Unitas Youth Zone Network
Unitas Youth Zone is part of a network of similar independent youth organisations that all share the same principles developed by the charity OnSide Youth Zones, which is developing 21st century youth facilities across the UK.
Young people need our help now more than ever before and in Barnet this is no different. Our young people deserve a world-class place to go that is inspiring, safe and affordable. Barnet Youth Zone, once open, will join a Network of established Youth Zones with over 45,000 members in Wirral (The Hive), Chorley (Inspire), Wolverhampton Youth Zone (The Way), Manchester, Oldham (Mahdlo), Wigan, Carlisle, Blackburn, Chorley (Inspire) and Barking and Dagenham (Future).
What Makes Unitas Youth Zone
As an OnSide Youth Zone, Unitas is built on the following foundations:
- A private sector-led board, heading up an independent local charity
- A sustainable funding model
- A four-way partnership between the private sector, local authority, young people and the community
- A function, inspirational building design based on how young people engage, socialise and participate
www.onsideyouthzones.org
Tried & Tested Model
The Youth Zone model is based on the successful Bolton Lads Club, which was established in 1889. Over the last thirty years Bolton Lads and Girls Club was run by Jeremy Glover MBE, who recognised that there was a desire from local businesses to support activities for young people because they saw the benefits for their business, their people and the community.
In 2002, the Club received a £5 million investment in Bolton’s young people. Today, Bolton Lads & Girls Club opens 7 days-a-week, 52 weeks-a-year for all young people aged 8-21 years old and up to 25 for those with a disability or learning difficulty.
Over the last seven years, OnSide has set about replicating the success at Bolton Lads and Girls Club in other towns and cities across the country, bringing together the public and private sectors to develop strong local partnerships, executive teams and to manage the build prior to handing over completely to each of the independent Youth Zones.
Want to know more about the OnSide Youth Zone Network? Click here.
