New Programme Launch and Leadership Updates at Manchester Youth Zone
July 21, 2026
With the Summer Holidays fast approaching, Manchester Youth Zone is pleased to share a series of positive developments as it continues to evolve its offer and leadership, ensuring young people remain firmly at the heart of everything we do.
A refreshed programme for young people
From 27th July, Manchester Youth Zone will launch a refreshed weekly programme, designed to provide more meaningful activities, connection with Youth Workers and impact for young people.
The Youth Zone will continue to be open six days a week, with three-hour sessions, giving young people dedicated time to take part in activities, build relationships and make the most of the space.
A key focus of the new programme is inclusion. Dedicated Inclusion Youth Workers will be embedded in every session, helping ensure all young people feel welcome, supported and able to take part fully.
The new programme includes sessions tailored by age group:
- Juniors (8–11 years) - Tuesday: 3:30pm–6:30pm and Saturday: 11:00am–2:00pm
- 11–14 years - Monday: 3:30pm–6:30pm and Thursday: 3:30pm–6:30pm
- Seniors (14+, up to 25 for young people with additional needs) - Wednesday: 5:30pm–8:30pm and Friday: 5:30pm–8:30pm
This refreshed offer reflects Manchester Youth Zone’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where every young person can feel they belong and thrive.
Board leadership update
As part of this next phase, the organisation is also seeing a change in Board leadership. Jo Jolliffe will step down as Chair following the completion of her three-year term. Manchester Youth Zone is deeply grateful for Jo’s dedication, guidance and hard work over the past three years. Her leadership has played an important role in supporting the organisation and helping it grow its impact for young people.
We are pleased to announce that David Robinson has been appointed as Chair. David brings extensive experience as a strategic leader and Chair, including his role as Executive Chairman of Richer Sounds and as Chair and Trustee of a national charitable foundation. His governance expertise, commercial insight and experience in supporting organisational growth and sustainability will be highly valuable as Manchester Youth Zone looks to the future.
Welcoming a new CEO
Manchester Youth Zone will also be welcoming a new Chief Executive later this year. Rachel Evans has been appointed as CEO and will join the organisation on 1st September. Following a highly competitive recruitment process, Trustees were confident that Rachel brings the experience, skills and passion needed to lead the Youth Zone into its next chapter.
Rachel has over 20 years’ experience across education and the voluntary sector, including roles as a Headteacher and most recently as Director of Operations at Citizens Advice Manchester. She brings a strong commitment to supporting people in overcoming barriers, achieving their potential and accessing life-changing opportunities.
At the same time, Gavin Evans will be concluding his time as Interim CEO. Trustees would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Gavin for his leadership, commitment and hands-on support over the past six months. Gavin has played a key role in guiding Manchester Youth Zone through an important period and ensuring the organisation remained focused on delivering for young people.
Looking ahead
Together, these developments mark an energising moment for Manchester Youth Zone. With a refreshed programme, continued strong governance and new leadership on the horizon, the organisation is well-positioned for the future and is looking forward to an exciting new chapter
Above all, one thing remains constant: an unwavering commitment to young people - creating opportunities, raising aspirations and supporting them to thrive.
