West London Community Comes Together for a Magical Day at WEST Wonderland

On Saturday 14th December, WEST Youth Zone was transformed into a winter wonderland with over 500 attendees enjoying the magic. The event, aptly named WEST Wonderland, was a heart-warming celebration of community and fun which allowed people of all ages to explore our purpose-built Youth Zone.

Families from across West London enjoyed a range of fun activities to spread the festive cheer. The day featured fairground games where young people could win amazing prizes (including headphones, puzzles and boardgames), festive-themed bouncy castles, wintery face painting and a family photo booth to capture the moment. Guests were also able to enjoy delicious £1 hot meals from our BiteCity Cafe, an offer we feature on session all year round.

One of the event’s highlights was the generous donation of over 100 toys from UBS and the East London Business Alliance. These gifts brought immense joy as prizes for all of the lucky winners throughout the day. A heartfelt thank you goes out to these amazing partners for their kindness and support!

Special collaborations added an extra layer of excitement to the day. QPR Trust took over our Skyline Pitch creating unforgettable football fun. Meanwhile, Tie Dye Drama brought the magic of performance by leading engaging drama games in The WEST End.

The festive community spirit made WEST Wonderland a truly magical event, showcasing the incredible togetherness our members and their families bring. We also welcomed new young people as members too – welcome!

Our team extends Thanks to everyone who joined us and to all the partners and volunteers who made the day such a success. Here’s to many more magical moments together in the future!

Look out on our socials, @WESTYouthZone, for more information on our Community Days.

Monsoon & Accessorize Trust Support WEST Youth Zone for Giving Tuesday 2024

Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity, is a celebration of the power of giving back. Every year, it follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday (this year landing on Tuesday 3rd December 2023) encouraging individuals and organisations to support causes that make a real difference. This year, Monsoon and Accessorize Trust have chosen to support us – WEST Youth Zone.

Why Giving Tuesday Matters

Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a global movement, inspiring hundreds of millions to donate, volunteer, and advocate for change. Monsoon and Accessorize’s partnership with WEST Youth Zone reflects the spirit of Giving Tuesday — using business for good and showing that together, we can make a difference.

How Are Monsoon & Accessorize Getting Involved?

With their head offices being close by, this Giving Tuesday, an amazing 20% of all UK web sales from Monsoon and Accessorize will be donated to WEST Youth Zone. That means every online purchase that is made helps create incredible opportunities for over 2000 young people in West London. So, whether you’re shopping for the perfect holiday outfit, gifting accessories, or treating yourself, your purchase will contribute to supporting the incredible impact of youth work.

Shop for Good

Get involved in Giving Tuesday by shopping online at Monsoon and Accessorize on Monsoon.co.uk and Accessorize.com. Your purchases will help us continue impactful work with local young people within London.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Monsoon and Accessorize Trust for their incredible generosity and commitment to supporting young people through this Giving Tuesday initiative.

WEST Featured in The Lord Mayor’s Show Broadcast alongside OnSide Float

Over 50 floats and 7,000 participants took to the City of London streets on Saturday 9 November 2024 to welcome new Lord Mayor, Rt Hon Lord Mayor Alastair King, into his role.

The OnSide & Blenheim Chalcot float was a collection of young people’s art to celebrate five years of OnSide Youth Zones in London, and young people from all four London Youth Zones (Unitas, Future, Legacy, and WEST Youth Zones) joined the procession.

The Lord Mayor’s Show is the world’s oldest and longest civic procession celebrating the election of the City’s new Lord Mayor. The thousands who take part parade the three-mile route through the streets of London with eye-catching floats and a joyous atmosphere.

Many more lined the streets to watch while millions tuned in to see it broadcast live on BBC One. The Show is the longest-running live broadcast on television, and those watching at home would have seen a brilliant feature of the Lord Mayor’s visit to WEST Youth Zone, where he met members and got stuck into the activities, taking to the boxing ring to train with member Pierson.

Hannah, WEST’s senior and previous young people’s development group member, was also interviewed on the day by presenter Radzi Chinyangan. She shared her love for the float and what WEST means to her. We are super proud here at WEST!

The Show was a huge success and young people from the London Youth Zones had an incredible day making friends and memories.

WEST Youth Zone Celebrates Success with Founder Supporter Dinner

On Thursday 26th September, WEST Youth Zone hosted a Founder Supporter Dinner, a remarkable evening celebrating the dedication of our supporters, staff and volunteers to empower young people in the local community. Held alongside a 90s Disco for senior members, the event brought together funders, supporters, and talented youth, making it an evening to remember.

roller skating 90s disco west youth zone

The night kicked off with an energetic 90s-themed party for the Youth Zone members, who roller-skated and partied the evening away while guests of WEST gathered for a more intimate event. Hosted by Harry Wills, Junior and Holiday Club Manager, and PJ, a rising WEST star and Junior Member, the dinner featured performances from some of the many talented young members.

First off, Macy sang a beautiful rendition of Valerie by Amy Winehouse followed by creative photography slideshow from junior members Julia, Reah & Ruby. Ashley, who first visited WEST a few weeks ago, played guitar and sang an emotional song. Aneela and Jude were up next, they sang Diamonds by Rhianna which was one of their first ever performances on a stage. Ziyanda rocked us out with a drum solo which he learnt in the Music Room. These impressive displays of talent reflected the hard work and commitment that our youth workers invests in nurturing the skills of local young people. It’s safe to say, our guests were impressed!

“It was so inspiring to see the Youth Zone in full flow and buzzing with all that energy amongst the members, volunteers and team. The talent showcased by the young people was extraordinary and a real testament to everyone involved in drawing out all that gold.” – Supporter of WEST.

Everyone was treated to a delicious meal courtesy of the BiteCity catering team, whose dishes made the night even more special. The Founder Supporter Dinner was more than just a show; it was also a heartfelt appreciation for the funders and supporters who make the work here possible. Their contributions and ongoing support allow us to continue our mission of providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for young people. To celebrate, we asked funders to collect their award plaques and shake hands with two impressive young leaders Emaan & Charice.

The WEST Value Awards were highlight of the evening, celebrating individuals who embody our core values. Tayshaurn, a senior member, won the Ambition award for embracing new challenges and driving success. Maael, also a senior member, was honoured with the Excellence award for consistently striving to improve and solve problems. Junior member, Anjali, received the Respect award for her integrity and care for others. Volunteer Aris earned the Collaboration award for fostering partnerships, while youth worker Alex was recognised with the Young People First award, exemplifying the focus on youth at the heart of WEST’s mission.

The evening ended with a showcase of Young Leaders sharing their favourite things about WEST with Macy’s beautiful singing as a backing track.

A HUGE thanks to all who made the evening such a success. The continued engagement of the founders and supporters will undoubtedly fuel the future success of WEST Youth Zone, enabling more young people to thrive and reach their full potential. Here’s to many more evenings of celebration!

To find out more about becoming a WEST Patron, look here: https://westyouthzone.org/support-us/

The Prince of Wales will visit WEST Youth Zone

On Thursday 14th March, The Prince of Wales will visit WEST Youth Zone to see our brand-new purpose-built facilities that will soon be available to young people in West London.

WEST are excited to welcome His Royal Highness to mark the first time young people will have access to the Youth Zone.

Please view announcement from Kensington Palace below:

Young people and supporters get First Look of WEST

Young people and supporters get First Look of WEST

Young people and supporters were able to get a glimpse inside WEST Youth Zone with construction now really taking shape.

The special WEST First Look Fundraiser event on Friday 19th May saw the whole WEST family come together to celebrate the Youth Zone’s progress.

Supporters were able to hear more about the timeline, both of the building and the opening plans, hearing from Youth Zone Chair Mark Davies, members of the amazing Young People’s Development Group and a representative from the local community.

After this, they were allowed exclusive access on site, seeing for the first time the incredible scale of the building and hearing more about what it will offer once doors open to young people next year.

WEST Youth Zone Chair, Mark Davies said:

“It has been amazing to welcome young people and supporters on site to see the progress being made on WEST. To have them and our Young People’s Development Group all together, enjoying this momentous occasion was really special. It was an opportunity for us to say thank-you for turning this dream into a reality while also being able to build that excitement as we edge nearer to the building being completed. I’d urge anyone wanting to know more about WEST Youth Zone to get in touch. It will transform lives of young people right across Hammersmith and Fulham.”

Supporters and young people celebrate the beginning of work on WEST Youth Zone

Supporters and young people gathered to celebrate the beginning of work on WEST Youth Zone.

Hosted by chair Mark Davies at Scale Space in White City, guests were given an update on the project and a special insight as to what this amazing place will bring to the Hammersmith and Fulham community. 

Phillipe Andreewich, a member of the WEST Young People’s Development Group spoke passionately about what he believes a Youth Zone will bring to the borough. 

He has had the opportunity to travel to other Youth Zones across the network and also represents OnSide as a young ambassador. 

“WEST Youth Zone here in Hammersmith and Fulham is a future for young people,” he told those present. 

“I believe in the potential OnSide has in store for young people. When OnSide means access to highly trained and endearing youth workers who help to build the leaders and pioneers of tomorrow through moral and career support, to me, that’s potential. 

“When an OnSide Youth Zone means a safe and nurturing environment, a shining light in the dark blizzard of stress and boredom, in which this generation finds itself, in its ceaseless search for purpose in our rapidly evolving world. To me, that’s potential.” 

As well as Philipe, guests also heard from another inspiring young person, 15-year-old Ines Lopes who credits Unitas Youth Zone in Barnet for changing her life. 

She told her story which involved her moving over to England from Portugal without being able to speak English and how, after joining Unitas last year, it not only helped her make friends and feel at home but unlocked passions ranging from boxing to stock markets and from the gym to media. 

As well as Phillipe and Ines, other speakers included Phil Marsh, Openings Manager from OnSide who will lead the charge for WEST Youth Zone in community engagement and working with young people ahead of opening. 

Mark Sorrell, from WEST funders Goldman Sachs, also spoke about why he wanted to become involved with WEST and how a trip to Wigan Youth Zone with Mark Davies blew him away. He urged everyone in the room to get behind WEST and support however they can. 

Following the speeches, guests took walking tours of the site and were able to speak with a number of young people from the WEST Young People’s Development Group, Unitas Youth Zone and OnSide’s young ambassadors. 

A special thank-you goes to GSK for their incredible support of the event and enabling us to bring so many special supporters of WEST Youth Zone into one room. 

Young people unveil Youth Zone brand

Over 2,700 local young people have officially named Hammersmith and Fulham’s OnSide Youth Zone ‘West’.

West Youth Zone, standing for ‘Where Everyone Sticks Together’, will open in 2021 and will be part of EdCity, a major new education hub that will benefit thousands of children and young people for years to come and help to regenerate the White City area.

The exciting plans will see a purpose-built Youth Zone open seven-days-a-week, with more than 20 activities on offer every session for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs. The aim of the Youth Zone is to raise the aspirations, enhance prospects and improve health and wellbeing for young people in Hammersmith and Fulham, by providing affordable access to a wide range of programmes, services and activities including sports, arts, music, employability and mentoring.

The Youth Zone is being developed by the national charity OnSide Youth Zones, which has a network of 12 similar centres across the UK – including two that have recently opened in London in Barking and Dagenham and Barnet. A third will open in Croydon this September.

Membership will £5 a year with young people then paying just 50p each visit, which will give them access to all the facilities and activities on offer.

As well as the Youth Zone, EdCity will include a new building for Ark Swift Academy (which is currently located on the land which will be developed into EdCity), an improved Harmony Neighbourhood Nursery, an expanded and transformed adult education and community learning centre and 132 new homes.

Local young people are involved with the development of each OnSide Youth Zone from the start, with their first task being to come up with a name and logo. Numerous ideas and designs were narrowed down to just two, which then saw thousands of young people from across the borough vote on their favourite with West, representing the Youth Zone’s location in London and standing for ‘Where Everyone Sticks Together, coming out on top with 70% of the vote.

After months of hard work the Hammersmith and Fulham Young People’s Development Group, kitted out in their branded t-shirts, were joined at White City Place, close to the Youth Zone site, by the Youth Zone Chairman Mark Davies to unveil their brand.

The passionate group of young people, made up of members from local partner community groups and schools, presented their brand to over 70 guests including funders and local community groups.

Hammersmith and Fulham Youth Zone Chairman Mark Davies said: “We are extremely excited to launch West Youth Zone here in Hammersmith and Fulham. Involving young people in the development of this fantastic facility is imperative and enables them to put their stamp on somewhere they will be able to call their second home.

“West Youth Zone will give young people in Hammersmith and Fulham somewhere safe and inspirational to go in their leisure time, with some many incredible things to do as well as trained and experienced youth workers they can talk to. I am immensely proud to Chair this fantastic charity.”

The Youth Zone will be funded by a combination of local and private sector contributions, trusts and grants and young people’s admission fees.

Plans for an innovative education hub, affordable housing & new community facilities in White City take major step forward

An innovative education hub, known as EdCity, with a Youth Zone, new school, nursery, adult education centre and affordable housing will be built in White City, after Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Planning and Development Control Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission.

The plans will see the site, currently occupied by Ark Swift Primary Academy, Harmony Neighbourhood Nursery and the Adult Community Learning Centre, redeveloped with state-of-the-art facilities for a replacement school, nursery and adult education centre.

In addition, OnSide and the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham are working in partnership to develop Hammersmith & Fulham Youth Zone, the first Youth Zone in west London, offering a huge range of affordable activities and inspiring sports, arts, music, mentoring and employability programmes to young people from eight to 19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week.

The Youth Zone will include indoor sports facilities and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) for basketball, trampolining, cricket, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and five-a-side football. The Youth Zone’s facilities will be used during school hours by the new Ark Swift Primary Academy.

EdCity will also provide affordable office space for charities and social enterprises, 71 new affordable homes and 61 homes for private rent. A landscaped boulevard connecting the White City estate to Wood Lane will be introduced, with new trees and a new public square.

Andrew McLean, Vengrove, the development manager for EdCity, said: “We are delighted that the committee recognised the significant benefits that EdCity will bring to the area, whether you are a parent looking for great education for your child, a young person looking to discover a new talent, an adult looking to learn a new skill or a charity looking for affordable office space.” 

“There are so many opportunities in H&F and more being created every day, we want everyone to be able to take advantage of them.” said Cllr Sue Macmillan H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education.

“This is why we’re so glad we could play such a key role in this development – providing the land needed for it to go ahead and funding in the years to come. It will help give all young people their very best shot at everything life has to offer.”

Jamie Masraff, Project Director, OnSide Youth Zones, said: “This will be our first Youth Zone in west London. It will offer a high-quality, safe and affordable place for young people to go in their leisure time. From DJ-ing to rock climbing, martial arts to dance, we want to inspire and support young people, giving them a second home where they can flourish. This decision is a major milestone in bringing us significantly closer to being able to make a difference in west London.” 

Alongside other education-focused charities and social enterprises, one of the major new tenants of the affordable office space will be Ark, the education charity with a network of schools in Hammersmith and Fulham including Ark Swift Primary Academy, which will move its headquarters from central London.

Jason Marantz, the principal at Ark Swift Primary Academy, said: “This is very exciting for Ark Swift – we cannot wait to move into our new, state-of-the-art educational facilities and see our pupils benefit from all the opportunities that will be created by being part of EdCity.” 

Harmony Neighbourhood Nursery’s new facilities will allow them to expand from 45 to 75 children, offering its Ofsted-Outstanding care and early years education to more local children.

H&F Council will work with them and find temporary accommodation to ensure there will be no loss in provision for working parents while the work is taking place.

Meanwhile the council’s adult community learning centre will move into a larger, state-of-the-art facility, bringing its essential services to more people in the local area.

Jana Hassan, manager of Harmony Neighbourhood Nursery, added: “We are currently oversubscribed and so it is wonderful that we will be able to expand our Ofsted-outstanding care and early years education to more parents in White City.” 

Construction could begin this summer with the new Ark Swift Primary Academy and OnSide Youth Zone opening in 2020, the new Harmony Neighbourhood Nursery opening in 2021 and all construction work complete by 2022.

More information is available on the project website: www.edcity.org.