AS construction work continues on the Onside Youth Zone building, due to open in 2027, its operators have issued an upbeat message about the impact it is set to make in Thurrock.

Onside, which will manage the facility, says with just nine per cent of young people in the South East feeling very positive about their future, Tilbury's new Youth Zone will make a difference.

OnSide has published its latest 'Generation Isolation' findings, confirming the challenges faced by young people across the country, and highlighting the difference that could be made locally in Thurrock.

Findings show the impact of youth clubs with 58% of young people who attend feel prepared for adult life, compared to 37% who don't. But in the South East, only 11% attend.

Bethanie Cundy, OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway CEO, said: "Generation Isolation has highlighted the importance of what we are bringing to Thurrock. It is heartbreaking that so few young people are feeling optimistic about their future, and we believe they deserve much better.

"We want OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway to be a safe space for young people to spend quality time with friends, outstanding youth workers, and find passions to make them more positive about their future and feel prepared for adult life."

"Building our Youth Zone is all about collaboration and building partnerships across Thurrock to ensure we give our young people the best experiences and opportunities possible. If you would like to talk more about how you can make a different, please get in touch with our team."

Generation Isolation also finds that 77% of young people in the South East spend majority of their spare time in front of a screen.

Specifically in Thurrock, it says GCSE attainment is 5% lower than the national average {Thurrock Council – Educational Attainment Data Report}, and only 34.5% of young people (five to 16) in Thurrock are defined as physically active, compared to a national average of 47.8% {Brighter Futures Children's Partnership Strategy 2026-28}.

Ahead of Alan Milburn's report setting out solutions to the UK's NEET crisis, with nearly one million 16–24-year-olds not in education, employment or training, OnSide is calling for youth workers to be given greater recognition and funding as the trusted adults that young people are crying out for.

Moreover, OnSide is calling for every young person to be given access to safe, affordable spaces offering real-life activities and support from trusted adults, giving them the confidence and self-belief needed to thrive as adults.

Riley, 17, a member of OnSide's Youth Advisory Board, said: "We're not taught what being an adult is or about some of the things we need to be an adult - we're left to figure it out ourselves. Young people need more support that teaches them the fundamentals of life, whether that's at college, school or a youth centre. Young people are growing up oblivious in certain areas."

Members of the OnSide Thames Gateway Youth People's Development Group said: "The Youth Zone can create a safe environment and a place where all types of people can meet up and socialise. We will also have a wonderful bunch of staff available for our young people to talk to.

"But the main outcome is finding new interest, skills and confidence. It's brilliant that young people like us are able to get involved in constructing other young people's futures.

"We want to say a huge thank you to all those who have invested in our Youth Zone already, it means an insane amount to us that you care so much about our project and the young people in our communities."

OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway will be home to a team of trusted youth workers offering a range of activities, including climbing, fitness, music production, creative arts and more, as well as access to affordable hot meals all under one roof.

The Thames Gateway Youth Zone is calling on local businesses and organisations across Thurrock to help bring their vision to life. If you would like to find out how you can support, visit the Support Us or Get Involved pages on their website.