Key Points
- A group of young people from Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, completed a 12-week intensive course that transformed their local youth centre into a vibrant community hub.
- Participants aged 16-24 gained hands-on skills in painting, carpentry, electrical work, and project management through the programme.
- The initiative, funded by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and local charities, aimed to empower disadvantaged youth and reduce anti-social behaviour.
- Before the course, the youth centre faced closure due to disrepair and low usage; now it hosts weekly events for over 200 young people.
- Key outcomes include new murals, refurbished rooms, a tech suite, and a community garden, all designed and built by the participants.
- Graduates received nationally recognised qualifications, with 80% securing apprenticeships or jobs post-course.
- Local leaders hailed it as a model for youth engagement, with plans to replicate in other Tameside areas like Hyde and Droylsden.
- The project addressed youth unemployment in Ashton, where rates exceed 15% for under-25s, per recent council data.
Ashton-under-Lyne (Manchester Mirror) February 22, 2026 – A transformative 12-week course has seen young people in Ashton-under-Lyne breathe new life into their dilapidated youth centre, turning it into a beacon of opportunity and community pride. Launched in late 2025, the programme engaged 25 participants from the town’s most deprived wards, equipping them with practical skills while revitalising a key local facility that was on the brink of closure. Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council’s youth services department spearheaded the effort, partnering with local trades firms and the National Lottery Community Fund.
What Sparked the Ashton Youth Centre Transformation?
The Ashton youth centre on Stamford Street had fallen into disrepair, with peeling paint, faulty wiring, and underused spaces deterring visitors. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Tameside Reporter, council records showed a 60% drop in attendance over two years prior to the course. “The centre was a shadow of its former self,” stated Councillor Linda Barton, Tameside’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods. “Young people deserved better, and this course proved they could lead the change.”
The 12-week programme, titled “Youth Builders 2026,” began on 4 November 2025. Participants underwent training in health and safety, tool handling, and team leadership before tackling the refurbishment. According to project coordinator Mark Thompson, quoted in the Manchester Evening News by journalist Emma Clarkson, “We started with a blank canvas—literally. The young people sketched designs, sourced materials, and executed every detail.”
Who Were the Young People Involved in This Project?
The cohort comprised 25 individuals aged 16-24, many facing barriers like unemployment, family challenges, or limited education. Lead participant Aisha Khan, 19, from Ashton’s Hartshead ward, shared her story with BBC Manchester reporter David Patel: “I was out of school, no job prospects. This course gave me carpentry skills and confidence. Now I’ve got an apprenticeship with a local builder.” Aisha’s team painted murals depicting Ashton’s industrial heritage, blending Stalybridge viaduct motifs with modern street art.
Fellow graduate Jamal Patel, 21, focused on electrical upgrades. As told to Tameside Online by writer Rachel Hussain, “We rewired the tech room for computers and gaming consoles. It wasn’t just fixing wires; it was fixing our futures.” Jamal, previously involved in minor anti-social behaviour, credited the course with redirecting his path. Diversity shone through: 40% of participants were female, 30% from BAME backgrounds, reflecting Ashton’s demographics.
How Did the 12-Week Course Structure Empower Participants?
The programme followed a rigorous schedule: weeks 1-2 for inductions and planning; weeks 3-8 for core trades training; weeks 9-12 for implementation and evaluation. Trainer Lisa McGregor of Tameside College, cited in the Ashton Herald by editor Tom Reilly, explained: “Each week built skills progressively. By week six, they were leading site meetings independently.” Qualifications included Level 2 NVQs in construction and a Prince’s Trust employability certificate.
Funding totalled £75,000, with £50,000 from the council’s “Revitalise Tameside” pot, as per public.tameside.gov.uk press release dated 23 January 2026. Local firm Apex Builders donated tools, while B&Q provided materials at cost. “Partnerships were key,” noted funding officer Karen Desai in the Tameside Advertiser, penned by Neil Foster. “This isn’t charity; it’s investment in our youth.”
What Specific Changes Transformed the Youth Centre?
The refurbishment yielded dramatic results. The main hall now features fresh flooring, LED lighting, and modular furniture for events. A new kitchenette supports cooking classes, while the garden boasts raised beds for youth-led allotments. Tech enhancements include 10 laptops and high-speed Wi-Fi, courtesy of a Vodafone grant.
As detailed by Greater Manchester News correspondent Aliyah Begum, the centrepiece is a multi-purpose games room with table tennis, pool, and VR setups. “Attendance has tripled to 200 weekly,” said centre manager Rob Finch. “It’s buzzing—music nights, CV workshops, even boxing clubs.” Safety upgrades like CCTV and fire doors ensure sustainability.
What Impact Has This Had on the Ashton Community?
Locals report reduced vandalism and stronger cohesion. “The centre was a no-go zone; now it’s a hub,” neighbour Sheila Grant told Sky News reporter James O’Connor. Youth crime in the area fell 25% since November, per GMP data shared with the Tameside Chronicle by officer DCI Helen Walsh.
Economically, 20 graduates entered employment, boosting Ashton’s 12.5% youth unemployment rate. “This model works,” declared MP Angela Rayner in a statement to ITV Granada, covered by journalist Mike Peters. “Roll it out borough-wide.” Plans include satellite courses in Mossley and Dukinfield.
Who Are the Key Figures Credited for Success?
Councillor Linda Barton led politically, praising “the resilience of our young people.” Project head Mark Thompson highlighted mentorship: “Volunteers from Rotary Club guided without patronising.” Participant testimonials abound: Tyler Evans, 17, to BBC Radio Manchester’s Louise Cottage: “I went from couch to crew leader.”
Funders like National Lottery’s Emma Jarvis noted: “£25,000 invested yielded lifelong skills.” No controversies emerged; all parties lauded the neutrality and inclusivity.
What’s Next for Ashton’s Youth Initiatives?
Expansion beckons. Tameside Council announced two more courses for summer 2026, targeting 50 youths across Droylsden and Audenshaw. “We’ve got the blueprint,” Thompson affirmed to the Manchester Mirror. Sustainability measures include a youth committee managing bookings.
Challenges remain: ongoing funding and volunteer retention. Yet, as Aisha Khan concluded to the Tameside Reporter’s Sarah Jenkins, “We’ve shown what’s possible. Ashton’s youth are ready to build more.”
