Wirral Life November 2016 | Page 17

been installed. The external cladding is completed and the next step would see the internal fittings of the Youth Zone with the centre on track to be completed in February 2017. Support for the Youth Zone has increased in recent weeks as twice British Hairdresser of the Year and Creative Director of a chain of award winning hairdressing salons, Andrew Collinge, the latest high profile businessman to join as a Founder Patron. As well as providing financial support, Andrew has vowed to deliver training sessions in hairdressing for Wirral’s young people in conjunction with tutors from the hugely successful Andrew Collinge training salons. Andrew Collinge said: “I am delighted that Andrew Collinge Hairdressing is to be a Founder Patron of Wirral Youth Zone. We have been in business locally for over 50 years and I have a keen passion for the local community. Having visited Wigan Youth Zone, I was thoroughly impressed with the concept and impact there and I am more than pleased that Wirral’s young people can now benefit from such an innovative and aspirational project. I look forward to working with The Hive team and the fellow business community to help create a better future for Wirral’s young people.” Further revenue support has already been pledged by: Urenco UK, Boulting Group, Altrad NSG, The Contact Company, Selwyn-Lloyd Charitable Trust, John Syvret CBE, The Bibby Family, Cammell Laird and The Billington Group, of Anne Duchess of Westminster’s charity and B&M Waste Management. Liverpool FC legend John Barnes is the latest signing, joining as an Ambassador. It’s clear this new style of 21st century youth provision is impacting on the lives of thousands of young people and with youngsters on the Wirral set to benefit next as well as tons more in London, OnSide Youth Zones is a charity we should all get ‘onside’ and help them create a healthier happier future generation. To find out more visit, www.onsideyouthzones.org *OnSide Youth Zones research conducted with 1000 14-16 year olds