We’d love to show you around a local Youth Zone, allowing you to see for yourself the impact that these centres make. Simply fill in your details below and a member of the team will be in touch to arrange a visit.
Take a Virtual TourBAFTA-winning TV chef, musician and former youth worker Big Zuu has called for greater investment in youth workers and youth centres, describing WEST Youth Zone as “a beacon of hope” for young people and a vital space for those who feel they have fewer opportunities.
His words came as he visited WEST, the OnSide Youth Zone in White City, on Friday 21 November, where he met young people and staff and spoke about the power of youth work, especially during what he called the crucial years between 16 and 19: “the part of your life where you don’t know where you’re gonna go.”
Reflecting on his own journey growing up in London, Zuu said spaces like WEST enrich young people in ways schools often can’t, offering purpose, creativity and support when young people need it most. He recalled how youth workers believed in him, supported his music and gave him the confidence to believe in himself.
“Youth workers changed my life. They let me believe in my music, which let me believe in myself. I still look to them for guidance even though I’m a big man.”
Zuu spoke about the barriers faced by many young people from working-class backgrounds, saying that youth centres give them opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
“When you’re working class growing up, sometimes it feels like you have no opportunities in life. This building is proof — it’s a beacon of hope. A beautiful place that’s nurturing so much emerging young talent.”
He also spoke passionately about the need to properly value youth workers:
“Youth workers devote their lives to helping society — so surely society should help them.”
During the visit, Zuu also took part in a music session and Q&A with young members, watching performances, performing himself and hearing directly what WEST means to them.
Elanor Gunn, Chief Executive of WEST Youth Zone said:
“Big Zuu’s visit was a huge moment for our young people. Hearing him talk about how youth work shaped his life really resonated, especially when so many young people today are looking to technology for connection, and are missing the trusted relationships, positive role models and places that help them feel seen and supported. It was a powerful reminder of how important spaces like WEST are for young people.”
Jamie Masraff, CEO at OnSide said:
“Zuu’s message reflects what we see every day across the country. Too many young people still lack access to the opportunities and support that youth centres provide. Youth workers and Youth Zones can be a beacon of hope, but only when they are available in the communities that need them most. We are calling for greater investment in youth work and youth centres so every young person can access the safe spaces and trusted relationships they deserve.”
WEST Youth Zone has seen thousands of young people walk through its doors since it opened in April 2024 and now has 3,000 members in Hammersmith and Fulham. It is part of the OnSide Network of Youth Zones, state-of-the-art youth centres across the UK. The growing Network supports over 50,000 young people every year providing them with access to incredible facilities, countless activities and valuable support from trusted youth workers, through 16 Youth Zones, four which are in London.
Five new OnSide Youth Zones are set to open in 2026, in Barnsley, Bristol, Grimsby, Preston and Crewe.
If you'd like to keep updated by email on news and events from the OnSide network fill in your details below and we will add you to our mailing list.
