Better Business / Member news
Community champion becomes founder patron of 224 Youth Zone
Long-standing south Bristol community figure Ian Chalmers has been announced as a founder patron of the new 224 Youth Zone, a state-of-the-art youth facility set to transform opportunities for thousands of young people in the area.
Chalmers, a trustee of Youth Moves since 2017, made the donation in memory of his parents, Alderman Bernard Chalmers and Alma Chalmers. His father, who served as councillor for the Hartcliffe ward, was a tireless advocate for youth services, while his mother played an active role in local community life as treasurer and later honorary president of the Townswomen’s Guild.
“It seems fitting to mark their memory by becoming a Founder Patron for 224 Youth Zone, creating a lasting legacy rooted in the community they cared so deeply about,” Chalmers said.
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Born and raised in south Bristol, Chalmers has dedicated much of his life to youth work. He was heavily involved in the Scout Association and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, holding long-service honours from both organisations and now chairs the very Scout group where he began as a Cub.
Chalmers’ deep commitment to supporting young people led him to join the Youth Moves board, where he played a central role in developing the partnership with national charity OnSide to bring the 224 Youth Zone to South Bristol.
The new facility, part of a wider network of Youth Zones across the country, will provide a safe and inspiring space offering a wide range of activities and support. Chalmers has been instrumental in shaping the project, leading on health and safety and overseeing the transition plan to ensure services are ready to launch when doors open.
Chalmers, a trustee of Youth Moves since 2017, made the donation in memory of his parents, Alderman Bernard Chalmers and Alma Chalmers – photo: Ian Chalmers
Reflecting on his own childhood in south Bristol, Chalmers recalled both fond memories of community life and the tensions that sometimes arose between local neighbourhoods.
“Experiences like these make me even more certain of the need for 224 Youth Zone. By providing a safe, welcoming space with positive role models and engaging activities, we can help reduce tensions, steer young people away from violence, and give them better pathways to succeed,” he said.
For Chalmers, the Youth Zone represents not just a project but a continuation of his lifelong mission to give young people opportunities to thrive.
“My hope is that 224 Youth Zone will offer young people the same sense of purpose, adventure, and belonging that I found through youth services, and that it will continue to do so for generations to come.”
224 Youth Zone leaders described Chalmers’ gift as a powerful demonstration of trust and belief in the project, urging other individuals and businesses to join him in becoming Founder Patrons to support the next generation.
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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