Children’s charity and North West Charity of the Year, Manchester Youth Zone (MYZ), is located in Harpurhey, just under three miles out the city centre and in the 2nd worst ranked ward in England for the effect of long-term deprivation on children. Many in the surrounding area are vulnerable to poor educational attainment, future worklessness and to developing antisocial or offending behaviour.

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How does Manchester Youth Zone help?

They provide young people with opportunities to make constructive use of their leisure time, raise their aspirations and choose a positive, independent lifestyle. At its most basic, they work with young people aged 6-19 (25 for those with additional needs) and equip them with tools to increase their confidence, build positive relationships and add something back to their own community.

 

SOMEWHERE TO GO

A safe place that’s open when schools are shut. A place that has got: a warm welcome, a bright lively environment and somewhere young people can take part in positive activities, make new friends, learn new skills, and have new experiences.

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SOMETHING TO DO

They offer over 20 different activities per evening. Whether it is having a roller disco, personal training in the gym, earning a bike by committing to their bike maintenance course or writing and performing plays, plus there is a climbing wall, boxing gym, music room and much more in between!

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SOMEONE TO TALK TO

From relationships with Youth Workers on session, to one-to-one support from volunteer mentors – every voice is heard. There is a real emphasis on offering young people positive role models and supporting their needs.

 

MYZ offer structured evening sessions as well as targeted provisions throughout the school day to enable them to make a positive impact on young lives across Manchester. Some of their more targeted work includes:

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• Mentoring: a programme which provides weekly one-to-one support to members of all ages

• Employability: support into work through a tailored 6–8 week programme

• Junior Choices: a preventative programme aimed at 9–12 year olds at risk of offending

• Sports Leaders: to enable, educate and empower young people through sport

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They believe that all young people should be able to access the same opportunities and their skilled staff work hard to ensure this.

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