OnSide

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

From Unitas, Barnet Youth Zone to Sylvia Young Theatre School, Sara is turning her passion for performing into a future...
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/

At just 10 years old, Thea found herself in a new area, at a new school, and without the familiar faces she once knew. S...
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/

At Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, Sally found a place where she felt comfortable and supported, with the chance to try n...
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/

At OnSide, we see everyday the difference youth work makes — not just in big moments, but in the everyday changes that b...
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/

Earlier this year we launched the first independent evaluation of its kind, Back to School: Can youth work turn the tide...
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

Happy 8th Birthday, Inspire Youth Zone 🎉Eight years of impact. Eight years of opportunity. Eight years of supporting you...
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/

03/05/2026

Inside 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 via the link in our bio.

01/05/2026

A huge thank you to the Sidemen for their visit Legacy, Croydon Youth Zone ahead of their 2026 Charity Match that took place at Wembley Stadium raising over £6m for charity.

Through their charity, Bright Side, and in partnership with OnSide, they’re helping ensure young people have access to the opportunities, support, and safe spaces they deserve.

During their visit, they saw first-hand the impact of a Youth Zone – from state-of-the-art facilities to the life-changing relationships with youth workers who make these spaces truly come alive. It’s these trusted adults who help young people build confidence, develop new skills, and feel part of something positive.

We also heard directly from young people whose lives have been transformed – from feeling isolated and lacking confidence, to gaining qualifications, trying new experiences, and stepping into brighter futures.

With support like this, we can continue to reach over 60,000 young people each year – and grow even further.

Thank you again to the Sidemen for shining a light on the power of youth work and backing our mission. 90,000 Sidemen fans at Wembley Stadium got to see the incredible impact being made within our network of incredible Youth Zones 🙌

🎬 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/85pXoMMYASM?si=ZFbcgPgK-QLJUU00

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