B&DYZ March 2023 Newsletter

OurPatrons Page6-8

OurPartners

Pages9

Pages10-12 OurParents Page13

OurPlace Pages14-15

YouthZoneDarwenhasrevealedits 14th patron – Symclean Industrial Ltd. The successful Darwen-based commercial cleaning firm operates right across the UK offering services to a wide range of sectors Read moreonpage6

ClimbingWallTrainingwithour Partners

We held another climbing training event in preparation for a much more ambitious programme for 2023 This was attended by a number of our partners including IMO and Young People’s Services in theCouncil.Readmoreonpage9!

Our Young People

Basketball win against HideOut

This month, our youth basketball team smashed it in a recent game against HideOut Youth Zone from Manchester. This intense match, full of great sportsmanship,wasabrilliantexampleofwhatyoucando if you Try, Train and join a Team (As you may know, Try, Train,Teamisourwaytotakeyoufromzerotohero)

Thefinalscorewas76-59infavourofusandwecouldn't be more proud of our young people’s outstanding performance.Bothteamsshowedhowfartheyhavecome since taking up the sport with some genuinely awesome plays!Thematchwasdefinitelyonetoremember.

Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningourbasketballsessionsgive usaringon01254292000.Whoknows,beforetoolongyou may make the team yourself! We welcome all skill levels fromthosewith‘twoleftfeet’toNBAStars!Lookforwardto seeingyouonthecourt!

World book day in action

This month we again welcomed, World Book Day. (Always a favourite event in the calendar.) Our members (and some of our goofy youth workers), came to the session dressed as their favourite book character. Who knew our fab reception Manager, Rabia, would be the doppleganger* of MrsTrunchbull!

While we’re talking about World Book Day, don’t forget that we have our very own library at the Blackburnsite,paintedwithstylebyElectec,oneof our brilliant Patrons. Remember, this is there for you.

Ifyoufancyachillonabeanbagandagoodread or even just a few minutes out for a bit of peace andquiet,thenjustseeanyyouthworkerandthey will give you access There are loads of books there, donated by our many supporters, so you won’tbeshortofsomethingtoreadtotakeyouto anotherworld!

I'mturning PURPLE!

Super science weekend for British Science Week

This month, lots of our young people rolled up theirsleevestocelebrateBritishScienceWeek.We had a full weekend of sciency type activities including*experiments,slimemaking(andabitof throwing), and decorating cupcakes with ‘very’ unusual topping to see how they tasted. (Disaster!)

Our young people had a great time getting creativeandlearningallabouthowstuffinteracts witheachother Thankfully,ourbuildingsarestillin one piece and we have a few more members who’s curiosity and creativity have been set on fire.Theywillnowhaveachancetocontinuetheir fieldishexperimentsinourMakingZone.

Young members of the month

Cayden is one of our Young Leaders who always goes out of hi way to help other young people He was awarded ‘Member of th Month’ after being even more awesome than usual and helpin our youth work team organise rec games. He never complains always has a smile on his face and is great at spotting when youngpersonisfeelingalittledown.ThanksCaydenforhelpingu outthismonth.Weappreciateyou.

Cayden, 15

We wish we could bottle the energy of our next ‘Member of Month’, Ava. Whateverthesession, sheisthere, readyto‘Try’ w is on offer. We think if we had a snake fighting competition sh evengivethatago!

We were so impressed this month with Ava’s enthusiasm a kindnessthatwejusthadtomakeher‘MemberoftheMonth’S was not only super polite to everyone throughout the mo (other’stakenote.Youknowwhoyouare…),shealsoblewusaw with an attitude that was always positive, even when thin weren’tgoingherway.Ava.Thankyouforbeingyou.

AVA, 9

Diversity Cricket Match

Over the past 10 weeks, our Diversity members have been working hard to improve their cricket skills as part of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation's Super 1's Programme. This programme is designed for young people between12and25withadditionalneeds.

Our Diversity team had previously taken part in theDecembertournamentwheretheyfinishedin last place (Great effort though) With a bit more ‘Train, Train, Training’, their hard work finally paid off.Theyenteredthetournamentastheyoungest teambyamilebutmanagedtosecureabrilliant 2ndplace.

ItjustshowsthatTry,TrainTeamworks!Welldone toourplayers.Supereffort!

St pATRICK'S Day fun

WerecentlycelebratedSt Patrick'sDayatbothourBlackburnandDarwensites Greenwasthecolour of the day as were all things Irish, from Irish stew, soda bread and whisky (no, not whisky!) to black andwhitepuddingandLeprechauns!

WeorganisedIrishthemedactivitiesandgotstuckintocakemaking(thegreenestgreenyou’veever seen),recgames,*CelticartandevenafewIrishJigs!

ThiswasagreatopportunityforouryoungpeopletoappreciateallthatIrishculturebringstoourlittle groupofislands

Our patrons

Youth Zone Darwen ‘cleans up’ with our most recent Patron

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is proud to announce its 14th Patron for Darwen - Symclean IndustrialLtd

Symclean is a Darwen-based commercial cleaning company operating across the UK. They providetheirservicestoawiderangeofsectorsandareacknowledgedasleadersintheirfield

Owners, Tanya and Gary Targett have pledged to support Darwen young people and the service YouthZoneprovidesforlocalyoungpeople.

Theirfinancialcontribution,alongwiththatofotherlocalbusinesses,hasraisednearly£500,000in thelast2yearsalone!

Tanya, who launched Symclean in 2014, said:

"We were lucky to hear about the Youth Zone in Darwen and the difference it’s making to young people’slivesinthetownandwewereabsolutelyblownaway

TheYouthZonegivesthemasafeplacetogo,aplacewheretheycanlearnvaluablelifeskills andforsome,itoffersthemrealhopeandachanceinlife.

SymcleanisproudtobeaPatronofthecharityandwe’rereallylookingforwardtohelpingmake adifferencewithyou.''

read more here

DATES for your diary- Exclusive to patrons

April 28th, 29th, 30th Blackburn beer and gin festival Summary

Join us for our 6th year at Blackburn Rugby Club for Blackburn's biggest annual beer and gin festival! A three day event giving you plenty of time to try over 60 realales,lagersandciders Sponsorabarrelfor£200or get in touch via details at the bottom of this page for moresponsorshipopportunities.Tobeinvolvedwithany of our events please send an email to: melanie.thomas@blackburnyz.orgorcall:01254292000

April 13th

B&dYZ Supper club @ mYTTON fOLD Summary

This is an informal social get-together. There will be an update on the impact Blackburn & Darwen is making. It is also an opportunity to say thank you and is exclusive to the Patron network. To be involved with any of our events please send an email to: melanie thomas@blackburnyz org or call: 01254 292 000

Our partners

Climbing Wall Training with Partners - The Sky’s the Limit!

Our team members and partners from IMO and BwD Young People Services recently took part in their first trainingsessiontowardsbecominginstructors.

This was a great opportunity for a bit of partner bonding and the sharing of ideas Our aim is to standardise all training and develop our climbing offer to such an extent that we can introduce a dedicatedclubforthisverypopularactivity

Visit from Islamic Relief - Strong Sister Project

OurStrongSisterprojectrecentlyreceivedavisitfromIslamicReliefUKwhoexisttotransformlives in vulnerable communities They have supported us from the start of the project and bring incredibleinsightsthathavehelpedempoweryoungwomentoachievetheirpotential.

Theprojectaimstoempoweryoungwomentoexploretheirvoiceinsociety,thinkaboutdeveloping enterprisingopportunitiesandthroughthese,createsocialchangewithinourcommunity.Withthe help of Islamic Relief UK, the project has accelerated the development of confidence as well as developingstrongleadershipskillswiththeyoungwomeninvolved.

Islamic Relief UK, we believe, are a force for good and are committed to helping shape such projects for the benefit of all Strong Sisters continue to empower our young women and we are delightedtohavehadtheopportunitytosupporttheminthedevelopmentofskillsforlife

Our people

New team talent

As our Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone family continues to grow, it is exciting to welcome new memberswhobringfreshideasandenergytoourteam Wearedelightedtointroduce

Alekhjoinedusrecentlyandhasalreadyproventobeagreat asset to our Youth Hub team. He comes to us with a passion formakingapositiveimpactinthelivesofyoungpeople.Heis eager to take on new challenges and lead projects such as our current Hatch Programme, which provides young people with opportunities to develop their skills and talents in a supportiveandinclusiveenvironment

In his new role, Alekh plans to bring his mentoring and coaching skills, developed through many years as a youth worker to help young people who may have missed their chance1sttimearound.

We are also excited to welcome Steve, who joined us at the end of February In just a few short weeks he has already made his mark in Youth Hub. Steve is our most experienced Youth Worker by far, with more than 4 decades in the youth sector.

He has a wealth of experience in youth work and community engagementandprideshimselfonhisabilitytomakeinstant connections with young people Steve’s arrival has also strengthened our commitment to multiculturalism as he reads,writesandspeaksfluentArabic

Warren, our new Facilities Officer, joined the team in March Warrenispassionateaboutcreatingsafeandinvitingspaces foryoungpeopleandhasconsiderableexperienceacrossthe education sector As part of his role, he will be focusing on developing and improving our site to ensure that it continues tobethesafestandmostwelcomingspaceitcanbe.

But there's more to Warren than just his passion for safety. A well hidden fact is that Warren’s cousin is the legendary Rick Astley! And if that wasn't impressive enough, Warren has also abackgroundinfootballatacompetitivelevel,havingplayed forBlackburnRovers HeevenscoredintheFAcup!(Wewon’t tellyouwhatyearthough)

Alekh Miah

Steve Worden

Warren Baker

Team Members Awarded a Level 3 in Youth Work

Weareproudtocelebratetherecentgraduationoftwoofourfinest,ZainabShahandZainabIqbal, who completed their very demanding Level 3 Youth Work Diplomas These are accredited by The National Youth Agency and are invaluable in equipping youth workers to support young people in achievingtheirfullpotential.

Wearecommittedtosupportingallofourfullandparttimeteammembersinenhancingtheirskills and knowledge and have many more training opportunities planned for this year. If you are interested in these professional development opportunities, please speak with your Line Manager whowilllooktoplantheperfectcareerpathwaywithyou

Hereiswhatourgraduatessaidabouttheexperience:

'IhopeI'vebeenanadvocateofyoungpeople,andindeed,lifelonglearningthroughoutmy professional life. I have always been naturally inquisitive and have a thirst for knowledge, particularly around the transformational affect the creative arts can have in a young person 'slife.

When I was given the opportunity to enrol on the Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work, entirely funded by our wonderful network (Onside), I jumped at the chance The support and feedbackfrommytutors,KatrinaandEllie,hasbeeninvaluable,andtheyhavealsohelped melearnalittlemoreaboutmyselfoverandabovethecoursecontent

The Diploma has brought together my life experience with sound youth work principles learnt on the course. I now feel that I am much better prepared to do my very best for youngpeopleitismyprivilegetosupport.’’

Zainab Iqbal - Arts Coordinator and SEND Lead

International Women's Day

On International Women's Day, Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone organized a series of activities and events to celebrateandrecognizetheachievementsofwomenwho areapartoftheYouthZonefamilyandaroundtheworld.

Firstly, Blackburn & Darwen's very own CEO Hannah Allen took part in a Human CEO podcast where she shared her journeyandinsightasafemaleleader.

Clicktolisten!

We also had acitvities on for all Junior and Youth membersincludinganinnovationtrail,friendshippendent making,empowermentartworkandmuchmore.

Finally, throughout the day, our social media channels were used to promote the event and raise awareness about the importance of gender equity through quotes fromourfemalestaffm b

what does equity mean to you?

Our parents

Walking Home from School - A to Parents

WhatAgeCanAChildWalktoSchoolAlone?

MostcouncilsintheUKrecommendth fromtheageof8

WhyisitGoodtoWalktoSchool?

As they grow older, accepting res toearnyourtrustcannurtureinde Walkingtoschoolisagreatoppo child. Exercisegetsthebrainworking

SevenBenefitsofChildrenWalkingto

Walkingtoandfromschoolgetsth

hormonesinthebrain

Walking releases endorphins and sensehappinessastheystartthei

Walkingcombatsobesity

Walkingtoschoolencouragesexe

Walkingsavesmoney

Yougetextratimeinthemorning

Thereisahugevolumeofadviceonth fromschool Ifyouwanttoreadmore,

https://subscribefirstnewscouk/walking-to-sch

Keeping Young People Safe Online

Formanyofus,weseeouronlinelivesandofflinelivesasdifferent, butchildrenaregrowingupwithtechnologyandtheinternetand for them there isn’t a difference Online life and offline life is just life

Technology can move at an extraordinarily fast pace and it can be difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’redoingonline,whotheymightbespeakingtoordiscussing thepotentialrisksandissues.

Readmorehere:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Our place

Blackburn and Darwen Communities Demand Boxing Facilities

Did you know that Blackburn has the highest number searches in the country for Boxing? (as reported in Lancashire Telegraph.) This surge in interest is not surpris giventhenumerousbenefitsofthesport. Recently, ourpartn TechniqueBoxingheldaboxingeventatBlackburnandDarw Youth Zone that drew in over 400 visitors, 86 coaches, and boxers, with a special appearance from boxing legend R HattonMBE

The event was a huge success, bringing the local commu together and providing a platform for young people showcase their talents. It is fantastic to see local organisati like Technique Boxing providing opportunities for young peo to get involved in positive activities such as boxing, which have a significant impact on their physical and me wellbeing.Welookforwardtomoreeventslikethisinthefut and we are grateful for our partners creating a stronger a moreconnectedcommunity Readmore:

https://wwwlancashiretelegraphcouk/news/23368856black rn-one-boxing-obsessed-areas-uk/

Cricket is one of our most popular activities, particularly with our south Asian members. We were delightedtohearthatBlackburncricketclubhasvotedtobetakenoverbyaBlackburncharityand communitygroupwhichplanstoincreaseparticipation,particularlybyyoungpeople.

The cricket club is one of the oldest in the region and also hosted some early Blackburn Rovers games Mark Lomas, chairman and avid Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone supporter, has led the transformationoftheclubandnowpassesthebatontoAbidDitta

With the support of the Minority Development Enterprise Trust (MEDT) the club has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the ties between the facilities and the local community including Blackburn&darwenYouthZone.

They are now hoping to attract further interest from local businesses and the local to get involved. (We’rein!)Aswellascricket,thesportsclubalsocatersforsquash,tabletennisandbowls Theclub wasrecentlypraisedforattractingmorethan100youngcricketersthroughitsdoorsthankstoarebranding of its juniors cricket set up We plan to work with them in close partnership to further improveaccesstoallthatenjoythisgamethattranscendsculture

Ifyou’dliketoreadthefullarticle,clickhere: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23377456.historic-lancashire-cricket-club-takenblackburn-charity/

Historic Lancashire Cricket Club taken over by Blackburn charity

Top Tips for Ramadan

RamadanisaspecialtimeofyearforMuslimsaroundtheworld,markedbyfastingfromsunriseto sunset.Whilefastingcanhavespiritualbenefits,itisimportanttotakecareofyourphysicalhealth duringthistimeaswell.HerearesometipsforstayinghealthywhilefastinginRamadan:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Avoidsugarydrinksandcaffeine,whichcandehydrateyou

Eatabalanceddiet:Makesuretoeatabalanceddietduringnon-fastinghours,includingplenty offruits,vegetables,wholegrains,andprotein Avoidovereatingduringiftarandsuhoormeals

Exercise: Try to exercise during non-fasting hours to maintain your physical health Walking or lightexerciseisagoodoptionduringRamadan

Get enough sleep: Make sure to get enough sleep during non-fasting hours to help your body copewiththestressesoffasting.

Consultwithadoctor:Ifyouhaveanyhealthconcerns,consultwithadoctorbeforestartingthe fast. They may recommend adjustments to your diet or medication schedule to ensure your healthisnotcompromisedduringRamadan.

Remember, fasting is a spiritual practice, but it should not come at the expense of your physical health Takecareofyourselfandenjoythisspecialtimeofyear

Blackburn&DarwenYouthZonehasprayerfacilitiesandisasafeandwelcomingenvironmentfor MuslimyoungpeopletoprayduringRamadan.

Pleckgate High Pupils Take Part in Eco-pilot Scheme

One of our wonderful local High Schools, Pleckgate, took part in the Young Green Britons Challenge pilot scheme. This is a Ministry of Eco Education initiative with the aim of enabling and celebrating youthledschool-basedclimateaction.

All Pleckgate’s Year 7s were challenged with developing eco-friendly ideas which will help to change Blackburn & Darwen, with the opportunity,ifgoodenough,toputtheirideasintopractise Plackgate are one of only 16 schools who were selected across the UK to take partinthiseco-pilotandshouldbeproudofachievingthis.Weplanto strengthen our partnership with the school as our Eco Zone initiative, supportedbyBAESystems,takesshape.

GoPleckgate!