Blackburn with Darwen Neighbourhood Youth Offer

Total Sessions

Number of First Time Young People attended

Spring North is proud to project manage the Blackburn with Darwen Neighbourhood Youth Offer, working closely with local providers to create meaningful opportunities for children and young people across the borough

Project completed in partnership with:

At the core of the programme is a commitment to partnership and evidence-based delivery. Spring North collaborates with local youth providers to map existing services, identify community needs, and ensure resources are directed where they will have the most significant impact. Together, we coordinate the delivery of at least eight weekly youth activity sessions in each area. Trusted local providers organise these sessions. They are complemented by provider contributions, offering young people a variety of leisure, informal education, and creative learning opportunities at no cost to attendees.

The programme is based on the principles of youth work, creating welcoming and non-judgmental spaces where young people feel accepted, valued, and supported. It focuses on supporting the personal, social, and educational development of young people aged eight to twelve and thirteen to nineteen, with extended access up to age twenty-five for those with special educational needs or disabilities. Through these sessions, young people are encouraged to try new things, explore their interests, build confidence, and develop skills that help them reach their full potential.

A key part of the neighbourhood offer is the youth voice. Young people are not just participants but active contributors, helping shape activities, lead projects, and make decisions that reflect their needs and ambitions. This approach helps build leadership, responsibility, and a stronger sense of ownership over the spaces and services they use.

Along with the weekly programme, Spring North organises a variety of holiday activities supported by additional funding. These run during Easter, summer, Christmas, and other school breaks, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor options that cater to the diverse needs and interests of local children and young people. The holiday programme combines free open-access sessions with some specialised paid activities, ensuring there is something for everyone and creating opportunities for learning, fun, and connection throughout the year.

By project managing this borough-wide youth offer, Spring North collaborates with local providers to deliver a cohesive, high-quality programme that helps young people build confidence, broaden their horizons, strengthen community links, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Total Sessions

Number of First Time Young People attended

Project Funded By :

MK’s Journey – Growing in Confidence

When MK joined the NYO Seniors project, she was performing well academically but found it difficult to assert herself in group settings. She often hesitated to share her opinions and felt less confident in social situations. Through the supportive environment of the NYO project, MK has thrived. She now participates in group discussions, shares her thoughts openly, and has developed strong communication skills. This quarter, she stepped into a leadership role as team captain during a rounders match, guiding her team to victory through encouragement and clear direction. MK has also gained the confidence to advocate for herself, ask questions, and seek support when needed. These are skills she previously found difficult, but they now assist her in thriving both within the NYO programme and beyond. The next step is to continue building on this progress by encouraging MK to try new activities and take on further leadership roles, such as creative workshops or additional responsibilities within NYO. MK’s journey demonstrates how the Neighbourhood Youth Offer supports young people in developing into confident, capable leaders.