On Tuesday 24th February we celebrated a huge milestone in our journey: 10 amazing years of The Way Youth Zone. It was an unforgettable evening filled with energy, pride and a real sense of community.

From the moment our doors opened, the Youth Zone was buzzing. Our young people were at the heart of the event as they welcomed supporters and guests, showed them around the building and shared stories about their favourite activities. Hearing them talk about how The Way has helped build their confidence, friendships and future aspirations was incredibly moving for all of us.

One of the most touching moments came when a parent stood up to share their family’s story. Their heartfelt speech showed just how much The Way means to young people and their families and it reminded us why our work is so important. Hearing them speak so openly about the impact of our Youth Zone was something none of us will forget.

We were also thrilled to welcome BBC Midlands Today who broadcast live from the celebration. Two of our young people took part in a live interview and they spoke with incredible confidence and pride. Watching them shine on live television was a standout moment for everyone. You can watch the live news report here.

Three of our fantastic young members hosted the evening with warmth, humour and enthusiasm. They led a brilliant Q&A session with our Senior Leadership Team and introduced talented young performers who filled the room with creativity and energy.

Our guests threw themselves into the activities too. From taking on the climbing wall challenge and joining a lively game of Imposter to adding their creativity to our collaborative art project or testing their strength with some friendly arm wrestling in the gym, the whole building was alive with fun.

For us this celebration was more than marking a birthday. It was a chance to reflect on everything we have achieved together over the last decade. We have created a safe, inspiring and welcoming space where young people can grow, try new things, discover their strengths and feel supported every step of the way.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us, encouraged our young hosts and performers, took part in the activities and helped make the night so special. Your support means the world to us.

Here is to the next 10 years filled with more memories, more opportunities and even more incredible young people walking through our doors. Thank you for being part of our journey.

You can see some of the photos and video of the night here.