Grimsby born and bred philanthropist Brian Stephenson and family are the latest people to champion the borough’s young people, by becoming Founder Patrons of Horizon Youth Zone.
As Founder Patrons, Brian and family will contribute towards the charity’s annual running costs, which will enable the new Youth Zone to offer state-of-the-art facilities, opportunities and youth work support for thousands of young people living in and around Grimsby.
Once opened, Horizon Youth Zone will be an independent charity with a private sector-led board. It will be part of the OnSide Network of 16 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting more than 55,000 young people annually. Youth Zones are open to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just £5 membership per year and 50p a visit.
Young people who sign up will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, sensory room, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, and enterprise and employability suite. In addition to these incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and holistic support to help the area’s young people to thrive. The Youth Zone will create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as numerous volunteering opportunities.
The Stephenson family’s decision to support Horizon Youth Zone came following a visit earlier this year, when Brian visited the site. He is committed to making Grimsby a place where young people can reach their potential – though his work as a marine consultant has taken him all over the world, he has always come home to North Thoresby, just outside Grimbsy.
Horizon Youth Zone Chair Jason Stockwood said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Brian and his family for their support of Horizon Youth Zone. It shows their dedication to helping the young people of North East Lincolnshire unlock their potential.
Horizon CEO, Lucy Ottewell-Key said: “We are deeply grateful to Brian Stephenson and his family for their generous support of Horizon Youth Zone. Their contribution will play a vital role in empowering young people across North East Lincolnshire to thrive, build connections, discover their talents, and develop essential life skills.”
Like all Youth Zones in the Network, Horizon has a Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), which is a group of local young people who meet weekly with youth workers, developing their skills through tailored experiences, and who help make key decisions that will shape what the Youth Zone will become.
Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered in partnership with OnSide, North East Lincolnshire Council and supported by several businesses and philanthropists. The Founder Patron campaign aims to achieve long-term sustainability, to ensure Horizon Youth Zone will be an asset to the community, transforming young people’s lives for generations to come.
Horizon continues to focus on raising a growing family of Founder Patrons and urges local businesses and philanthropists to join the Founder Patron family. If you would like to support young people living in North East Lincolnshire, please contact: fiona.wright@horizonyouthzone.org