Menzies joins Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone’s growing Patron network

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone has welcomed Menzies, formerly known locally as Beever and Struthers, as the newest member of its growing Patron network.

Menzies joins more than 80 like minded businesses and business leaders who share a commitment to investing in young people and strengthening the local community. Through the new partnership, Menzies will provide vital financial support towards the Youth Zone’s core running costs, helping the charity continue to offer young people somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to talk to.

The Menzies team will also support the Youth Zone’s work to prepare young people for education, employment and their future careers, particularly through its Youth Hub.

The Youth Hub connects young people with employers, training providers and development opportunities. It offers practical support to help young people build their confidence, develop workplace skills, explore career paths and overcome barriers to employment.

By sharing its professional knowledge and experience, Menzies will help young people gain a greater understanding of the world of work and the different career opportunities available within accountancy, finance and professional services.

Helen Binns, partner at Menzies, said: “We are extremely proud to become a Patron of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone and strengthen our commitment to the communities in which we live and work.

“The Youth Zone makes an incredible difference to thousands of young people and families across Blackburn and Darwen. Investing in young people is an investment in the future of the borough, and we are delighted to play our part.

“We are particularly excited about supporting the Youth Hub and helping young people develop the confidence, skills and experience they need to take their next steps.

“We look forward to sharing our knowledge, introducing young people to the wide range of careers available within our profession and building a meaningful, long-term partnership with the Youth Zone.”

Leon Crosby, chief executive of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, said: “We are delighted to welcome Menzies to our Patron network. Menzies has a strong local presence, formerly through Beever and Struthers, and we are excited to build a partnership that will create valuable opportunities for young people across Blackburn and Darwen.

“Our Patrons are much more than financial supporters. They are valued partners who believe in our young people and want to play an active role in helping them realise their potential.”

The importance of support from businesses such as Menzies was particularly evident during the Youth Zone’s record breaking summer programme.

Across its Blackburn and Darwen sites, the charity welcomed more than 7,400 visits over the summer. Its busiest week saw more than 2,700 visits, demonstrating the significant demand for affordable, safe and positive activities for young people across the borough.

The Youth Zone also provided 4,886 free meals during the summer, helping to ensure young people had access to nutritious food throughout the school holidays.

The charity needs to raise £2.3m every year to maintain and develop its services. The commitment made by Menzies will help it continue providing activities, opportunities and trusted support to thousands of young people.

Businesses interested in joining Menzies as part of the Patron network, supporting the Youth Hub or creating employment opportunities for young people can contact Melanie Thomas at [email protected].