Mahdlo Youth Zone launches Scran Van to reach young people across Oldham

OLDHAM-based charity Mahdlo Youth Zone has secured investment from the Better Youth Spaces Fund to expand its services and increase opportunities for young people across the borough.

The funding, announced as Mahdlo marks its 15th anniversary, will support new additions to its offer, including an outdoor kitchen, 3D printers, and the launch of a mobile youth engagement vehicle, the Scran Van. 

Designed to take Mahdlo directly into neighbourhoods, the Scran Van will enable youth workers to reach young people where they are, delivering support in parks, estates and community spaces across Oldham. 

To help the charity get on the road, additional funding from First Choice Homes Oldham will enable the vehicle to visit communities across Holts and Derker, providing free or subsidised food, information about Mahdlo’s services, and a voucher enabling young people to access a free annual membership at its main hub. 

This initiative builds on Mahdlo’s existing borough-wide offer, which already delivers services beyond its main town centre facility through community centres and local spaces across Oldham, ensuring young people can access opportunities close to where they live. 

Its flagship hub supports thousands of young people each year and features a gym, music studio, dance space, climbing wall, art facilities and training kitchen. 

The design of the Scran Van has involved local schools, with a borough-wide competition to create its new livery. The winner was a pupil from Bare Trees Primary School, who will receive a free activity day for her class at Mahdlo. The final design has been wrapped by Oldham-based business Sign UK. 

Lucy Lees, CEO of Mahdlo Youth Zone, said: “Mahdlo has always been about creating opportunities and supporting young people to thrive, wherever they are. 

“The launch of our Scran Van is about connection, reflecting our belief that it takes a community to raise a child, and that every young person, no matter where they live, deserves access to positive experiences and safe spaces. 

“Whether it’s offering a hot chocolate during winter football sessions or running games and a picnic in the park on a summer’s evening, the Scran Van will be there for our young people across the borough. 

“We are so grateful to First Choice Homes Oldham for their generous donation towards this project. Keep your eyes peeled, the Scran Van will be hitting the road very soon!” 

A spokesperson from First Choice Homes Oldham added: “We’re proud to support Mahdlo by funding the launch of the Scran Van. 

“This initiative is a fantastic example of how organisations can come together to strengthen communities and create meaningful opportunities for young people across Oldham.” 

Mahdlo Youth Zone is now calling on local businesses and community partners to get involved in supporting the Scran Van as it rolls out across the borough as part of the charity’s seven-day-a-week offer. Businesses can support by helping stock the van with food and essentials, sponsoring activities or funding outreach sessions to ensure even more young people can access support, opportunities and safe spaces in their communities.