Youth Zone at Home: OnSide's response to Covid-19
Wigan Youth Zone is a purpose built, youth facility in the town centre which opened in June 2013. The facility is prominently positioned for accessibility and designed to make an impact on the young people of Wigan and the surrounding area.
Wigan Youth Zone is the brainchild of Wigan businessman Dave Whelan, who with Martin and Bill Ainscough, donated over half the development costs. The scheme was OnSide’s first Youth Zone to be largely funded by private sector money and occupies a striking new purpose-built accommodation at Mesnes Field in Wigan town centre.
I’ve become confident, made new friends & even got a job through the employability course!
Adam, 23
Over the last 50 years, Wigan has faced a sharp industrial decline, leaving the town with high unemployment levels, a decline in infrastructure and lack of investment. This has resulted in Wigan’s young people, mainly in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, experiencing an unprecedented range of poverty and deprivation.
With the backing of Wigan Council and the local business community, the Youth Zone provides a great opportunity for cross-sector partnership to raise the aspirations of the young people of Wigan. Wigan Youth Zone (WYZ) aims to make a real difference by providing opportunities for young people from across Wigan to come together to meet friends, have new experiences, learn new skills and access the support they need to develop and achieve their potential
Emily, 16, and 13-year-old Georgia were talent spotted at Wigan Youth Zone and given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity thanks to the Little Dreams Foundation.
Wigan Youth Zone welcomed European Rally Champion Chris Ingram on Wednesday who delivered a rousing talk to young members in the hope of inspiring the…
Take a look through our portfolio of Youth Zones to learn more about how we are providing 21st Century youth provision to thousands of young people across the country.
Each Youth Zone is an independent charity, working tirelessly to meet the needs of local young people and the community of which they are a part of.
Whether you are interested in supporting your local Youth Zone or want to understand how your community project can work with us to create a better future for the young people of our area we’d recommend that you come and see us in person!
We look forward to welcoming you into the Onside network.
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