Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, in conjunction with Prax Foundation Roots, both members of the Prax Group of companies, is the latest local business to support the town’s young people by becoming a Cornerstone Patron of Horizon Youth Zone.
As a Cornerstone Patron, the Prax Group will make a substantial contribution towards the annual running costs, helping the new Youth Zone provide first class facilities, opportunities and support for thousands of young people living in 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 14 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting over 50,000 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 50p a visit. Members will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, and enterprise and employability suite.
In addition to the incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and support to help Grimsby’s young people to thrive. It will create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as volunteering opportunities.
Young people played a key role in establishing the partnership with the Prax Group and visited both Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Killingholme and their headquarters in London. The visits provided the young people with an insight into the Group’s activities, with their findings instrumental to the Group’s founders decision to support the youth zone.
When asked about the new partnership with Horizon, Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at the Prax Group said: “When we acquired Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery in 2021, we knew we were acquiring an asset that was steeped in history and well rooted in the region. Acknowledging this, we have always been committed to our promise of being a good neighbour and supporting the communities that we operate in and helping them to thrive. With our charitable foundation, Prax Foundation Roots, I am delighted that Horizon Youth Zone will be the flagship UK initiative for our Foundation and we can have a positive direct impact to young people across North East Lincolnshire.”
Horizon Youth Zone Chair Jason Stockwood commented on the partnership with the Prax Group saying: “We are delighted to welcome the Prax Group as a Cornerstone Patron of Horizon Youth Zone. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Sanjeev and the team for their generous support and for investing in the next generation of local young people. Horizon Youth Zone will provide the very best facilities, support and opportunities – it will be the place that the town’s young people deserve and the support of our local businesses is essential to its success.”
Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered in partnership with OnSide, North East Lincolnshire Council and is supported by a number of businesses and philanthropists. Last month it was confirmed that thanks to a grant from the DCMS’s Youth Investment Fund, all of the building costs for the Youth Zone have now been raised. Focus remains on raising the annual running costs, which will come from private sector and philanthropic donations, including a contribution from North East Lincolnshire Council.
Work has now begun on site and the Youth Zone is due to open in 2025.