Creating Safe, Life‑Changing Opportunities for Young People
Future Youth Zone in Barking & Dagenham — London’s most deprived borough — is a state‑of‑the‑art charity youth centre providing a safe, inspiring and affordable space for young people aged 8–19 (and up to 25 with additional needs). Many local young people face poverty, mental health challenges, unsafe home environments, or the impact of domestic abuse, all of which were heightened during the pandemic.
Since opening in 2019, Future has offered daily activities including sport, music recording, cooking, climbing, dance, creative arts and more. With sessions costing just 50p, the Youth Zone ensures that no young person is excluded due to financial circumstances. Alongside open‑access youth work, the centre provides targeted support, wellbeing guidance, and specialist programmes such as the Complementary Education Programme for young people at risk of exclusion.
Future also works in close partnership with the police, the local authority, schools, and community organisations to provide workshops, diversionary activity and safe spaces for the most vulnerable young people.
Impact on Young People
Future Youth Zone has transformed the lives of thousands of young people by offering stability, positive role models, practical support and opportunities to develop new skills. Young people regularly report increased confidence, improved wellbeing, stronger friendships and higher aspirations for their futures.
Examples of positive outcomes include:
- A shy young person who grew in confidence, made friends, and became a Young Leader, later inspiring younger members.
- A young member who developed aspirations for a career in youth work after being supported by a trusted youth worker.
- A local sessional boxing coach who progressed within the Youth Zone to become Senior Club Manager, becoming a role model for hundreds of young people.
Parents also recognise the benefit to families and the wider community. One parent shared:
the role of the drapers’ company
The Drapers’ Company supports Future Youth Zone as part of its commitment to improving the lives of young people facing disadvantage. Funding from the Drapers’ Charitable Fund helps the Youth Zone deliver safe daily activities, employ experienced youth workers, run targeted support programmes and keep membership costs accessible for all families.
Through this support, the Drapers’ Company helps Future Youth Zone to provide thousands of young people with a safe place to go, supportive adults to talk to, and positive opportunities to grow — building resilience, confidence and brighter futures across Barking & Dagenham.
