I first became involved with The Dome through my long-standing work with the Anne Duchess of Westminster’s Charity, which closed in 2021 and became the Anne Duchess of Westminster’s Fund, (ADWF) administered by the Westminster Foundation. In addition to my role as Chair of ADWF’s Grant Committee, I also oversee the Westminster Foundation’s grant-making in Lancashire and the Highlands.
ADWF’s connection to The Dome grew naturally from its longstanding support for The Hive Youth Zone and Warrington Youth Zone. As Founder Patrons of The Hive, we have continued to support its work over the years, and through these relationships I became aware of The Dome and its potential. The consideration of supporting The Dome also happened to coincide with the charity seeking to alter its funding approach.
In 2025, following a thorough evaluation of ADWF’s mission, the Trustees agreed that focusing the funding over a defined period, would enable it to achieve deeper, longer-term impact in the areas that mattered most to Anne, Duchess of Westminster. As a result, ADWF’s grant programme closed permanently on 31 March 2025 and the team embarked on a spend out programme, including support for capital projects.
What really drew me to supporting The Dome’s work is how closely it aligns with all five of ADWF’s funding themes: supporting disadvantaged communities, learning, training and employment, isolation and loneliness, disability and illness, and improving mental health and wellbeing. It is rare to find a project that meaningfully spans every area, whilst also offering potential for a lasting legacy. The Dome also stood out as a strong fit in terms of geographical area, strategic alignment and delivery timescales
Onside’s Youth Zone model is well established and proven, and the ADWF Trustees feel that their support for Youth Zones represents some of the most impactful funding they’ve made to date. The strength of the model is brought to life through the close partnership approach; trust is built through regular updates, continuity and a shared sense of purpose, and helping us stay connected to the lived experiences of young people. I came to understand this first hand when speaking with a young person at The Hive, who told me their Youth Zone was the “only place they ever felt safe”. Hearing that, so clearly underlined just how vital these spaces are. Other moments have reinforced that sense of need for me. When I visited Warrington Youth Zone shortly after it opened, the atmosphere was electric, with young people queuing down the street, eager to enter. It was a powerful indication of the demand for a safe yet stimulating place for young people.
Safety is also important for the young people of Crewe. My early involvement with The Dome on its journey to opening, has included attending an event where young women spoke powerfully about the importance of feeling safe. The Dome’s commitment to listening and responding to these experiences and in particular, prioritising the needs of girls and young women so that they feel welcome, resonated strongly with me.
OnSide and The Dome’s focus on the importance of Youth Voice is another aspect of their work that I strongly believe in. Youth participation only works when it’s meaningful and when young people can see how their involvement influences decisions (even if not every idea can be taken forward). That’s why initiatives such as the Youth Advisory Board and The Dome’s Young People’s Development Group matter so much. Supporting youth organisations to meaningfully embed youth voice into their work, is something the Westminster Foundation is actively committed to. By giving young people real responsibility and showing them the impact of their contributions, we can help build confidence, pride and a genuine sense of agency.
Right now, support for young people is more important than ever. The long-term effects of COVID, years of austerity, reductions in youth services and rising poverty have created enormous challenges. Many young people feel a profound lack of certainty, compounded by social media pressures and misinformation. All of this reinforces just how important supportive and reliable environments are to young people, alongside access to qualified and caring youth workers and trusted adults. This is where I think the OnSide model plays such an important role. It provides a consistent, high‑quality framework, while still allowing each Youth Zone to adapt to the local need. For funders this duality, and OnSide’s standards in governance and safeguarding, provide reassurance that support will be well managed, while also helping attract investment that might not otherwise reach the area. This approach also creates opportunities for smaller organisations to benefit through joint bids and shared resources.
For anyone considering supporting a Youth Zone, I would emphasise that it’s a rewarding, ongoing partnership, not just a transactional experience. You can genuinely see the impact of your support, not just in the data around attendance, confidence or wellbeing, but in the lived experiences of the young people themselves. Knowing you’re helping provide a safe space with trusted adults, and new opportunities that can shape young lives, is incredibly rewarding.