Local charity Empower Youth Zones has received a £100,000 donation from new patron Waterland to support the running of a new youth zone in Salford.
Empower, which already operates HideOut Youth Zone in Manchester, is keen to encourage more support for Salford Youth Zone (SYZ) which is due to complete in 2025.
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.
There will be daily sessions for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with
an additional need or disability – with a hot meal provided for 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.
Due to its success and positive impact, Empower has created the opportunity to develop Salford Youth Zone and is now calling for more local businesses to become Empower Youth Zone Patrons.
Adam Farricker, CEO of Empower Youth Zones in Manchester and Salford, said: “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 a unique partnership between young people, their community, local authorities, private business leadership and a growing movement of supporters.”
Ryan Hallworth, principal at Waterland said: “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 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.”
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.
