The MYZ Buzz - Quarterly Update - Q2 2026

As we wrap up the second quarter of 2026, we wanted to share a quick update on what’s been happening at Manchester Youth Zone and thank you for the continued support that makes our work possible.

Thanks to your support, the first months of the year have already been busy and impactful. Between April and June we have:

• Welcomed 1494 individual young people through our doors
• Served 9020 hot meals
• Delivered 423 hours of universal provision

Every number represents a young person finding a safe place, positive role models and opportunities to thrive.

Abi's Story

Want to see our impact first-hand?
Watch this short video to hear Abi’s story and how Manchester Youth Zone has supported her journey.

Manchester 10k/Half

A huge thank you to everyonMe wAho RranAthTe MHanOchNester 10K or Half Marathon, donated, or cheered our team on. Together, you helped us reach our fantastic
£10,000 fundraising target. Every pound raised will help Manchester Youth Zone continue providing life-changing opportunities, support and experiences for thousands of young people. We couldn't do it without you - thank you for being part of our journey.

Stronger together gym launch

In June, we proudly launched our new Stronger Together Gym at Manchester Youth Zone, featuring a dedicated fitness suite and a girls-only gym. These inclusive spaces will give young people the opportunity to build confidence, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and develop healthy habits in a safe, supportive environment. This exciting milestone was made possible thanks to the generosity of our partners and donors, whose support is helping us create more opportunities for young people to thrive.

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Together, we're building brighter, healthier futures.

New Programme & Leadership Update

A refreshed programme for young people

From 27th July, Manchester Youth Zone will launch a refreshed weekly programme, offering more meaningful activities, stronger connections with Youth Workers and greater support for young people. The new
programme includes dedicated Inclusion Youth Workers in every session and age-specific sessions to help ensure every young person feels welcome, supported and able to thrive.

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
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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

Following the completion of Jo Jolliffe's three-year term as Chair, we thank her for her dedication and leadership. We are delighted to welcome David Robinson as our new Chair and look forward to his leadership as Manchester Youth Zone continues to grow.

Welcoming a new CEO

Rachel Evans will join Manchester Youth Zone as Chief Executive on 1st September, bringing more than 20 years' experience across education and the voluntary sector. We are delighted to welcome Rachel as she leads the organisation into its next chapter.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Interim CEO Gavin Evans for his leadership and dedication over the past six months, helping guide Manchester Youth Zone through an important period while keeping young people at the heart of everything we do.

Hearing young people's voices

Thanks to support from the Burberry Foundation, young people at Manchester Youth Zone have been exploring their creativity through music - writing, recording and producing original tracks that tell their stories and showcase their talents.

The project has helped participants build confidence, develop new skills and express themselves in a positive and creative way. We're incredibly proud of what they've achieved and are excited to share their music with you.

Listen to the tracks on Spotify

Staffing update

As we continue to grow our youth offer to help strengthen our sessions and mentoring support for young people, we are currently recruiting for:

• Youth Worker - Dance
• Youth Worker - Sports
• Youth Worker - Gym (Female)
• Youth Worker - Cooking

If you know anyone who might be interested in any of these roles, please contact: Jeana.Hostey@Manchesteryz.org

Thank you

Thank you again for being part of the Manchester Youth Zone community. We hope you all have a great Summer and please feel free to give us a shout if you’d like to pop in and say hello over the next few weeks. We’ll be back with another update in the next quarter to share more stories and impact from the year so far.

With gratitude,

The Manchester Youth Zone Team