The Salford Youth Zone has received increased support as the largest arts and crafts retailer in the UK have committed to an additional three years of patronage. 

The multi-million pound Salford Youth Zone has won the support of arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft for at least its first three years.

An agreement between Hobbycraft and Empower Youth Zones will be a major supporting factor to help offer opportunities to Salford young people.

The charity Empower Youth Zones (EPZ) is overseeing the creation, management and sustainability of the new Salford Youth Zone, that is set to open its doors in Belvedere Road, Pendleton, in Spring 2025.

The new Salford youth centre will be 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 an additional need or disability.

Hobbycraft has supported EPZ’s  HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton, Manchester, since 2020, and will now provide similar backing for Salford youngsters.

The arts and crafts retailer provides the Gorton youth zone with essential creative supplies and equipment. Staff also volunteer time and expertise during school holiday clubs.

Adam Farricker, CEO of Empower Youth Zones, said: “Our partnership with Hobbycraft is a really special one – their consistent support helps us support our young people’s ongoing wellbeing while opening up new creative experiences, skills and pathways that they might not otherwise be exposed to.

As we look ahead to the launch of our Salford site in 2025, we look forward to enriching even more lives in this next phase of Hobbycraft’s patronage.”

Contributions from patrons combine to meet 70 per cent of the annual running costs of a Youth Zone, offering support to provide a foundation to develop and maintain excellent services for young people. 

Joel Pickering, marketing director at Hobbycraft, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be renewing our patronage with Empower Youth Zones. 

“Hobbycraft has an established history of charity support and work all year round to raise vital funds for those who need it most. We look forward to continuing our activities with Adam and the team.”

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