Published Thursday 9 June 2022 at 17:09
More than £250,000 has been raised for Youth Zone Darwen – beating the fundraising target and making the much needed service a reality.
The news comes as five new businesses pledged their support to the scheme, which can now run seven days a week.
They are:
- Watson Ramsbottom Limited
- SUEZ Recycling & Recovery Limited
- Vampire Vape Limited
- Kay Group
- Liberty Flights Limited
Celebrating the news, Youth Zone Trustee and Chair of Darwen Town Deal, Wayne Wild said:
We’ve been absolutely blown away by the amount of support for Youth Zone Darwen.
We set out to raise at least £250,000 in January and it’s incredible that we’ve already smashed that target and raised even more!
Local businesses can see what a difference Youth Zone Darwen is already making and the opportunity that exists to do even more.
We’re now proud to have 11 patrons who’ve pledged their support, with more close to confirming.
This is a really good foundation to build on for the future and we still need more businesses to join us.
It’s not over yet – this really is just the start!
With a contribution from Blackburn with Darwen Council and longstanding Blackburn Youth Zone patron, Darwen-based Crown Paints, a grand total of £279k has already been raised – enough to run the Youth Zone for 12 months.
That’s meant that the temporary youth zone offer – which launched during the pandemic – can run seven days a week for youngsters aged eight to 19.
It’s also paved the way for work to start at Meeting Places – the Youth Zone Darwen base – to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility creating a vibrant, safe and exciting space that young people deserve.
Hannah Allen, Chief Executive of Blackburn Youth Zone and Youth Zone Darwen, added:
I’d like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to our patrons and Blackburn with Darwen Council for recognising the importance of investing in services for Darwen’s young people.
This money will be life-changing and exceeding the original target means we can do so much more – offer a wider range of activities, more outreach, longer opening hours and, importantly, we won’t have to turn young people away.
Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without Wayne’s support – his drive to do something really good for Darwen is infectious and we’re incredibly lucky to have him as a trustee and fronting this fundraising.
As well as activities at Meeting Places in the town centre, free Youth Zone Darwen sessions are also being held at Junction4 Skatepark, DACA and AFC Darwen.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
Youth Zone Darwen is a brilliant place for youngsters and it’s set to get even better.
It gives youngsters somewhere to go – somewhere they can socialise, try new things and learn valuable new skills. Skills that will really help them in life.
Blackburn Youth Zone has already proved a success and it’s fantastic that there’s now a dedicated offer for Darwen that will enhance the opportunities provided by the council and partners in the town.
A big thank you to everyone who’s supported the fundraiser, including the 10 new patrons, and a big well done to the Youth Zone team. A great effort by all!
Fundraising will now continue with a minimum £250,000 needed annually to run the youth zone.
All the money raised will be spent in Darwen – including encouraging more youngsters to get involved.
The full list of patrons includes:
- Multevo Limited
- Watson Ramsbottom Limited
- SUEZ Recycling & Recovery Limited
- WEC Group
- Crown Paints
- Brookhouse Aerospace Limited
- Kay Group
- Vampire Vape
- Darwen Bars and Leisure Limited
- T. Murphy Limited
- Liberty Flights Limited
Already, there’s been more than 8,000 visits to Youth Zone Darwen since the doors first opened.
To find out more about Youth Zone Darwen and what’s on, please visit: www.blackburnyz.org
To find out more about becoming a patron, please contact: melanie.thomas@blackburnyz.org