Summer of (Fun) Impact: 6 Weeks of Opportunity, Belonging and Brilliance

This Summer we upped our game more than ever to make sure every young person across the Chorley borough had somewhere to belong. For most young people, the school holidays mean laughter, friendship and freedom. But for many, summer can bring challenges – from food insecurity and isolation to a lack of safe spaces.

Over the six-week holidays, our green team didn’t stop. We delivered our usual sessions seven days a week, alongside holiday club, outreach and detached youth work.

The result? Thousands of moments that mattered – where young people felt safe, supported, and inspired.

The Numbers Tell the Story

This summer alone we’ve had:

  • Over 6550 visits
  • 1,697 engagements with young people out in the community
  • Over 8,000 free meals served to make sure no child went hungry
  • 511 hours of delivery

On top of that, we showed up at countless community events and summer fun days, making sure Inspire and our offer was visible to as many young people and families as possible.

More Than Just the Numbers

This summer was also packed with unforgettable opportunities:

  • A visit from the National Youth Orchestra, bringing world-class music right to our door
  • A four-night residential in the Lake District, where young people discovered resilience, independence and confidence
  • Our very own Inspire’s Got Talent, showcasing creativity, talent and courage
  • And countless everyday wins: new friendships formed, skills learned, and moments of pure happiness

More Than a Youth Club

At Inspire, we don’t just fill time – we open doors. Over the summer we removed the cost of our 50p session fee and £1 meals to ensure there was no financial barrier to our support (even when we don’t promote it’s free – it still is if needed!). Each one of those 6550 visits represents around £25 worth of support, facilities and staff commitment. It’s a lifeline for local young people, made possible thanks to the backing of our funders, partners, and community.

This summer proved once again that when we level the playing field, young people don’t just take part – they thrive. They belong. They believe in themselves. And they build brighter futures.

To every Youth Worker, volunteer, partner and supporter: thank you. Your commitment turned an ordinary summer into something extraordinary. Together, we didn’t just provide activities – we created hope, memories and opportunities that will last long beyond the holidays.

If you would like to help further support Inspire’s mission and help us transform more lives, please email Jennifer.Taylor@inspireyouthzone.org

MATTHEW HIRST

Matt Hirst is the CEO of leading energy technology provider ESG with over 700 staff and operations in the USA, Canada and the UK. ESG’s UK headquarters are based in Chorley, Lancashire.

 

ESG empowers global leaders in energy to deliver on the future promise of energy through its SAAS solutions for Customer and Market Data Management and Smart Metering. Matt has a background in Sales and Marketing and led a MBO of UK company Utiligroup in 2014 before it was acquired by ESG in 2017 and has been with the business for 24 years. Matt won an EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2016 as well as being a judge in 2018 and in 2017 his team was awarded the UK Regional and National Mid Market Management Team of the Year awards by the BVCA. Matt holds a BSc (Hons) degree from The University of Salford and a MBA from Lancaster University.

Ryan powell

head of operations

Hi, I’m Ryan and I’m the Head of Operations at Inspire Youth Zone.

Email: ryan.powell@inspireyouthzone.org

Inspire Youth Zone