Lincolnshire Co-operative is the latest local business to champion the town’s young people, by becoming a Founder Patron of Horizon Youth Zone.
As a Founder Patron, Lincolnshire Co-operative will contribute towards the charity’s annual running costs, which will enable the new Youth Zone to offer first class facilities, opportunities and support for thousands of young people living in and around Grimsby.
Once opened, Horizon will be an independent charity with a private sector-led board.
Horizon will be part of the OnSide Network of 15 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 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, 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 Grimsby’s young people to thrive. The Youth Zone will create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as numerous volunteering opportunities.
The partnership formed after Lincolnshire Co-Op’s CEO, Alison Hands, was given a tour of HideOut Youth Zone in Manchester. Having seen the facilities and hands on support it offered young people, Alison and her team wanted to help provide that same opportunity for the young people of Grimsby.
Lincolnshire Co-operative is one of the most successful independent consumer co-operatives in the UK. Founded more than 160 years ago, it is owned by its 300,000 members living in Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties. Giving back to the community lies at its heart; not only does it share dividends with its members, but it also invests in improving services, supporting local community groups, charities and schools and now – Horizon!
When asked about the new partnership with Horizon, Alison Hands, Lincolnshire Co-operative’s CEO, said: “Lincolnshire Co-op has long supported young people; we’ve been supporting breakfast clubs for many years including six in the Grimsby area and last year we supported the Trin and Climb 4 through our Community Champions scheme. Having visited a Youth Zone in Manchester we can see what an exciting opportunity it is for young people in Grimsby to have access to Horizon Youth Zone. It’s not just about the amazing building and activities but all the support that will be available as well, we’re looking forward to being able to work with the team at Horizon.”
Horizon Youth Zone Chair Jason Stockwood said: “Lincolnshire Co-operative’s support of Horizon is yet another example of its incredible commitment to helping create opportunities for local young people. It’s an organisation that inspires young people – and the community at large – to come together and grab new opportunities with both hands, which aligns perfectly with what Horizon is all about. I am hugely grateful and delighted to welcome them as Founder Patrons.”
Horizon CEO, Lucy Ottewell Key said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lincolnshire Co-Op for their generous support and commitment to Horizon Youth Zone. Their involvement plays a crucial role in helping us create positive opportunities for children and young people across North East Lincolnshire. Together, we will build a safe, inclusive, and community-based environment where every child and young person can discover their passion, unlock their potential, develop valuable skills, have fun, and raise their ambitions.”
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. Recently the YPDG has been part of an exchange trip with young people from the town of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Both groups of young people spent a week visiting each other’s towns, taking part in activities ranging from a community clear up to a trip to the State House in the US, to a trip to the Houses of Parliament and a guided tour of York in the UK.
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@onsideyouthzones.org
Horizon Youth Zone is due to open in late Autumn of 2025.
These are brand new, purpose-built spaces fizzing with energy, and crammed with incredible facilities. They offer 20 activities each night ranging from football, climbing and media to skating, DJ-ing, drama and employability training with entry costing just 50p along with a £5 annual membership.
They are staffed by skilled and dedicated youth workers who truly believe in young people – helping them see what they could achieve, and giving them the skills, confidence and ambition to go for it.
Over 55,000 young people are already members across the OnSide network.