We’re proud to be working with OnSide, the national youth charity, to help thousands of young people thrive. Together, we’re creating opportunities that build confidence, develop skills and support brighter futures.
With demand for youth services continuing to rise, OnSide plays a crucial role in supporting young people across the UK. Through its long-term partnership with the Barratt Redrow Foundation, the charity provides safe spaces, trusted guidance and life-changing experiences when they’re needed most.
The charity funds, builds and supports state-of-the-art ‘youth zones’, giving those aged 8–18 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs) access to affordable activities and support from dedicated, trained youth workers. OnSide currently helps over 60,000 people across 19 youth zones, with plans to expand to 22 by 2027.
Meeting growing demand
Over the past decade, there has been a significant reduction in youth services. As a result, youth zones are becoming increasingly important in tackling issues such as social isolation, mental health challenges and limited access to opportunities.
Jamie Masraff, CEO at OnSide, said: “As youth services have been reduced across the country and experienced youth workers have left the sector, the challenges facing young people have continued to grow. From concerns about employment and financial pressures to the uncertainty many feel about their future, the need for high-quality youth work has never been greater.
“Our youth zones tackle these issues head on, particularly in disadvantaged communities. We connect young people with highly trained youth workers who can support them through a range of life challenges.
“Youth workers take on a variety of roles, whether that’s offering emotional support, helping with CVs or simply being someone to talk to. For many of our members, the youth zone has become a home away from home – a place where they can find a trusted adult, sometimes for the first time in their lives.”
Importance of long-term partnerships
Ongoing support from Barratt Redrow Foundation has enabled OnSide to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
Since 2020, the housebuilder has contributed £300,000 to support youth zones, with a focus on wellbeing and nutrition initiatives.
Jamie said: “The partnership provides reassurance and stability. It allows us to plan for the long term and focus on delivering meaningful support. For us, it has meant we can provide every member with a healthy, home-cooked meal.
“Partnerships like this are key to ensuring we can continue supporting young people at a time when services are under increasing pressure. Together, we can achieve far more.”
Transforming lives
The impact of the partnership is evident in the lives of the young people who attend the youth zones.
Through this support, over 60,000 young people have been able to access new opportunities, build confidence and develop essential life skills.
One such example is Chloe, who joined her local youth zone in Chorley.
Jamie said: “Chloe was struggling with her mental health and confidence and was not attending school. But through regular participation in activities, she discovered music and began playing the drums, which ultimately transformed her life.
“Chloe went on to join our youth advisory board and has now become a youth worker herself at Vault, OnSide Youth Zone Preston – a fantastic example of the difference Youth Zones can make.”
Another who has benefited from the programme is Kyran, a member at Legacy Youth Zone in Croydon. Before joining, Kyran was shy and lacked confidence. However, having a space where he could learn new skills and build relationships with youth workers proved invaluable.
Jamie said: “The youth zone has provided Kyran with new opportunities, guidance and a strong sense of purpose. When he was forced to leave his home, Legacy also supported him with free meals and essentials.
“A standout moment for Kyran was becoming one of the first young rappers to perform at the Houses of Parliament, bringing youth culture and unheard voices into a space where young people are rarely represented.”
Looking ahead
Over the next 12 months, OnSide aims to expand its network of Youth Zones while continuing to strengthen its existing sites. This will be easier to achieve with support like that of the Barratt Redrow Foundation.
Andy Button-Stephens, head of the foundation, said: “At a time when funding for youth services is under increasing pressure and opportunities for young people are shrinking, it’s never been more important to support organisations like OnSide.
“The charity opens doors, equips young people with essential skills and helps reconnect them with education. Chloe’s story is just one example of the life-changing impact being delivered across the UK.
“Long-term partnerships like this are essential. They give organisations the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their services and continue delivering meaningful, lasting support.”
The Barratt Redrow Foundation focuses on creating lasting social value through corporate volunteering, partnerships and grassroots projects across the UK. Since its launch in 2021, the foundation has donated more than £20 million to more than 1,700 local and national charities.
