‘Green’ light for new Youth Zone Darwen patron

By Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone

24 May 2023

Just weeks after smashing the £500,000 fundraising mark, Youth Zone Darwen is now celebrating its 16th new patron – ACG Renewables.

Newly launched, the Solar Panel PV business is building on the success of its sister firm, Clitheroe-based Hadgraft Electricals.

ACG Renewables provides green solutions for businesses looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint and the firm is now looking forward to supporting young people through the Youth Zone Darwen patronage.

ACG director, Chris Shaw said: “We’re passionate about supporting our local community and other local businesses and Youth Zone Darwen is such a great initiative which does both.

“I was born in Darwen, and no matter where I went on to live, my Grandad would always tell me: ‘Never forget lad, you’re a Darrener’ – it was a nice, ongoing joke between us.

“I met with Youth Zone Trustee Wayne Wild, and he told me all about the amazing work they are doing there, and when I went to visit to see for myself, I was blown away and really wanted to help.

“We’re proud to join the patrons and partners who are already supporting Youth Zone Darwen and look forward to the difference we can help make too.”

Following the success of a temporary scheme during the Covid pandemic, a fundraising drive was launched in January 2022 to raise £250,000 to keep the doors of Youth Zone Darwen open.

That initial target was smashed within the first six months – paving the way for extended opening hours too – covering seven days a week.

Since then, a further £250,000 has been raised – ensuring the vital youth services will continue well into 2024 and hopefully beyond.

Youth Zone Darwen trustee and chair of the Darwen Town Deal, Wayne Wild said: “It’s incredible to see the list of Youth Zone Darwen patrons grow-and-grow and I’d like to thank ACG Renewables for their support.

“It’s been fantastic to see the business community really come together to do something worthwhile for the town and with Youth Zone Darwen they are all helping make a difference to young people’s lives. Without them, it would sadly have to close.

“Youth Zone Darwen offers a vital lifeline to many and we’re determined it’ll continue to go from strength-to-strength. We will keep working hard to raise the money needed to keep the doors open and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone already supporting us and those involved.”

Last year, more than 700 young people signed up as Youth Zone Darwen members – with more than 14,000 visits.

More than 3,000 free hot meals were also been provided to local young people to alleviate some of the hardship their families face during this cost of living crisis.

And, the Youth Employability Hub, operating from the Youth Zone Darwen base at Meeting Places in the town centre, has also supported more than 50 young people into employment since the initiative launched.

The charity, which welcomes children and young people aged eight to 19, also delivers sessions at Junction4 Skatepark, Darwen FC, Darwen Leisure Centre as well as in the many public open spaces, parks and multi-use games areas across the Town.

You can find out more about the charity and the sessions it runs at: www.blackburnyz.org

The Youth Zone Darwen Patrons are: