21st Century Youth Zones
‘Youth Zone’ is simply a working name for the type of world-class, state-of-the-art centre for young people that OnSide recommends as a flagship facility for every town and city.
Whatever the centres end up being called (a decision for local youngsters), this is not a franchise operation. All new facilities, which are developed in partnership with OnSide, will develop in their own ways influenced by local needs and preferences. However there are certain features of the model which OnSide believes should be non-negotiable:
All youth zones should be inspirational and challenging and will have:
- A wide range of high quality activities, from sport to arts
- Nominal entry fees
- Long opening hours – seven nights, weekends and all holidays
- Young people only – never dual-use
- A strong young people’s lead
- A safe, non-threatening environment
- A welcoming, accessible and fully inclusive setting
- Clear safeguarding arrangements
- A great atmosphere
- A ‘tonight better than last night’ philosophy
- A range of targeted projects (such as Mentoring) for the needs of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people