Generation Isolation report found that almost 40% have done so, and 24% spend most of their free time on their smartphone. However, the report also showed something powerful: 92% of young people attending a youth centre say it has had a positive impact on their lives.  

That is exactly why our work matters so much.  

Looking ahead to 2026, I feel a renewed sense of optimism, particularly following the publication of the government’s long-awaited Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy. As Chair of the Back Youth Alliance, I was proud to help shape this plan alongside other sector leaders and young people. After 20 years without a national strategy, its commitment to investing in youth workers, refurbishing centres and expanding provision marks an important turning point. OnSide stands ready to work with government to help turn this ambition into lasting change.  

As the youth sector moves forward with greater clarity and shared purpose, we too are entering a defining year for OnSide. Five new Youth Zones will open in 2026 – our highest number in a single year. We will also publish research with King’s College London exploring the link between Youth Zone attendance and school attendance, deepening our understanding of impact.  

This year also marks an important leadership transition. After five years of dedicated service, we say a fond farewell to our Chair, Charles Mindenhall, whose guidance and belief in youth work have supported our growth. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Anabel Hoult as our new Chair. Anabel brings immense experience, passion and commitment, and I’m excited to work with her as we enter this next chapter.  

As we look to the future, I am incredibly grateful to everyone who makes our work possible. Our funders, staff and volunteers show unwavering belief in young people, and their dedication fuels every achievement across the Network. Thank you for making 2025 a year of progress, purpose and hope. I can’t wait to see what we create together in 2026.