Theo Paphitis has pledged to become a Founder Patron of East Manchester’s HideOut Youth Zone, via the Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust, giving back to the local community where he grew up.
Set to open in Gorton in Spring 2020, HideOut Youth Zone will provide thousands of young people from East Manchester with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.
Having lived in Gorton, as a young boy, Theo Paphitis understood the need for young people from East Manchester to feel valued and invested in.
By becoming a Founder Patron of HideOut Youth Zone, Theo Paphitis has joined a special family of individuals and organisations who together will ensure the new Youth Zone opens with a first-class offer for thousands of young people.
Building on the success of Manchester Youth Zone (Harpurhey), HideOut Youth Zone expects to reach a further 3,000 young people aged 8-19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs, within 12 months of opening.
HideOut Youth Zone will be open whenever school is closed, it will offer over 20 activities at every session, providing a safe and inspiring place for young people to develop new skills, realise their talents and achieve their goals.
Currently under construction on Hyde Road, the new state-of-the-art Youth Zone will include an indoor climbing wall, 3G kick pitch, skate park, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, music room with recording studios and radio booth, a training kitchen, four court sports hall and much more.
Theo Paphitis said: “When I first saw the Youth Zone in Wigan I was blown away, so when I got the call and was told that there was one coming to Gorton in Manchester where I grew up as a kid, it took me 30 milliseconds to say I’m in at HideOut Youth Zone.”
“Things like Youth Zones didn’t exist when I was a kid, we just hung around on the streets. I was one of the lucky ones, I didn’t get dragged into anything I shouldn’t be involved in. Youth Zones are fantastic, it means kids have purpose, somewhere to go to meet other kids and have the right role models.”
Joanne Whittaker, Chair of HideOut Youth Zone said: “We are incredibly grateful to Theo Paphitis for making this commitment to HideOut Youth Zone. It is fantastic to have his support and investment in changing the lives of young people of Manchester.”
To find out more about supporting HideOut Youth Zone email Jonathan.cobbold@onsideyouthzones.org
