Blackburn Youth Zone new partnership with Children's University .

23rd January 2018

Blackburn Youth Zone are delighted to be recognised by Children's University, a national initiative that encourages children and young people who take part in learning activities outside of school hours.

Blackburn Youth Zone members aged 8 - 11 who attend Junior Club on Wednesday, 3:30pm - 7pm, Friday 3:30pm - 8:30pm and Saturday 2:30pm - 5:30pm to participate in extracurricular activities for just 50p, this includes football with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, multi - sports, arts, cooking, climbing.

Blackburn Children's University works with a number of schools in Blackburn. Blackburn Youth Zone has now become a Learning Destination for Children’s University. Blackburn Youth Zone is a charity that supports young people age 5 - 19 and up to 25 with a disability, that give young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to, 7 days per week for just 50p.

Blackburn Youth Zone and Blackburn Children’s University share the objective to recognise, reward and celebrate the commitment that children make in attending extra-curricular activities. When Children between the ages of 5 - 11 participate in an activity they can then can collect a stamp in their passport and it will contribute to national certificate accreditation.

All Children part of Blackburn Children's University can now have FREE membership at Blackburn Youth Zone - worth £3. Blackburn Youth Zone operate school pick-ups twice per week: Wednesday; Feniscowles, St Pauls, St Francis, St Matthews, Friday; Longshaw Juniors, Audley Juniors, Griffin Park, Meadowhead, St Aidan's, St Peters and Shadsworth.

The benefits for young people being part of Blackburn Children's University included the opportunity to be part of a wider scheme which is supported by Blackburn Youth Zone. They also gain formal recognition of their commitment and involvement in extracurricular activities, with special achievement certificates awarded, increased confidence and self-esteem as they take part in more varied activities, improvement in their health and wellbeing.

Sayyed M Osman, Director of Adult Services and Prevention said:

“I have real experience of the Children’s University having placed my own son on the programme. We want younger people from all backgrounds to have shared experience, aspirations and to develop their identity together. It delights me as a Trustee of Blackburn Youth Zone that we have partnered with Children’s University. Blackburn Youth Zone gives young people an opportunity to share a journey through their development and to make new friends, whom they might otherwise never come into contact with. It is great initiative and fantastic news for the borough.”

Sara Burton Blackburn Children’s University Manager said:

“I am really pleased to be working with Blackburn Youth Zone. Some of our members already attended the sessions they offer and hopefully more will join too. The Youth Zone offers a variety of activities and opportunities for children in Blackburn. They are able to try new things and develop their skills whilst collecting stamps in their passport!’

For more information about Blackburn Children's University please contact Sara Burton the Children’s University Manager for Blackburn on 07805929965. Alternatively have a look on their Facebook page @BlackburnCU