HideOut Youth Zone – Flying the flag for Young Mancunians, providing young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.

HideOut Youth Zone is flying the flag for a new breed of youth centres.

Launched in Gorton, Manchester, one of the UK’s most deprived areas – in September 2020, the £6.6 million facility has quickly earned a reputation as a sought-after safe space for local youngsters; many of whom rush to the youth zone right after they’re done with school.

The charity provides an inspiring place for thousands of young people from across Manchester, aged 8 – 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure time 7 days a week.

Dan, one of HideOut’s young people, says he keeps coming back because the Youth Zone is one of the rare places where he’s given independence.

“You can book onto whatever you want – you have your own freedom,” he explains.

“You can do everything! Even a bit of yoga to relax yourself after a nice footy session.

“Every Friday we come here and play football with all my mates from the local estate, we grew up together.

“We come here, get along with the staff and we have a game.”

HideOut cut the ribbon to their youth zone right in the middle of a pandemic – which initially seemed like bad timing.

The centre was forced to delay its opening by several months, and even now staff are operating 7 days a week under strict COVID protocols.

Adam Farricker, HideOut CEO outlined “To date the team have engaged over 1,800 children and young people via centre-based support groups, one to one support, weekly welfare calls, digital and online engagement, family food packages and holiday provision for children on free school meals. This is an incredible achievement considering the ever-changing restrictions we have been working through”

Watch 12 Months A short film by HideOut about the progress made despite a challenging past year.

Local support

Fred Done – one of HideOut’s capital funders – said he had “immense pride” in what the centre had achieved in such a short space of time.

“It started as a dream, and now it’s a dream come true,” he stated.

One year on since HideOut arrived, it’s clear to see the hard work of staff – and philanthropy of supporters – has been worth it.

Not only has Gorton’s young community quickly come to understand and appreciate the difference the Youth Zone has made to Manchester – they’re also proud to wear their HideOut badges on their sleeves.

HideOut are extremely grateful to have the support of a wide-range of high profile businesses and philanthropists. Some of the current supporters include pro-manchester members Bruntwood, OpenMoney, GCA Altium & Together who form part of a family of Founder Patrons.

In October 2021, HideOut will be hosting a business networking event at the youth zone, featuring their Founder Patron Theo Paphitis, and pro-manchester chair Anthony Morrow. Keep an eye out for booking details later this month, for the exciting event.

How can you get involved?

This is just the beginning of the HideOut journey. The charity is here for the long term, with a clear commitment to building a brighter future for the young people of today and future adults of our great city.

There are lots of ways you can get involved in HideOut’s work and pledge your support through ideas, time, financial support, developing projects with young people or partnering opportunities.

Created with the support of HideOut Founder Patrons and pro-mancheser members GCA Altium, the Thousand Campaign is a new regular giving initiative which supports the charities core funding, as well as providing subsidised membership and entrance fees for young people.

Adrian Reed, Managing Director and Head of Manchester Office at GCA Altium said “HideOut Youth Zone is fantastic charity that we are proud to be involved with. They are making a huge difference to the lives of young people across Manchester at a time when they need it more than ever. I would urge others to sign up to the Thousand Campaign to pledge your support”.

Individuals or small teams from the business community can sign up here as Thousand Campaign supporter and pledge a monthly donation of £66.66 + Gift Aid (which increases your donation by 25% at no extra cost) providing an annual gift of £1,000 to support young people of Manchester.

Each supporter will receive a tour of the youth zone, regular updates on our work and opportunities to volunteer with young people.

Interested in finding out more, get in touch with [email protected]

Check out HideOut’s official website.