OnSide

We fund & build a network of Youth Zones staffed by amazing youth workers who believe in young people

20/06/2026

What an incredible day celebrating the opening of , the 19th Youth Zone in our growing national network.
The team put on an amazing day for the local community, bringing people together to showcase the energy, creativity and opportunity behind this space. It was inspiring to see so many young people come through the doors, exploring the wide range of activities available from the climbing wall, dance studio, music, health and wellbeing and so much more.
The journey is only just starting and we cannot wait to see the impact Bristol Youth Zone will have for young people for years to come. 💚

15/06/2026

Last Thursday was anything but ordinary at Horizon Youth Zone, as His Majesty The King visited the Youth Zone. It was a proud moment for young people and the team.

Having opened its doors in February this year, it was amazing for young people to showcase their Youth Zone and the opportunities already on offer.

Horizon Youth Zone was part-funded by a £6.98 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Youth Investment Fund and £2.2m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

We would like to say thank you to His Majesty The King and to everyone who made this visit possible and helped create such a special experience for Grimsby's young people.

08/06/2026

From Unitas, Barnet Youth Zone to Sylvia Young Theatre School, Sara is turning her passion for performing into a future. Now starting LAMDA training and auditioning with confidence, her journey is a brilliant example of young talent being nurtured to thrive.

Read Sara's story 📖 https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/impact-stories/saras-story/

26/05/2026

At just 10 years old, Thea found herself in a new area, at a new school, and without the familiar faces she once knew. Starting from scratch felt overwhelming — but Carlisle Youth Zone gave her somewhere to belong.

At first, it felt big and unfamiliar, and it took time to settle in. But over time, things began to change. She started to make friends, try new activities, and grow in confidence.

From the ME Zone, where she can take a moment if she’s feeling upset or worried, to Holiday Club activities where she chooses how she spends her time — Thea has found space to be herself, supported by staff who know her well.

Now, she’s more engaged, more confident, and building friendships that continue beyond the Youth Zone too.

This is what happens when young people have a safe space, trusted adults, and opportunities to explore what they enjoy.

👉 Read Thea’s story: https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/impact-stories/theas-story-but-coming-to-the-youth-zone-has-improved-my-confidence/

19/05/2026

At Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, Sally found a place where she felt comfortable and supported, with the chance to try new things whilst building confidence and discovering new interests along the way.

This is what happens when young people have the right support around them — they are able to explore, build connections and they begin to see what’s possible.

👉 Read Sally’s story: https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/impact-stories/sallys-story-the-youth-zone-supported-me-by-giving-me-a-comfortable-safe-space-and-new-things-to-try/

14/05/2026

At OnSide, we see everyday the difference youth work makes — not just in big moments, but in the everyday changes that build confidence, ambition and self-belief.

Kyran’s story brings that to life. Before joining Legacy, Croydon Youth Zone, he felt shy, unfit and unsure of himself. Now, he’s grown in confidence, developed new skills and is shaping a more positive future.

This is the positive impact of having a safe space, trusted youth workers to encourage the next generation of thriving individuals.

👉 Read Kyran’s story: https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/impact-stories/kyran-story-without-legacy-my-life-might-have-looked-very-different/

11/05/2026

Earlier this year we launched the first independent evaluation of its kind, Back to School: Can youth work turn the tide on school absence?, exploring the role Youth Zones play in improving school attendance.

The findings are clear: Youth Zone attendance is linked to meaningful improvements in school engagement, with unauthorised absence falling by 21% among regular attendees in 2024, and a 17% overall reduction across 2012–2024. The strongest impact is seen among severely absent and disadvantaged young people.

School absence remains one of the biggest challenges in education and this research reinforces that youth work has a real role to play in addressing it beyond the classroom.

🎥 Watch Lilly’s story from Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone to see the impact first-hand: https://youtu.be/LMFCbg-fmKE?si=RZ8964NmN9p8g_rE

07/05/2026

is a powerful look at how the right support, at the right time, can shape a young person’s future.

Youth Zones aren’t just places to go. They’re places to grow, building confidence, resilience, and opportunity every single day.

Take a moment to watch, share, and be part of the movement raising the profile of youth work and the impact it has across the country.

Watch Owen's Story: https://youtu.be/1x6asGgAcps?si=5S6sc_H-Mcup4znl

05/05/2026

Happy 8th Birthday, Inspire Youth Zone 🎉

Eight years of impact. Eight years of opportunity. Eight years of supporting young people across Chorley to grow, connect and thrive.

A huge shoutout to the dedicated youth work team, volunteers, supporters—and most importantly, the INSPIRING young people who bring the Youth Zone to life every single day.

Nearly a decade of changing lives—and this is just the beginning. 💙

03/05/2026

Inside Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone with Ollie! 🤩

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is part of a national network of 19 open Youth Zones—supporting over 60,000 young people in the past year alone. Behind every visit is a dedicated team of skilled youth workers, creating safe spaces where young people are inspired, supported and empowered to thrive.

This is what youth work looks like in action.

Find out more here: https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/youth-zones/

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