OnSide Youth Zones is a charity which aims to create a network of Youth Centres that provide young people with quality, safe and affordable places to go in their leisure time. AMION was appointed to define and assess the impact of the Youth Zone Model, drawing in particular on the operation of the Youth Zones in Harpurhey, Manchester (The Factory), Oldham (Madhlo) and Wigan to gather data and evidence regarding the outcomes being delivered for young people and local communities.
Our approach to gathering data and evidence to assess impact included a contextual review, a review of the three Youth Zones, development of a framework for assessing the social and economic impact, surveys and stakeholder consultations.
Our study found that the Youth Zone Model has the capacity to make a significant difference to the overall wellbeing and life chances of the young people participating in activities and the social value generated, far outweighed the cost of provision. Based on the evidence gathered, AMION prepared an advocacy document for OnSide Youth Zones. This was used to demonstrate to the highest levels of government the potential public sector savings that could be generated through investment in the Youth Zone Model.