Free entry and hot meals for youngsters at Wolverhampton youth throughout winter

The Way Youth Zone has announced that it will be providing free entry and free hot meals for young people until March, thanks to generous funding from Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) and the ongoing support from the Wolverhampton Council.

The initiative marks the third consecutive year that The Way Youth Zone, which has a membership of more than 2,800 young people, has been able to offer free, nutritious hot meals to all young members during the winter months.

The state-of-the-art facility for young people aged between eight and 19-years-old, which is located in Wolverhampton, said the initiative comes at a critical time. 

A recent survey conducted by the youth charity OnSide revealing that 30 per cent of young people in the West Midlands are concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, with 12 per cent reporting they feel unsafe where they live, issues that contribute to heightened levels of anxiety among young people.

The Way Youth Zone has been playing a vital role in addressing these concerns through offering at least 20 activities every evening and ensuring that young people have access to a wide range of opportunities, including sports, arts, employability workshops, and wellbeing programmes.

Commenting on the initiative, Paul Snape, chief executive at The Way Youth Zone, said: "This winter, we are determined to ensure that every young person in Wolverhampton has a safe place to go where they can enjoy a hot meal, stay warm, and take part in activities that inspire and support them. 

"Thanks to this incredible support, we are once again able to deliver this vital service during a challenging time for so many families."

For more information, visit The Way Youth Zone website.