Commissioner Visits Preston Youth Zone Backing Young People

The state-of-the-art hub recently opened its doors to young people in Preston City Centre, offering over 20 activities, including a gym and a climbing wall.

This follows Commissioner Grunshaw’s announcement earlier this year to commit £80,000 of cash seized from criminals into an early intervention project, which will deliver around 300 outreach sessions each year to create meaningful engagements with young people and be delivered by Youth Zones across the county.

Once initial contact is made, young people will be supported into their local Youth Zone, where they can access safe spaces, trusted adults, structured activities, mentoring, mental health support, and pathways into education, volunteering and employment.

The project is expected to deliver around 300 outreach sessions each year, creating up to 15,000 meaningful engagements with young people. Over time, the programme aims to reduce anti‑social behaviour, strengthen community relationships, and empower young people to build confidence, skills and positive futures.

Following the visit, Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“I am truly impressed by the excellent facilities now available for young people at the new Youth Zone in Preston. Preventing crime is a key priority within my Police and Crime Plan, and we know that if we want to encourage young people to make positive choices, we must provide safe, supportive spaces where they feel valued and engaged.

“Policing alone cannot address anti-social behaviour. That is why I am proud to support projects that reach and inspire young people, using funds recovered from criminal activity to reinvest directly into our communities.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to back initiatives like this that help make Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”

Tim Jaques, CEO of Vault Youth Zone, said:

“On behalf of Greater Lancashire Youth Zones, I want to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner and partners for this investment. It reflects a shared understanding that long-term community safety starts with supporting young people early, in the places where they feel most comfortable and visible.

“Through my career, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and prevention through trusted relationships. This outreach work allows us to meet young people where they are, build those relationships within their own communities and guide them towards safe spaces, positive influences and informed life choices.

“By connecting young people into their local Youth Zones, we can offer stability, opportunity and support, helping them develop confidence, skills and a real sense of belonging, while strengthening communities across Lancashire.”

Annual memberships for young people cost £5 a year. Find out more information at www.vaultyouthzone.org.