Young People’s Development Group

Thurrock’s young people are at the heart of OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway, and they’ve been involved from the very beginning. This isn’t just a space for them, it’s being created by them. They play a pivotal role in the decision-making, from the activities and programmes to the facilities inside, nothing is off-the-shelf. Everything is shaped around what local young people actually want, making sure the Youth Zone reflects their needs, passions, and ideas.

We have a group of dedicated and dynamic young people who meet every week at sessions run by youth workers, to share their ideas on what they want OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway to be. The group has already driven key decisions, including working with a branding agency to develop the youth-facing element of the brand. They also contributed to the design brief of the site’s hoardings, to bring the Youth Zone to life for the community.

And their voices will keep shaping the Youth Zone. As the project moves forward, this group will keep leading the way, helping shape decisions on everything from interior design to staff recruitment.