Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone

Behind the Scenes: A Masterpiece in the Making! ✨🖼️ A stunning new stained glass window is coming to Blackburn Youth Zone’s Fusebox, celebrating the town’s rich creative and industrial history! But first, let’s take a look behind the scenes! 🧐✨ Discover how this incredible artwork is being brought to life and the inspiration behind it. Commissioned by Blackburn artist Jamie Holman and crafted by Dan Burke from Lightworks Stained Glass, this artwork will take pride of place in the bright new entrance of the Fusebox building. Inspired by historic stained glass in Blackburn’s college, art gallery & museum, this breathtaking piece is designed to inspire future generations and showcase the power of creativity. The talented duo want their work to inspire new generations in the art of what’s both possible and achievable – a truly aspiring statement to the thousands of young people who will see the window on each and every visit. 👀 Want to see it for yourself? Head down to Blackburn Youth Zone to check it out—while you’re there, explore the incredible new facilities and activities on offer in the Fusebox! Uncultured Creatives| LIGHTWORKS STAINED GLASS LIMITED| GWB Consultants Limited| Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council| The National Lottery Heritage Fund

The Barratt Foundation has donated £300,000 to OnSide, a national youth charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people. OnSide builds state-of-the-art youth centres in the most economically disadvantaged areas. With 15 Youth Zones already operating and seven due to open by 2026, OnSide reached over 50,000 young people in 2024. As well as offering a range of activities, the Youth Zones provide over 120,000 meals for £1 or less. Jamie Masraff, Chief Executive of OnSide, said: “At a time when young people are facing unprecedented challenges with isolation, loneliness, and mental health, this partnership will help us bring vital youth work to even more communities – and make a lasting difference to young people across the country.” Andy Button-Stephens, Head of The Barratt Foundation, said: “Being a young person today is more difficult than ever before, with the challenges of social isolation, youth unemployment, social media and often a lack of positive role models. We are confident that this contribution will make a tangible difference to young people's lives.” To kick-off the partnership, colleagues visited the Youth Zone in Warrington to learn how the grant is making a difference. To find out how to access the Youth Zones or to support OnSide’s work, visit: https://lnkd.in/duk-4-m #youth #community 

🧡 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!🧡 Yesterday was #RandomActOfKindnessDay, and our Darwen TeenZone group spent it spreading joy at St James Care Home. They handed out orange roses as a belated Valentine’s gift, shared biscuits, enjoyed heartwarming conversations, and even got creative with some colouring!🌹 Small acts of kindness make the biggest difference. 🧡 #MakingMemories #Communitycohesion

We are stronger, together. 👏 Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone teamed up with Benefit Mankind and IMO Charity to pack and distribute winter food hampers for families hit hardest by the #CostOfLivingCrisis. No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table, and we are proud to stand by our community, making a real difference. We are incredibly proud of our SEND group, who rolled up their sleeves to help pack and deliver the winter food hampers. 🧡 #WeStandTogether #CommunityEngagement #BenefitMankind #Charity

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the most important kind of love - SELF LOVE 💕 We asked our team how they practise self-love and kindness and this is what they had to say 🥰 How do you show yourself love? Let us know below! 👇 💬 #ValentinesDay #loveday #Love

Happy #NationalApprenticeshipWeek 2025! What better time to announce that we've teamed up with University of Central Lancashire to run the first 'Watson Ramsbottom Apprenticeship programme' 🎉 Below, you will see Managing Director Elton Ashworth give a brief introduction to the programme, but if you'd like to learn more about this & how to apply, please visit ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eV8XYBNK #GotYourBack

Our young people in Darwen took part in an eye-opening workshop on the dangers of vaping 💨 Did you know that one disposable vape can contain as much nicotine as 40 cigarettes? 😳 Our young people explored the hidden risks and had open discussions about making healthier choices. Education is key to making informed choices, and our young people are leading the way! #VapingAwareness #StayInformed #HealthyChoices #WellnessZone

Teamwork definitely makes the dream work! 🔥 Over the weekend, our team took on the ultimate team-building day, filled with challenges that tested our trust, creativity & problem solving skills 🤝 Our team smashed the obstacle course… well, most of us did! Let’s just say some of us discovered new and creative ways to fall in style 🤣 Massive thanks to Kathryn Robinson FCIPD from Navigator Tissue UK and the guys from Sairo.uk for delivering a fantastic AI workshop for us on the day too! 🧡 #TeamBuilding #Blackburn #OneTeam

New CEO Announcement at Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone I am delighted to share with you the news that Leon Crosby has accepted our offer to become the next CEO of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, commencing 1st April 2025. Leon has been Head of Operations for over five years. Following a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Leon is the right person to lead the Youth Zone into its next chapter. His dedication, vision, and leadership qualities shone through throughout the process, and we are excited about the future under his guidance. Leon’s deep understanding of our organisation, his passion for supporting young people, and his commitment to our mission make him the ideal successor. We are confident that he will build on the strong foundation that has been established and continue driving the Youth Zone forward with energy and ambition. The process of nurturing a new CEO via a detailed succession plan has proved to be hugely successful. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out. Wayne Wild Chairman of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone

It’s #TimeToTalk today, a chance for all us to be more open about mental health- to talk, to listen, to change lives. The more we can talk, the more we can break down barriers. If you do nothing else this #TimeToTalk day, why don't you check in with someone you haven't spoken to in a while. You never know what a difference a message could make. ➡️Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/d8VnFMrv