Mayor Helen Godwin Visits 224 Youth Zone as New Facility Prepares to Transform Opportunities for Young People Across the West of England
224 Youth Zone welcomed Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), to our newly completed facility this week, bringing together key employers, partners and civic leaders committed to improving opportunities for children and young people across Bristol.
The visit comes at a landmark moment for the project. Having recently received the keys to the state-of-the-art building and completed a successful recruitment campaign, 224 Youth Zone now has a dedicated team of youth workers in place ahead of its official opening in June 2026.
Among those attending were major regional employers and partners including HSBC, Baileys of Bristol, GKN, Lloyds, Marks and Spencer’s and some of our Founder Patrons OVO Energy and Computershare, whose support has been instrumental in bringing the Youth Zone to life.
Guests were given a guided tour of the facility, which will deliver more than 20 creative, sporting, employability and wellbeing activities every session, all designed to build confidence, skills and resilience in young people.
A highlight of the morning was an inspiring speech from Mayor Helen Godwin, who played a key role in championing and spearheading the project during its early stages. She spoke about the importance of investing in young people and the transformative impact that safe, aspirational spaces can have on communities and the regional economy. Guests also enjoyed speeches from Matt Justice, CEO 224 Youth Zone; Heather Frankham; Chair of Trustees 224 Youth Zone and Jaime Masraff, OnSide CEO.
“224 Youth Zone is an incredible space, and as soon as you step inside you can feel the care that’s gone into creating something truly special. From the range of activities that will be on offer to the welcoming environment, it’s a place that really feels like it will belong to our young people.
“What stood out most during my visit was the passion and commitment of the teams bringing this to life. It’s clear how much they believe in the difference this new Youth Zone will make for families in south Bristol and beyond. That’s not just about what happens when the doors open this summer, but how they will help support young people to thrive for years to come.”
Helen Godwin, WECA Mayor
A central focus of the visit was how we are working in partnership with local businesses, education providers and the local authority to create meaningful pathways into further education, training and employment.
Through strong links with employers across the West of England, 224 will connect young people with mentoring, careers guidance, workplace experiences, volunteering opportunities and skills development programmes aligned to regional labour market needs. Businesses are already playing an active role, not only through financial support, but by helping shape initiatives that prepare young people for real-world careers.
Working alongside Bristol City Council and regional partners, 224 will support young people who face barriers to opportunity, helping them access training, apprenticeships and sustainable employment. By building confidence, aspiration and practical skills from an early age, the Youth Zone aims to prevent disengagement and support successful transitions into adulthood.
This approach closely aligns with WECA’s Growth Strategy, including its commitment to tackling poverty and equipping residents with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
Located in South Bristol, one of the region’s most economically disadvantaged areas, our Youth Zone will support up to 5,000 young people each year. Through mentoring, skills development, mental health support and strong links to employers, it aims to break cycles of disadvantage and create long-term opportunities for families.
“Our young people deserve a place like 224 Youth Zone, a safe, inspiring space to explore their interests, build confidence, and access opportunities to help shape their future.”
“We are proud to be working hand-in-hand with local businesses and the local authority to create clear pathways for young people into education and employment. 224 Youth Zone will be far more than a place to spend time, it will be a launchpad for futures. With our team now in place and the building ready, we are excited to begin delivering life-changing support for young people across Bristol.”
Matt Justice, CEO 224 Youth Zone
The event also provided an opportunity for partners to discuss workforce development, regional skills priorities and the role employers can play in shaping future talent pipelines across the West of England.
224 Youth Zone is part of the national OnSide network and will offer affordable access to high-quality facilities including an inside sports hall, a state-of-the-art gym, creative arts spaces, music and media suites, mentoring programmes and hot meals, all for a small annual membership fee of £5.
We are calling on businesses and organisations across the region to step forward as Founder Patrons to help shape the future for young people in Bristol.
By becoming a Founder Patron, your organisation will help unlock life-changing opportunities for thousands of young people while investing directly in the skills, confidence and workforce of tomorrow.
Join us in building a legacy that will transform lives for generations. To find out how your organisation can support 224 Youth Zone, please get in touch.