OurYoungPeople
Pages2-6
OurPatrons
Pages7-10
OurPartners
Pages11-12
OurPeople
Pages13-15
OurParents
Pages16-17
OurPlace
Pages18-19
The President's Cup is an annual event that brings together young people from the 14 Onside network YouthZonesacrossthecountry.
This is a day we all look forward to every year and is filled with fun and friendship On offer are lots of exciting activities such as football, basketball, cricket, gym sessions, climbing, cooking, rugby, dance, creative arts, games and gaming and many other challenges.
The event aims to showcase the talent and achievements of young people countrywide and to celebrate their differences whilst uniting them in friendship.
Over 400 young people took part in o r onderf l Onside partner's 21st
May 2023
All Youth Zones took the opportunity to exhibitwhatmakesthemproudoftheir young people, showcasing many developments since last year in the Arts and Enterprise programmes network-wide.Wewereprivilegedtobe supported by the Burberry Foundation who never fail to inspire us with their generosity.
Wigan Youth Zone emerged as the trophy winners, but the true winners were young people departing having formed new friendships and strengthenedexistingones
“It was so inspiring seeing young people getting stuck into all the challenges and activities, often trying things for the first time, with huge smilesontheirfaces.
The absolute joy, though, was seeing young people from 18 different towns, cities and communities across the country coming together as one to make new friends and enjoy such a special day together. A really proud day for OnSide and our brilliant network.”
-OnSideCEOJamieMasraff
During Mental Health Awareness Week, Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone members decided to explore together, this very important issue for local young people Theyranayoungperson-inspired series of impactful workshops and also took time in each session to reflect on mental health while engaged in each activity
FromMonday15thtoSunday,21stMaywe focussed all our attention on promoting positive mental health and well-being. Ourworkshopsfocusedonhelpingyoung people understand how to build resilience, learn coping strategies, and promote open conversation with each other without fear of ridicule or judgement.
Participantswereabletoexplorearange of tools, techniques and resources to enhancetheiremotionalhealthandwellbeing Our young people have asked to continuewithsomeofthethemesandwe have now embedded them within our programme for the summer period and beyond
On the 6th of May, we celebrated the CoronationofKingCharlesIII.Blackburn& Darwen Youth Zone hosted an extraordinary event in honour of our new King, bringing together over 200 enthusiastic young people from across bothBlackburnandDarwen.
The celebration, full of excitement and expectation, saw both our Junior and Youth members immerse themselves in all things royal The highlight of the festivities was a grand tea party, where our young people indulged in treats truly fitforaKing!
WeareproudtointroduceourMembersoftheMonthforMay!AtBlackburn&Darwen Youth Zone, we celebrate the exceptional achievements of our young members every month. We carefully choose a Junior and Youth Member from both our BlackburnandDarwensiteswhohavedemonstratedeitherremarkablededication, courage,orkindnessduringtheirsessions. Let'smeetourshiningstars...!
Congratulations to Ahmed (11) for being named the Junior Member of the Month in Blackburn. His remarkable journey over hepastyear,markedbypositivechoicesandcontributions,has been acknowledged by the team. Ahmed's display of sportsmanshipandopen-mindednessattheOnSidePresident's Cuphighlightshisgrowthandpositiveinfluenceonyoungerclub members. We can't wait to find out how this young man progressesinourYouthclubnextyear,buthisfuture,wepredict, isbright!
We would like to congratulate Paris (11) for being named the junior member of the month for May at Darwen Juniors! Paris, who was initially shy, has since discovered a love for new experiences and adventure. With a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things, Paris has made some amazing friends and is on a path to a great life, full of opportunity. We can'twaittoseewhatexcitingthingslieahead!
Finlay's (13) recognition as the Blackburn Youth Club Member of the Month is a testament to his impressive development Previously, he was easily provoked, but he has made notable strides in improving his response. Finlay now effortlessly demonstrates self-awareness by removing himself from provoking situations, taking time to regain composure, and returning with a positive mindset. Both his youth workers and fellow members have acknowledged his remarkable progress Congratulations, Finlay. Your determination and optimistic approacharegenuinelyinspiring.
In recognition of her consistently positive attitude and creative spirit, we are delighted to announce Jasmin (15) as our Darwen Youth member of the month for May. Jasmin's presence in the arts area, engaging with the youth work team and fellow members, spreads infectious friendliness and brings smiles to our faces. Thank you, Jasmin, for being a superstar with a fivestarattitude Keepbeingyourfabulousself!
D a r w e n
(Currently@KnottStreetYPS Buildingbutwilbechangingover toourBlackburnsiteinJuly)
B l a c k b u r n
Sales Geek based in Cathedral Quarter becomes a Patron of Blackburn&DarwenYouthZone.
Sales Geek, the renowned international franchise business delivering part-time sales director services and sales training, is delighted to announce its official patronage of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone
Sales Geek’s support will enable Youth Zone to continue to provide its valuable services for local young people.
Over the past year alone, they have averaged 1,200 visits per week, hosting 15 and a half thousand young people Fourty-four per cent of their members come from the some of the most deprived areas of the local borough, highlighting the crucial role the Youth Zone plays in supporting vulnerable young people.
"We are proud to join the Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone network They do fantastic work in our community, and we look forward to supporting them in providing young people with a safe and inspiring place to go. Our partnership together will enable a positive difference in the lives of young people across the Blackburn with Darwen borough."
-RichardFew,CEOofSalesGeek
"We are delighted to welcome Sales Geek as a Patron of Blackburn & DarwenYouthZone.Theircommitment toinvestinginthefutureofouryouthis truly commendable. With their expertise and resources, we believe Sales Geek will play a crucial role in empowering young individuals, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential We look forward to a partnership that will make a lasting impact on the lives of the young peopleinourcommunity"
-WayneWild,TrusteeofBlackburn& DarwenYouthZone
Justweeksaftersmashingthe£500,000 fundraisingmark,YouthZoneDarwenis now celebrating its 16th new patron –AGGRenewables.
Newly launched, the Solar Panel PV business is building on the success of its sister firm, Clitheroe-based Hadgraft Electricals
ACG Renewables provides green solutionsforbusinesseslookingtoreduce their energy bills and carbon footprint and the firm is now looking forward to supporting young people through the YouthZoneDarwenpatronage.
ACGDirector,ChrisShawsaid:
“We’re passionate about supporting our local community and other local businesses, and Youth Zone Darwen is suchagreatinitiativewhichdoesboth.
I met with Youth Zone Trustee Wayne Wild, and he told me all about the amazing work they are doing there, and when I went to visit to see for myself, I was blown away and really wantedtohelp.
We’re proud to join the patrons and partners who are already supporting Youth Zone Darwen and look forward to the difference we can help make too.”
InMay,weweredelightedtohostour Gold Patron Accrol Group for their Leadership Conference at Blackburn &DarwenYouthZone
The employees from Accrol Group were welcomed to the venue by our CEO Hannah Allen who spoke about the fantastic impact Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is making in the communityandhowmuchwevalue AccrolGroupsupport.
To discover more about holding youreventormeetingatBlackburn & Darwen Youth Zone please email enquiries@blackburnyz.org
Summary
Are you ready to join our exciting and vibrant fundraising campaign to support Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone? How would you like to contribute and make a positive impact on the lives ofyoungpeopleinourcommunity?
We invite you to Paint The Town Orange and become an essential part of creating a brighter futurefortheyoungpeopleinourborough
Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved,excitingevents,andinspiringstories
Forfurtherinformation,pleasereachouttoRebecca atrebecca.bell@blackburnyz.org.
Summary
Join Trevor Dawson and friends for a fantastic day filled with golf at Clitheroe Golf Club This day is for beginners and avid golfers alike! Enjoy a fun and friendly day golfing followed by a thre course meal and awards ceremony.
To find out more about becoming a patron for Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, please email: melanie.thomas@blackburnyz.org
Our popular and oversubscribed HATCH project is a collaboration between UK Youth, KFC, and Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone This month we have commenced our 2nd group of lucky participants who will benefit from its support
Participants will work towards a paid work placement with KFC thanks to funding from KFC, Herbert Parkinson (the John Lewis Partnership), and Vampire Vape
Two young people from group one secured paid employment and the remainder gained valuable work experience.
We are planning a 3rd course later this year, and you can secure a place through Laura Billington email:laura.billington@blackburnyz. org or by calling 01254 292000.
Our brilliant partners, Technique Boxing, have launched their free Saturday boxing classes exclusively for women. These are led by boxing champion, Brook Louise at our Jubilee Street site in Blackburn.
Join the female boxing revolution and improve your skills. Classes are from 1 to 2pm. There is no requirement to advance register, just show up! For more information, contact either Technique Amateur Boxing Club or call our reception on 01254 292000.
We would like to take a moment to recognise the incredibleworkandcontributionofFahimaIqbal,our Universal Service Manager here at Blackburn & DarwenYouthZone.
Thismonthmarksher11-yearanniversaryatBlackburn &Darwen YouthZone,andwecouldn'tbemoreproud of her dedication and passion for youth work and youngpeople.
From her early years busting her moves as a dance instructor,shehasprogressedanddevelopedandnow leadsallofouruniversalservices Fahimahasbecome acharismaticleaderandrolemodelforyoungpeople and youth workers alike She is uncompromising in always putting young people first and at the heart of ourdecision-making,ensuringtheirvoicesareheard
Asourlongest-servingemployee,sheisanoutstanding rolemodelandexemplifieswhatispossibleifyouwork hardandtakeeveryopportunitytolearnandgrow
Our inspirational Director of Operations, Leon Crosby, will leave us briefly for a 6-month secondmentasinterimCEOofMahdloYouthZone in Oldham, covering for maternity leave. Leon's exceptional organisational skills and unwavering commitmenttoyoungpeoplehavemadehimthe ideal candidate for the role, which is part of his careerdevelopment
Starting in July, he will undoubtedly take on this secondment with his customary enthusiasm and commitment. We look forward to his return in January, confident that his contribution will have made a lasting impact on our Onside network's ambitions to deliver the very best services for youngpeople
Blackburn’sFoodbankinformationpagesare below,andtheteamarereadytosupport youwhenyou&yourfamilyareatcrisis point,followthelinkbelowforcontactdetails:
May 2023
Wehavecompiledsomeessential informationforparentsneeding financialorpracticalsupport throughthecostoflivingcrisis Don'tsufferalone. Thereisalwayssomeonetohelp. Thingswillgetbetter.
Clickforreliableandhigh-qualityinformation, advice,andguidanceonchildcareservices,early learning,andotherchildren’sservicesinBwD
BlackburnCollege,andBlackburnUniversityCentre arenowenrollingforAdultLearners.Thereareso manystudyoptions,andcoursesonoffer Student financemaybeavailabletoyouifeligible
Youcanetsupportandgainthetoolsyouneedto findworkbyvisiting:
Whetheritsfinancial,welfareorhousingsupport youneed,thelinkbelowwillgiveyoumoredetails onwhocansupportwhenyouneeditthemost throughtheCouncilscommissionedsupport service:
Ourteamhadthepleasureofbeinginvited by the Mayor, Councillor Suleman Khonat, to his Mayoral Parlour. Taking us by surprise, he honoured us with a Mayoral Award!
We are thrilled to be recognised by such a progressive and caring Mayor who has shown his commitment time and again to the young people of Blackburn and Darwen
We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor for acknowledging the role we have played in improving the life chances of local young people. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our teams and the incredible support of our Patrons, Partnersandthelocalcommunity.
As Councillor Suleman Khonat departs from his Mayoral term, we welcome our new Mayor, Councillor Parwaiz Akhtar. As a Healthcare professional and former textile worker, the Mayor is well acquainted with the deep history and also the challengesourboroughfaces
Coun Akhtar, a Labour councillor representing the Bastwell & Daisyfield ward since 2004, was made the borough’s first citizen at the annual Mayor Making ceremony in Blackburn Town Hall on Thursday, 18May.WelcomeMr.Mayor!
