The Difference We Make
From Challenge To Change
Our Origins: Born From A Moment That Demanded Change
Whitefield Youth Association was founded in the aftermath of the 2001 Burnley Riots – a moment that exposed deep divisions, disconnection, and a stark lack of representation for grassroots communities in local decision making.
In the days and months that followed, one thing became painfully clear: young people from marginalised and underrepresented communities were being left out of the conversation, yet they were the most affected. There was frustration, but also potential. There was anger, but also hope. And out of that unrest came a determination to build something better – something lasting.
Whitefield Youth Association was created to be more than a youth group. It was established as a response to exclusion, a platform for unheard voices, and a way to rebuild trust, opportunity, and belonging from the ground up.
We were founded by community members – not politicians or external agencies – who recognised that long-term solutions must come from within. People who believed that the energy of our young people could be redirected toward unity, progress, and change.
Over two decades later, that founding spirit still drives everything we do.
We work with communities, not on behalf of them, ensuring that local voices shape the decisions that affect them. We engage, empower, and invest in young people who are too often overlooked – providing them with not just a space to be heard, but a reason to believe they matter.
Because representation still matters.
Because change must come from within.
Because Burnley & Pendle’s future belongs to all of us – and that future starts with its young people.
This is why Whitefield Youth Association exists.
And this is why we’re still here – 20 plus years later – still standing, still serving, and still believing in the power of our community.
Unlocking Potential
At Whitefield Youth Association, we believe that every young person holds the potential to lead, succeed, and inspire – regardless of background, postcode, or circumstance.
Operating in some of the most economically challenged areas of Burnley and Pendle, we refuse to accept that a young person’s future should be limited by where they come from. Instead, we invest in them with time, belief, and opportunity.
We create environments where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow and here is how we do it:
- A Broad, Inclusive Programme: From boxing and freestyle wrestling to leadership sessions, and personal development workshops, we offer a diverse range of high quality activities that promote growth, self-belief, and teamwork.
- Positive Role Models: Our team serve not just as facilitators but as mentors, advocates, and trusted guides on each young person’s journey.
- Skill-Building For The Future: We help young people build transferable skills through project-based learning, enterprise challenges, and tailored 1-to-1 support. From crafting CVs and preparing for interviews to exploring future careers, we ensure they are ready for the next step.
- Spaces That Spark Innovation: We champion creativity and entrepreneurship whether through youth-led initiatives, sports coaching, or project design providing the tools and encouragement for young people to take ownership of their ideas and ambitions.
At Whitefield Youth Association, we do not just provide activities – we create pathways. We unlock confidence, capability, and character in every young person we meet. Because when you invest in potential, you ignite purpose.
Building Stronger, Safer Communities
At Whitefield Youth Association, we believe that safer communities are built not by enforcement, but by engagement, opportunity, and trust.
In areas like Burnley and Pendle, where socio-economic pressures can fuel isolation, tension, and risk-taking behaviour, our work provides a vital alternative. We connect with young people at the earliest opportunity – not when problems arise, but before they begin.
Our grassroots approach puts us on the ground building relationships that last. We offer a space where young people feel safe, heard, and respected. In doing so, we prevent the kind of disconnection that leads to anti-social behaviour, exploitation, or violence.
Through structured programmes in sport, mentoring, and personal development, we support young people to:
- Build confidence, discipline, and self-worth
- Learn how to resolve conflict and manage emotions
- Form positive peer groups and healthy relationships
- Engage with community projects that give back
We also work closely with families, schools, and local services to create a joined up approach to youth support, ensuring that no young person slips through the cracks.
The result is a ripple effect — safer streets, stronger communities, and young people who become the very role models their neighbourhoods need.
Opportunity For All
At Whitefield Youth Association, we believe that every young person has potential — and every young person deserves the chance to realise it.
But we also know that opportunity is not distributed equally. Too many young people face barriers beyond their control whether through race, disability, sexuality, mental health, special educational needs, religion, or the impact of poverty and disadvantage.
That is why inclusion is not just something we talk about, it is something we live. It shapes our programmes, our outreach, our values, and the relationships we build. We meet young people where they are, walk alongside them, and create safe, supportive spaces where they feel seen, valued, and heard.
We are here to level the playing field to ensure that no young person is left behind simply because of the circumstances they were born into.
Through sport, mentoring, creative expression, and leadership development, we help young people build confidence, develop new skills, and connect with people who believe in them. We help them discover what’s possible, not just in the world around them, but within themselves.
Because at Whitefield Youth Association, we do not just see where a young person comes from – we see where they can go.
And we are here to walk that journey with them.
From Potential to Purpose: Developing Future Leaders
At Whitefield Youth Association, we believe leadership is not about titles – it is about confidence, resilience, and the courage to create change. We see leadership potential in every young person, and we make it our mission to help them see it in themselves.
Through a dynamic programme of activities, mentoring, community projects, and peer leadership opportunities, we equip young people with the tools they need to lead with purpose not just in the future, but right now.
Whether it is stepping up to coach younger peers, speaking out on youth voice panels, or taking initiative in their communities, we provide the structure and support for young people to discover what they stand for and how they can make a difference.
We nurture leadership that is inclusive, compassionate, and grounded in real life experience. And because many of our young leaders come from backgrounds where opportunity is limited, we do not just create pathways – we walk alongside them every step of the way.
At Whitefield Youth Association, we are not waiting for the next generation of leaders to emerge – we are building them.
Where Business Meets Meaningful Change
Partnering with Whitefield Youth Association is more than a gesture of goodwill, it is a statement of intent. It shows that your business is serious about creating a positive and lasting impact, not just in your industry, but in the communities that surround it.
Today’s leading businesses understand that success is not measured by profit alone, it is also about the value you create socially, economically, and ethically. Aligning with a trusted grassroots charity like Whitefield Youth Association allows you to deliver on your ESG and CSR commitments in a way that is real, visible, and community-led.
By working with us, you help open doors for young people who may never have walked through them without your support. From workplace visits, mock interviews, mentoring and work tasters, to direct recruitment and skills development, your partnership helps shape the future workforce – confident, capable, and connected.
In return, we offer meaningful volunteering opportunities for your team, bespoke support with your social responsibility goals, and collaborative projects that strengthen your brand’s local presence and purpose.
Together, we can create measurable impact for young people, for your business, and for the community we all share.
Because when business meets meaningful change, everybody benefits.