Young carers set to benefit from partnership between EMR and Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone

A donation from EMR’s Young Futures Reimagined fund is all set to help Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone do even more incredible work to improve the prospects of the town’s young people.

Located in the heart of Blackburn and in Darwen, for young people aged from five to 19-years-old, Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is open seven days a week and offers up to 20 activities each evening.

The donation from EMR will be used to support the Zone’s ‘Young Carers Programme’ – an initiative created to support young people, who have found themselves in a carer role as a result of COVID-19. The money will be used to provide one-to-one support mentoring, personalised development plans and group work for up to 30 young people. Employability skills will also be provided for those approaching working age.

“The work done by Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is nothing short of inspiring,”

says Ben Smithson, General Manager at EMR’s recycling centre on Gorse Street, Blackburn.

“That’s why we simply had to reach out and arrange for them to receive support from the Young Futures Reimagined fund.”

Melanie Thomas, Fundraising Manager of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, added:

“The donation from EMR will allow us to continue to build on our success of supporting the young people of the borough. This support has never been more needed. Young people were hardest hit during the coronavirus pandemic and are now also having to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. The support from EMR has enabled us to continue this vital work for which we are extremely grateful.”

To learn more about Blackburn Youth Zone and even donate, visit: www.blackburnyz.org