London Gatwick Airport has become a founder patron of Croydon’s newly opened Legacy Youth Zone – a £6.5m (US$8m) facility for local young people.
Gatwick’s community program includes a strong focus on inspiring and investing in young people, and this new partnership will see the airport donate £25,000 (US$30,830) per year to Legacy for the next three years.
Legacy provides support for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. The center offers over 20 activities every night, including sports, arts, music, media, dance, drama and cookery – for just 50p (US$0.60) per visit. Croydon is a short train journey away from the airport, with many Gatwick employees living in and around the area.
Stewart Wingate, chief executive officer at London Gatwick, said, “Gatwick agreed to become a founder patron of Legacy Youth Zone to make a positive change in the Croydon area. We have been inspired by the Legacy Youth Zone’s aims to support young people to live healthier, happier lives, which fits perfectly with Gatwick’s determination to inspire and invest in the next generation.”
The new center is based on the successful OnSide Youth Zones model, which brings together the local authority, private sector, voluntary sector and local community in support of young people.
The airport is keen to work with projects that offer inclusive activities, in keeping with its mission to be the UK’s most accessible airport. Legacy staff are trained to tailor activities to ensure everyone can join in and feel welcome – whatever their individual needs.