The partnership sees the firm pledge £100,000 over the next five years to further the development of the charity, creating opportunities and pathways that will transform the lives of young people across Manchester and Salford.
EMPOWER already provides more than 15,000 young people with somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to talk to across two dedicated sites: HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton, opened in 2020, and Salford Youth Zone in Pendleton, opened in 2025.
As long-standing supporters of the charity, Word On The Street has been a committed champion of EMPOWER’s mission for several years. From conquering the National Three Peaks Challenge to completing their epic 250-mile cross-country tandem cycle, Founding Partner Michael Street and the team consistently take on extraordinary feats to raise vital funds and awareness for the work EMPOWER do.
In September 2026, Michael will be undertaking his most ambitious challenge yet. Dubbed the 3 in 3, he will complete three full‑distance Ironman triathlons, back-to-back over three consecutive days – amounting to a total distance covered of 422.5 miles. This is an incredible test of endurance, resilience and strength, all to give back to the young people and communities he cares so deeply about.
Speaking about his support for EMPOWER, Michael shared: “Growing up in Gorton shaped who I am. I know how much it means to have people believe in you and give you chances you might not otherwise get. EMPOWER is doing that every single day for young people across Manchester and Salford. This challenge is my way of giving back and showing them that, with the right support, anything is possible.”
EMPOWER Youth Zones’ Chief Executive Adam Farricker, also added: “Michael’s generosity goes far beyond financial support. He shows up, he champions our young people and brings others with him to really drive awareness. His long‑term commitment gives us stability and confidence as we continue building a brighter future for the youth of Manchester and Salford.”
Word On The Street’s new five-year pledge will see them play a crucial role in driving EMPOWER’s impact, supporting them to continue delivering world‑class youth work, seven days a week, for thousands of young people.
About EMPOWER Youth Zones:
Empower Youth Zones is a dedicated youth work charity overseeing the creation, management and sustainability of Youth Zones in Manchester and Salford.
We provide young people aged 8-19 and up to 25 with additional needs, affordable access to vibrant purpose-built spaces, high-quality activities and trusted youth workers to talk to, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
We are supporting young people create their own narrative – helping them see what they could achieve and giving them the skills, confidence and ambition to go for it.
Are you a business passionate about changing the lives of children and young people? Join us as we build a brighter future for our communities!
To find out more about supporting Empower please contact: amanda.coverdale@empoweryouthzones.org
About Word On The Street:
Word On The Street is a specialist finance broker, supporting ambitious property investors, landlords and developers with property funding.
Founded in 2022, Word On The Street partners with a wide range of lenders to arrange bridging finance, buy-to-let, development finance, auction, second charge and commercial loans – with an emphasis on demonstrable specialist knowledge across all sectors and asset types.
With extensive industry experience, the team are committed to transparency, due diligence and delivering performance-driven outcomes, adding value across every stage of the investment process through their client-focused approach and dedicated duty of care.
Find out more about supporting Michael’s 3in3 Ironman Challenge here.