Empower Youth Zones, known for managing HideOut Youth Zone in Manchester, has been granted a £100,000 donation by Waterland.
This generous contribution will aid in the operational support of a forthcoming youth zone in Salford. The completion of this new facility, named ‘SYZ’ (Salford Youth Zone), is anticipated for 2025.
A new patron of Empower Youth Zones, Waterland, commissioned research which found that 81% of all parents and guardians polled in Greater Manchester agree that businesses should contribute to the funding of youth centres and activities in the local area. Whilst the overwhelming majority (96%) of Greater Manchester parents and guardians polled believe it is important that young people have the opportunity to get involved in activities locally (outside of school or college) – almost 3 in 5 (59%) stated that the current provision of activities and support for young people in their community is not adequate enough to meet their needs.
SYZ will be a purpose-built youth zone, open seven days a week, providing affordable access to more than 20 activities per session, including sports, arts, music, employability and mentoring support. Every day there will be sessions for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with an additional need or disability – and a hot meal will be provided to all.
Empower Youth Zone’s existing youth zone ‘HideOut’ based in Gorton Manchester opened in 2020 and has already supported over 7,000 young people access services that aim to improve their life chances, with over 20 activities every day, 7 days per week all year. Due to its success and positive impact, Empower has created the opportunity to develop a sister youth zone named SYZ (Salford Youth Zone) by Salford’s young people and is now calling for more local businesses to become Empower Youth Zone Patrons and support local young people across Greater Manchester.
“We are thrilled to welcome Waterland to SYZ’s Founder Patron family. This new partnership represents a significant move forward as we build and develop new connections to support SYZ. Our Patrons are fundamental to delivering our vision and we are calling for other local businesses and organisations to talk to us about how they can get involved.
“By working collaboratively with Waterland, together we will build a brighter future for young people across the city. This is passionate, properly funded youth provision. A unique partnership between young people, their community, local authorities, private business leadership and a growing movement of supporters.”
Adam Farricker, CEO of Empower Youth Zones in Manchester and Salford
As a Patron of Empower Youth Zones, we’re delighted to be helping children and young people develop new skills and unlock their potential through SYZ and HideOut – helping twice as many young people as before. In addition to donating funds, we will also be supporting SYZ with corporate volunteering, events, and other collaborative opportunities. SYZ’s focus is to equip the next generation with the tools they need to lead successful lives, and we are excited about the opportunities that this new Youth Zone will bring to our community.”
Ryan Hallworth, Principal at Waterland
Founder Patrons’ contributions combine to create 70% of the annual running costs of a Youth Zone, and the support will provide a foundation to develop and maintain excellent services for young people which match the quality of the building.
Empower gives young people from a diverse range of backgrounds access to incredible facilities with engaging activities, the opportunity to make friends, develop new skills, unlock their potential and have fun.
For more information, please visit www.empoweryouthzones.org
