Jack Straw to chair Blackburn youth zone
Laura McCardle
Monday, October 13, 2014
Youth zones operator OnSide has named former foreign secretary Jack Straw as the next chairmain of its purpose-built youth club in Blackburn.
Straw will take up the post in May next year, after he stands down as Labour MP for Blackburn at the general election. He will take over from Andrew Graham, who has been chairman for four years.
Graham has been involved with the youth zone since the very beginning and has seen the project through from the completion of the £6m building to the first three years of operation.
After stepping down, he will remain on the youth club’s board and will take the lead in private sector engagement and fundraising.
Announcing Straw’s appointment, Graham said: “From day one he has been an incredible supporter of the charity, immediately understanding what an impact on regeneration and youth development this world-class project can deliver in the area.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the Blackburn youth zone. With Jack’s connections locally, nationally and internationally, his wisdom and his incredible passion for helping the people of Blackburn, he will be able to help the youth zone continue to flourish and leave a lasting legacy within our community.”
Straw said it is an honour to be appointed to the role.
He said: “The youth zone is the most important development in the Blackburn area for years, providing great opportunities for young people and bringing the community together.”
OnSide has also announced that Alice Davey has been appointed general manager of the new Wolverhampton youth zone, which is due to open in 2016.
She joins the charity from Hereward College, where she spent two years as business development manager.
OnSide currently manages six youth zones – in Blackburn, Bolton, Carlisle, Manchester, Oldham and Wigan, and plans to open a further 15, including three in London, by 2020.
Described as a “unique four-way partnership” between the private sector, local authorities, young people and communities, youth zones provide young people aged eight to 19 with a state-of-the-art facility where they can learn new skills, make friends and seek advice from youth workers.
