As discussions of potential funding cuts for youth services intensify, Zest Theatre is raising concerns about the impact this could have on young people across the UK. Cuts to public services over the past decade have already taken a toll, and further reductions could jeopardise crucial spaces where young people can thrive.
One such space, created in response to the needs of young people, is The Zone—a project by Zest Theatre that ran across Lincoln this summer, offering a pop-up space for youth aged 11-18.
The success of The Zone demonstrates the vital importance of continued investment in youth-focused initiatives. Since its opening, The Zone welcomed nearly 800 visits and gathered 75 survey responses, offering insight into its effectiveness and the role it has played in young people's lives. The key statistics speak for themselves:
74% of young people rated The Zone as ‘Excellent’
55% reported feeling more cheerful after their time at The Zone
58% felt The Zone exceeded their expectations
100% of participants were new to Zest Theatre
30% said this was their first-ever experience of arts and culture outside of school
These figures underscore the impact that The Zone has had, particularly in providing young people with a place to engage with arts and culture, often for the first time. The project’s ability to reach new audiences and foster a sense of community speaks to the pressing need for spaces like this, where young people can feel safe, supported, and valued.
Reflecting on the project, Zest’s Participation Coordinator, Adam Perkins, who has been on the ground managing The Zone, shared valuable insights: “In terms of demographics, we’ve had young people from all backgrounds attending at various times—some dive straight into the creative activities, while others simply enjoy the chance to chill and socialise. Thanks to the variety of creative offerings and our youth-led approach, we’ve seen success in engaging the majority of participants. They’ve danced, painted, shared stories, written poetry, and created art while making new friends. For many, it’s been a chance to express themselves in ways they might not have been able to at home or school."
Adam also highlighted how The Zone has fostered important social connections: “Some young people have said they feel they can ‘be themselves at The Zone,’ which has been incredibly rewarding to hear. Others have opened up about their difficult experiences with authority figures, such as police or teachers, and expressed how much they value the supportive, non-judgmental environment we’ve created.”
The Zone’s success shows the critical need for continued funding to maintain spaces where young people can express themselves and build positive connections. As we face the possibility of more cuts to public services, we urge decision-makers to consider the long-term effects this will have on young people’s well-being and their ability to access safe, creative, and inclusive environments.
Zest Theatre’s Artistic Director, Toby Ealden, stresses: “Young people need tangible, lasting change and more spaces where they can exist and flourish. The Zone is proof of what can happen when we listen to young people and give them the tools and space to shape their own experiences. It is vital that youth services are not just maintained but expanded, so that projects like The Zone can continue and grow across the UK.”
Should the funding landscape remain uncertain, the future of initiatives like The Zone could be at risk, leaving many young people without the support they need to thrive. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we invest in our young people by creating environments where they can be heard, seen, and supported.
To find out more about The Zone
here.
Photo credit: Phil Crow
