Better Business / Member news
224 Youth Zone reaches membership milestone ahead of opening
The south Bristol-based youth centre, 224 Youth Zone, has reached 1,000 members ahead of its official opening in June, highlighting the growing demand for dedicated youth facilities in the area.
More than 1,200 people attended a recent community open day at the new centre, with organisers saying excitement continues to build ahead of the much-awaited opening on June 20.
The state-of-the-art youth centre will provide a seven-day-a-week open-access youth service for young people.
The £12m project has been backed by a range of businesses and organisations, including Computershare, St. James’s Place, the Nisbet Trust and the Origin Foundation.
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Supporters, funders and local partners were recently invited to tour the facility, with guests including Anne Nisbet, chair of the Nisbet Trust; Ben James, founder patron from the John James Foundation; Rob Hingston, cornerstone and founder patron from the Origin Foundation; Ian Chalmers, founder patron and trustee, alonside 224 Youth Zone chief executive Matt Justice and chair of trustees Heather Frankham.
A key focus of the Youth Zone will be helping young people into employment through work placements, training and partnerships with employers, particularly supporting those not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Members of the Nisbets Foundation with chief executive Matt Justice and chair of the trustees Heather Frankham – photo: 224 Youth Zone
Matt Justice, chief executive at 224 Youth Zone, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our cornerstone and founder patrons.
“Their belief in what we’re building here has made 224 possible, and their continued support is helping us create life-changing opportunities for young people across South Bristol.”
Rob Hingston, cornerstone and founder patron from the Origin Foundation during the preview – photo: 224 Youth Zone
The Youth Zone is part of the national OnSide network, which supports young people through youth work, skills development and employment pathways.
Heather Frankham, chair of the trustees at 224 Youth Zone, said: “Every young person, including those in south Bristol, deserves a place where they feel supported and have access to opportunities that help shape their future.
Founder patron and trustee Ian Chalmers with his wife, Catherine at the climber – photo: 224 Youth Zone
“224 is where this will happen: where young people will develop new skills, grow in confidence, and feel inspired by the future.
The new youth centre, which is located opposite Imperial Retail Park, is strategically placed to serve Knowle West, Hartcliffe, Bedminster and the wider south Bristol area.
224, which stands for Today, Tomorrow, Forever, is expected to support up to 5,000 young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
224 Youth Zone will open on June 20 – photo: Milan Perera
224 Youth Zone are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
Main photo: 224 Youth Zone
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