How it all began
From our earliest idea to the thriving Youth Zone we are today, Unitas has always existed to help young people unlock their potential.
Bolton Lads Club (later Bolton Lads and Girls Club) established and formed the earliest model of a Youth Zone
1889
Serial entrepreneur Bill Holroyd founded OnSide Youth Zones and spearheaded the development of the Youth Zone ‘model’ across the country
2006
The first Youth Zone, Carlisle Youth Zone, threw open its doors for young people
2011
A young people’s development group was formed by OnSide to lead on some key decisions of Barnet Youth Zone’s development
2015
Following a branding process and a borough-wide vote, the name ‘Unitas’ was chosen by young people. Unitas was founded as a charity and work began to raise the money to build the amazing building
2016
Construction began as part of a wider regeneration of Montrose and Silkstream parks
2018
On 23 June, Unitas Youth Zone opened as London’s second Youth Zone. Later in the year, young people from Unitas met with Prince Harry. Within our first six months, Unitas had supported over 5,000 members
2019
Unitas offered a digital ‘Youth Zone at Home’ offer while opening a food bank to support the local community during the pandemic
2020
Unitas was featured on CNN, focusing on how we support young people and their mental health
2021
Unitas was honoured to host a visit from Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England
2022
Unitas Youth Zone won ‘Voluntary Sector or Charity of the Year’ at The Barnet Group Community Awards
2023
Unitas accredited with the Bronze Quality Mark from London Youth
Unitas Youth Zone was named Community Charity of the Year at The Barnet Group Community Awards 2024
2024
Unitas was honoured to be one of the Mayor of Barnet’s chosen charities
2025
We’re more than a youth centre – we help young people unlock their potential.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE
“Unitas has given me confidence to try to intract with people, to try bulding relationships”
Walid, Unitas member, Young Leader Programme, 18
SUPPORTING THE FAMILIES OF OUR MEMBERS
“We can’t thank Unitas enough for the difference it has made to both Joes and our lives. Being a Unitas parent has even given me the opportunity to make friends, where we can chat, share ideas and strategies without judgement.”
Debbie, Limitless Parent
HELPING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE
“What I love about Unitas is that I can play with my friends and learn new things, like playing the piano, tennis, and even girls-only football. I enjoy all of this because it feels like a safe space. Since coming to Unitas, I’ve learned so much that I wouldn’t have learned at school.”
Delia, Junior member, 9
HELPING OUR YOUNG COMMUNITY BUILD RESILIENCE AND AMBITION
“Unitas feels like a community – MY community. I go as much as I can. Its a place I can chill out, train hard and seek advice if I need it. Unitas has given me the FIRE to be great!”
Colena, former member, current Youth Worker.
CREATING A SPACE TO CONNECT AND BELONG
“After attending Unitas for a couple of years, I have learned to be more confident. This place makes me very happy because I have built lots of different relationships with people, which makes me feel connected.”
Sam, Limitless Member, 16
HELPING TO IMPROVE SELF CONFIDENCE
“Unitas is amazing. It’s for the young people and it’s always there. It’s helped me. It’s given me friends, skills and confidence. You could say it cracked my shell – released me out into the world.”
Milan, Senior member, 18
TAILORED SUPPORT FROM INCREDIBLE AND TRUSTED YOUTH WORKERS
“Unitas gave me space to heal – and the push to grow. Yasmine especially… she’s more than a youth worker. She reminded me how brave I was, even when I didn’t feel it. She saw strength, capability, and potential in me when all I saw was fear and brokenness. She believed in me long before I believed in myself, she was one of the people who saved me. From the very first day I walked in, I knew I had found my commmunity”
Tamara, Senior member, 17