Warrington Youth Zone is currently under construction and due to open its doors in the next few months. The £6.9m Youth Zone is being developed by OnSide – a national charity that has created a network of similar youth centres across the country, where young people can socialise and learn new life skills.
Once opened, the Youth Zone will become the new home of Warrington Youth Club and will be run as a local, independent charity within OnSide’s network. It will give local young people, aged between seven and 19, a choice of more than 20 activities every evening, with facilities for sports, arts, media, and even a climbing wall. They can also learn valuable life skills and take part in enterprise and employability workshops to help them make positive and healthy life choices.
Warrington Youth Zone is being made possible thanks to a partnership between the local council, young people, local businesses and philanthropists, who will become the Youth Zone’s founder patrons and contribute to its annual running costs.
W Howard Group has agreed to become a founder patron, playing its part to help the next generation of young people learn new skills and develop their confidence.
“We are delighted to be able to support the Warrington Youth Zone in what will be an amazing space for the local community,” said Emma Harmer, W Howard’s group marketing manager, Emma Harmer. “The last few years have been particularly challenging for young people, and we want to do everything we can to help them grow and develop, as well as giving those who are struggling a safe space and someone they can talk to.
“As well as an annual donation towards the charity’s running costs, we are looking forward to providing them with work experience opportunities, as well as running workshops where they can learn all about the exciting opportunities that exist in the construction industry.”
“I want to say a huge thank you to all at W Howard Group for supporting Warrington Youth Zone,” said Dave McNicholl, Warrington Youth Zone chief executive. “Their funding will help transform thousands of young lives and we are really excited to work together to provide work experience opportunities for young people. Construction on the Youth Zone is developing really well and we can’t wait to move into our new home very soon.”