Chorley Youth Zone first became part of the ‘OnSide’ network back in January 2014, originating from the success of the Bolton Lads and Girls Club which gained success in, and from the 1980’s with it continuously developing a reputation for delivering great ways of working with young people, particularly those facing some form of disadvantage.
In December 2014, after securing the funding needed to create the state-of-the-art centre, the green light was given and plans were put into action to get the development and construction of the facility underway as soon as possible.
Less than a year later, in 2015, our very own Chorley Group Chairman, Andrew Turner MBE, became involved with the project and joined the Youth Zone Board as Chairman, saying “The young people of Chorley deserve an OnSide Youth Zone which will give them a safe and inspiring place to spend their leisure time, and we are on the road to making that dream a reality”
From design, development, and completion, the Chorley Group Youth Zone finally opened its doors to the public of Chorley on the 5th May 2018 – and has been a roaring success with the young people of Chorley ever since.
Providing a safe and inspirational environment for more than 5,000 local young people between the ages of 8 – 19, and up to 25 for those with disabilities, the Youth Zone offers its members a wide variety of activities to participate in such as arts, music production, drama, boxing, football, netball, climbing wall, dance, culinary skills, gym and outdoor activities, with fresh hot & cold food, as well as drinks, being available to replenish the energy lost throughout the fun activities taking place.
Ever since its opening, Chorley Group continues to be heavily invested in the charity and is always working with the board members on how to improve the facility for the young people who get great pleasure in using it.
In the fall of 2019, Chairman Andrew Turner had the idea to raise some much-needed funds for the charity and took one of the most dangerous, yet beautiful adventures any person can undertake – climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp…
Through the months leading up to the climb, Andrew, along with Chorley Group, the Youth Zone, and many other friends/organisations, help raise over £50,000! Andrews months & months of training for the expedition paid off as he reached Base Camp – although weary and exhausted from the elements, Andrew kept us all back home updated with his progress, day by day, when he could get signal and we could not have been prouder than when he called to let us know he had made it, he had completed this mammoth challenge of a lifetime – all at the age of 59.
You can watch Andrews adventure up Mount Everest here
Want to become a member or donate to this amazing cause? Get in contact with the amazing team at Inspire Youth Zone Chorley.