In this Supporter Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Bridges Impact Foundation, whose generous support helps power two OnSide Youth Zones, us and Future Youth Zone in Barking and Dagenham. Their dedication is making a real difference in the lives of young people around London, and we’re proud to share more about their renewed partnership, impact and passion for youth development from chatting with Director, Barbara Storch.
- Tell us about what your organisation does and what your role is within it
I am the Director of the Bridges Impact Foundation, the independent charitable foundation set up by Bridges Fund Management. Our work focuses on tackling child poverty and supporting organisations that make a real difference in the lives of young people who are often overlooked. We provide unrestricted funding because we believe charities should have the freedom to respond to what is needed most in their communities.
We also support initiatives that help strengthen the wider social impact space, including work that improves outcome-based commissioning so public services can deliver better results more efficiently and sustainably.
- What inspired Bridges Impact Foundation to support OnSide Youth Zones?
Our partnership began eight years ago, starting with Future Youth Zone in Barking and Dagenham and later expanding to WEST in Hammersmith and Fulham. When we first visited Future, we were struck by the atmosphere. There was a real sense of energy and possibility in the building and a feeling that young people genuinely belonged there.
We saw how much care and thought had gone into creating a space where young people felt safe, valued and encouraged to explore their interests. The youth workers were clearly at the heart of that. Their connection with the young people was inspiring and it immediately made us feel that this was something special and something worth supporting.
- How do Future and WEST’s missions align with your business values and goals?
Future and WEST align closely with our mission at the Bridges Impact Foundation. We are committed to improving outcomes for people who face disadvantage and to helping create a society that feels fair, supportive and inclusive.
The Youth Zones offer young people opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. They provide a welcoming environment where every young person is treated with respect and encouraged to grow in confidence and ambition. Their commitment to inclusion and universal access mirrors our own values and makes this partnership a very natural fit.
- How have you supported us so far?
Our support has included long term unrestricted funding, which has given the teams at Future and WEST the stability to plan ahead and adapt to changing needs. Many colleagues from Bridges have also volunteered at the Youth Zones, particularly at holiday camps, and it has become something people across our organisation really enjoy being part of.
We have brought in expertise from different parts of Bridges whenever we felt it could add value. One highlight was the Careers Fair at WEST, where our real estate team spent the day speaking with young people about the range of career paths in the sector. We’ve also provided pro bono workshops to support specific areas of work. This has helped us build a collaborative partnership, rooted in shared purpose.
- We are delighted you have renewed your partnership with us again. What were your main drivers for continuing your long-term support?
There were many reasons we wanted to continue. OnSide has always taken its impact seriously and constantly looks for ways to learn and improve, which aligns strongly with our own approach.
We also have huge respect for the leadership across the Youth Zones. Their response during Covid and their commitment to addressing issues affecting young people, such as misogyny and AI, show how closely they listen to what young people need.
There is a growing body of evidence about the importance of universal youth provision and the role it plays in strengthening communities. Future and WEST demonstrate this every day. We want to support organisations that create meaningful and lasting impact, and OnSide continues to do exactly that.
- Why would you encourage other organisations and individuals to support us?
I would wholeheartedly encourage others to get involved. Supporting OnSide Youth Zones provides a real chance to help young people feel confident, supported and excited about their futures. Volunteering is especially powerful because it lets people see the Youth Zones in action and understand just how much they mean to the young people who use them.
The two London Youth Zones are also great examples of how the same high-quality model can be shaped around the very different needs of their communities in East and West London. It shows how flexible and thoughtful the approach is and why it’s so valuable to young people across the city.
- What has been your favourite memory at WEST or Future?
A moment that has stayed with me happened at an event at Future where several young people performed their own music. Their performances were full of energy and emotion, and it was incredible to see their confidence and creativity on display. It reminded me how important it is to give young people spaces where they can express themselves and be celebrated for who they are.
We’d like to thank Barbara and Bridges Impact Foundation for their continued support and belief in our creating a safe space for young people in East and West London. From everyone at WEST Youth Zone and Future Youth Zone, your partnership is helping to create inspiring spaces where young people feel they belong and can thrive. Your long-term commitment is making a lasting difference, and we’re incredibly grateful to have you alongside us on this journey.
If you’re an organisation or individual looking to make a meaningful impact, now is the time to get involved. As Barbara says, “Supporting OnSide Youth Zones provides a real chance to help young people feel confident, supported and excited about their futures.” Your support can help unlock opportunities for thousands of local young people and shape brighter futures.