After months of anticipation, we can now confirm that The Factory Youth Zone is open for young people from across North Manchester. The Youth Zone’s Activity Programme has now begun and over the coming weeks the number of sessions will start to increase along with the number of activities on offer.

If you want more information about what The Factory (Manchester) Youth Zone is offering then visit its website: www.thefactoryyz.org.

We’ve put some pictures of the facility on the Manchester Youth Zone page. Take a look to see what is now on offer to young people.

This week, hitting the Youth Zone headlines is Blackburn Youth Zone as it announces that HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO will be officially opening the new £5million facility on Monday 6th February.

Next Monday the Youth Zone will receive its official seal of approval by Royalty, when it is unveiled to key stakeholders, local dignitaries and partners at an invitation only event. From 3pm there will be a series of dazzling performances from young people, tour of the new building and the official opening by HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO.

We will bring you all the news from the event next week so stay tuned…

For more details on the opening of Blackburn Youth Zone, visit the website.

On Tuesday 24th January 2012, Mahdlo received a visit from two special supporters. Oldham born and bred, Julie Holroyd and Sue Flanagan were given a tour around the building to see first hand how the new facility is developing in advance of its doors opening in March this year.

Both ladies have a vested interest in ensuring the success of Mahdlo for the young people of the borough and have offered their support to make sure this is achieved.

Read the full article on Mahdlo’s website to find out how Julie and Sue will be supporting Mahdlo moving forward…

Could you get more involved in Mahdlo? There are plenty of opportunities to fundraise, volunteer or even help us spread the word, click here and visit the website to find out more.

GREAT Britain and Wigan Warriors legend Sean O’Loughlin visited The Factory Youth Zone in Manchester on Friday ahead of his forthcoming testimonial match at the DW Stadium.

Sean, Warriors’ longest serving player, Visited The Factory to get a better understanding of a similar project, Wigan Youth Zone, that is being built in his home town.

Wigan Youth Zone is one of the charities which Sean, the club’s longest serving player, is supporting throughout his testimonial year alongside the Emma Hoolin Appeal and Wigan Alzheimer’s Society.

Sean said: “This is a first-class facility and just what young people need to keep them active and off the streets. The staff here at The Factory are fantastic, really passionate and enthusiastic and I’m really pleased to be able to support a similar project like this in Wigan.”

He added that he was keen to support charities where the benefits would be shared across all age groups.

The Youth Zone’s development manager, Simon Baker, said: “It means a lot to the young people of Wigan to see one of their heroes backing our plans – it’s a massive boost to our ambitions and we’re extremely grateful to Sean for supporting us. He’s a fantastic ambassador for Wigan and we’re hoping for a great turn-out at the game on Thursday night.”

His testimonial match will take place on Thursday (19 January) at DW Stadium in Wigan, against Huddersfield. The kick off is 8pm.

Tickets are still available for the match. They are £15 and £5 and are available from the box office or at the ground on the night. If you would like a tickets then contact Simon Baker, Development Manager for Wigan Youth Zone, on 07557 852922 or email simon.baker@wiganyouthzone.org or visit the website.

The Factory’s opening is a matter of days away now and we thought we would wet your appetite for what is in store for our young people when the doors open later this month.

Here are some of the latest (end December 2011) pictures from the newly completed facility… ENJOY!

Find out more about what The Factory (Harpurhey, Manchester) has to offer young people in the area by clicking here.

The OnSide Team has been out and about in Preston recently working with Lancashire County Council’s Youth Services and UCLan design students to ask young people what they would want from a Youth Zone. Work has also started on its brand identity, here is a sneak peak of some of the initial ideas:

As Preston Youth Zone starts to develop we will be keeping you updated on how this is coming along early next year so watch this space…

Could your area benefit from a Youth Zone? If so, click here to find out more about how to make this a reality.

Carlisle Youth Zone has appointed Stephen Mason as its new chief executive. Stephen, 46, was previously Locality Director (Carlisle) at Cumbria County Council’s Children’s Services and takes up his new post at the Youth Zone on Monday 12 December.

Stephen has worked with children and young people for 28 years and has a varied background in education and social care. He has a strong track record of improving services and outcomes for young people and has been instrumental in promoting social inclusion and meeting the needs of young people during his previous employment.

His past roles involved responsibility for children in public care, children’s social services and education welfare, and he’s hoping to put that experience to good use at the Youth Zone to develop and inspire its 1700 young members.

In addition to leading the Youth Zone, Stephen will focus on working closely with local businesses to ensure continued funding but also to develop opportunities to get young people better prepared for employment. He’s also keen to expand the Youth Zone’s activities throughout rural communities and to work in partnership with other community groups.

Find out more information by visiting Carlisle Youth Zone’s website.

On Friday 2 December, Mahdlo held a Celebration of Achievement Event at Gallery Oldham to share details of the Youth Zone’s progression to date and launch the official opening countdown.

With just over 100 days until Mahdlo opens its doors to the public on 19th March 2012, supporters and key stakeholders came together to learn a bit more about how the Youth Zone is developing and the benefits it will bring to the borough.

To mark the occasion a bespoke sculpture, donated by local businessman Bryan Smith from Lloyd and Smith Stonemasons, was unveiled by The Worshipful the Mayor Of Oldham, Councillor Richard Knowles to guests on the day. Crafted to the design of Mahdlo’s unique logo, the ‘Welcome Stone’ will take pride of place at the entrance to the Youth Zone.

Visit Mahdlo’s website to get the low down on the event and the local views about Mahdlo.