Life in Salford 43 • November 2023 5
SYZ
confirmed as the name of Salford’s new Youth Zone
Nearly 1,000 young people across Salford have determined the name of the city’s new Youth Zone, following a ballot in which schools and youth services had the opportunity to decide on the name. Over 10 different names, ideas and designs were narrowed down to just two with SYZ being the clear winner with over 66% of the vote. The branding process was led by the Youth Zone’s Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), which consists of young people from local partner community groups and youth services. The YPDG have jointly worked on the following statement: “We are so happy with the outcome of the ballot and that SYZ was chosen as the name for our new Youth Zone. SYZ will be a new beginning of creating an established brand which will resonate with young people in Salford. The city is ours and we are proud to belong in it.” Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennet, said: “We are really pleased to be working with partners and our young people here in the city on developing SYZ. It will be a fantastic addition to other youth facilities and services in Salford. It is vital young people have a wide range of opportunities to gain new experiences and skills, build their confidence and improve their health and wellbeing. I’m really looking forward to seeing SYZ complete and meeting the young people who will use this fantastic facility.” SYZ will provide young people access to incredible facilities in a vibrant, purpose-built space packed with over 20 engaging activities per session: including a state-of-theart gym, recording studio, rock climbing wall, sensory room and employability support. Young people will have opportunity to make friends, develop new skills and have fun, all for just 50p per visit and one £5 annual membership.
SYZ is unique in that it is being developed by EMPOWER – an umbrella charity which already oversees the operations of another local award-winning Youth Zone, HideOut Youth Zone, in East Manchester. EMPOWER will deliver the new Youth Zone in partnership with Salford City Council and the national youth charity, OnSide, who has supported the creation and development of 15 Youth Zones across the UK.
Competition time We are looking for ten drawings by Salford's young people which represent what Salford means to them! The winning drawings will surround the site as the Youth Zone is being built. Winners will receive a SYZ hoodie and will be invited to a special event to unveil their work. If you would like to enter, please send your entry, name and contact details to: comms@syz.org or via post to: EMPOWER Youth Zones, 1 Queens Avenue M12 5PX.
To keep up to date with progress of SYZ please head to @SalfordYouthZone via Instagram and Facebook.
