Young people across Salford have voted and the new Youth Zone name is revealed for the first time.
Nearly 1,000 young people across Salford have determined the name of the city’s new Youth Zone.
The name of the Youth Zone was revealed in an exclusive ceremony at Ordsall Hall on Wednesday 1st November, following a ballot where schools and youth services across the city had the opportunity to decide on the name.
Over 10 different names, ideas and designs were narrowed down to just two – Salfwd [pronounced: Salforward]and SYZ (an acronym for Salford Youth Zone).
Hundreds of young people from across the city voted on their favourite, with SYZ being the clear winner with over 66% of people agreeing with the name.
The branding process was led by the Youth Zone’s Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), which consists of young people from local partner community groups and youth services. The group met consistently over the summer months to discuss plans for their Youth Zone and worked with the team at local design agency, LOVE to come up with the name, its logo and brand values.
The YPDG presented their new brand at the launch event with guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennet, Salford City Council, the Youth Zone’s capital Donor, Fred Done, and EMPOWER CEO, Adam Farricker.
The YPDG have jointly worked on the following statement:
“We are so happy with the outcome of the ballot and that SYZ was chosen as the name for our new Youth Zone. The short and snappy name makes it easy to remember, and the logo is versatile and can be used on merchandise such as clothes, badges and much more which is exciting. The badge will be worn with pride – it is a symbol of the Youth Zone.
“SYZ will be a new beginning of creating an established brand which will resonate with young people in Salford. The city is ours and we are proud to belong in it.”
Senior Account Manager of LOVE, Mairi McLaren, who worked on the project said:
“For the team at LOVE, this was an amazing project to be part of. The YPDG brought so many ideas and influences in the early design stages, and the outcome of the brand is one we are really happy with. The project was unlike any we have worked on before, and we will get to see the tangible outcomes of SYZ for years to come – something we are all immensely proud of”.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said:
“We are really pleased to be working with partners and our young people here in the city on developing SYZ. It will be a fantastic addition to other youth facilities and services in Salford. It is vital young people have a wide range of opportunities to gain new experiences and skills, build their confidence and improve their health and wellbeing. I’m really looking forward to seeing SYZ complete and meeting the young who will use this fantastic facility.”
SYZ is unique in that it is being developed by EMPOWER – an umbrella charity which already oversees the operations of another local award-winning Youth Zone, HideOut Youth Zone, in East Manchester.
EMPOWER will deliver the new Youth Zone in partnership with Salford City Council and the national youth charity, OnSide, who has supported the creation and development of 15 Youth Zones across the UK.
CEO of EMPOWER, Adam Farricker, said:
“The launch of the name of the new Youth Zone is a big and exciting milestone in the Youth Zone journey. Having input from young people throughout the development is what it’s all about: a Youth Zone for young people, by young people. I’m really proud of the work the YPDG have put in to get to this point, and having seen their own personal development and confidence grow as they make this project their own makes me excited for the future of SYZ”.
The exciting Youth Zone plans will see a purpose-built Youth Zone open seven-days-a-week, with more than 20 activities on offer every session for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with an additional need or disability. The aim of the Youth Zone is to raise the aspirations, enhance prospects and improve health and wellbeing for young people in Salford, by providing affordable access to a wide range of programmes, services and activities including sports, arts, music, employability and mentoring.
