Making it work
The youth zone model is reliant on having a clear vision and purpose that meets the needs ad expectations of the different target groups in the local area:
- Young people – youth zone customers
- Staff, board and volunteers – the people who run the youth zone
- Parents and local community – influence the development of a youth zone
- Policy makers, stakeholders and funders – without these people a youth zone would not be possible
Through positive relationships with all of these people, a youth zone will enable young people to enjoy their leisure time and to reach their full potential. Each new youth zone, which are developed in partnership with OnSide, will develop in their own ways of working influenced by local needs and preferences. This is not a franchise operation. 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 is better than last night’ philosophy
- A range of targeted projects (such as Mentoring) for the needs of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people
The model is also reliant on three other key ingredients to make it a success:
21st Century youth facilities
Gone are the days where we can expect young people to come along to a run down hut at the edge of a park. OnSide promises a high quality, state-of-the-art facility.
Young people led
Young people’s active participation in every aspect of design and ongoing management is fundamental to our approach.
Sustainable Funding
We propose a strong, multi-sector and sustainable revenue funding model. Find out how here. ng>
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