A YOUNG people’s charity has brought in a new face to oversee its network of state-of-the-art youth centres.

Jamie Masraff has been appointed as a relationship development manager at OnSide Youth Zones, a national organisation which has its headquarters in Bolton.

He has 10 years’ experience of designing and leading infrastructure projects in both the private and public sectors.

His role will involve forging partnerships with local authorities and other agencies to create facilities and services tailored for the needs of communities.

Mr Masraff said: “Whilst local authority budgets are under significant pressure, OnSide Youth Zones offer an approach which ensures communities can secure the kind of high-quality, sustainable universal youth services that their young people deserve.

“I’m delighted to join such an ambitious charity that is making a name for itself across the UK.”

The charity aims to tackle deep-rooted issues around inequality, disenfranchisement, community cohesion and wellbeing.

Its innovative funding model creates a partnership between local authorities, philanthropists, corporate sponsors and the voluntary sector.

The success of the approach has seen it expand significantly since being formed in 2008.

The charity now has an established network of 10 state-of-the-art Youth Zones and is currently taking projects forward in a number of locations around the country.

Kathryn Morley, chief executive of OnSide Youth Zones, said: “Jamie’s skillset and experience is perfect to develop new contacts and foster existing relationships with local authorities and other key stakeholders.

“We are making fantastic progress, gaining buy-in from ambitious local authorities looking for new ways to fund informal education and increase access to productive, affordable activities.

“This investment clearly delivers value for the public purse across key areas such as health and wellbeing, relationships and social skills, aspiration and attainment. We carried out a socio-economic assessment to define the impact of a Youth Zone and found that public sector funding sees an initial social return on investment of £6.66 for every £1 spent. “