OnSide

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

28/07/2026

What a fantastic way to kick off our Lidl Foodies Summer Clubs!

Young people at Legacy, Croydon Youth Zone enjoyed a fun-filled day of cooking healthy recipes and making nutritious smoothies alongside volunteers from Lidl, who generously donated the ingredients and got stuck into the activities.

The launch marks the start of a summer programme that will support around 1,000 young people across five Youth Zones, helping them build confidence in the kitchen, learn practical cooking skills and discover healthy, affordable meals they can recreate at home.

A huge thank you to Lidl GB for helping make healthy eating engaging, accessible and enjoyable for young people this summer. We can't wait to see many more budding chefs in action over the coming weeks!

17/07/2026

Today, OnSide, Future, Barking and Dagenham Youth Zone and our Network remember the brilliant Christopher Lane.

We were all devastated to learn of Chris’s untimely passing earlier this year. Today, as his friends and family come together to lay him to rest, we want to pay tribute to a man whose contribution to young lives is immeasurable.

Chris was a game changer as we developed our London Youth Zones, particularly in his hometown of Barking and Dagenham, where he went on to play a crucial role at Future Youth Zone.

Initially supporting the Young People’s Development Group (YPDG) for Future, Chris soon became a familiar face across our other London YPDGs in Barnet, Croydon, and Hammersmith & Fulham, as well as our Ambassadors for London and network-wide Gamechangers groups.

Whether it was attending regular meetings to help young people shape their Youth Zone by sharing their thoughts and opinions, or supporting countless events across the capital—from the House of Lords to pounding the streets during the Lord Mayor’s Show - Chris would do anything he could to ensure young people were given exceptional opportunities that opened doors and broadened horizons.

Chris was everything a youth worker should be: thoughtful, honest, empathetic, and a true champion for young people.

He went on to hold various roles at Future, starting as a volunteer before eventually leading the charity’s targeted youth work provision. Always supporting young people and helping youth work colleagues to develop and grow.

Chris also spent time at The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton, where he played a pivotal leadership role, helping to shape and strengthen the charity’s offer to the city’s young people. His influence was felt across the organisation, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and the countless young people who benefited from his dedication.

Young people loved Chris. His colleagues loved him. The community loved him.

Today, our thoughts are with Chris’s friends and family, and everyone at Future Youth Zone, where he was, quite simply, adored.

Thank you for everything, Chris. Your legacy lives on in the difference you made to so many young lives.

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

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