Some of the biggest businesses in Liverpool city region back Wirral youth facility The Hive as it welcomes its 20,000th member and urges more companies to support its vital work. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool city region businesses are being urged to offer their support to The Hive Youth Zone in Wirral which offers a lifeline to more than 900 young people every week.

Founded in 2017 The Hive, located in Birkenhead, is getting ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027 and has just welcomed its 20,000th member. It offers activities, facilities and support for young people aged eight to 19, and up to age 25 for those with additional needs.

For just £5 a year and 50p per visit, members can access a wide range of activities, trusted youth workers and opportunities designed to help them be “healthier, happier and thrive in their communities”. The Hive is part of the OnSide Network of Youth Zones.

During the past nine years some of the biggest and most high profile businesses in the city region have backed its work. They include Rathbones, Hill Dickinson, NatWest, HSBC, Langtons, RSM UK and DSG Solicitors.

One of the founding patrons of The Hive, Steve Barber, managing director of property lender Bridging Finance Solutions, said: “It’s been a real pleasure for us to support the mentoring programme at The Hive over the last few years and to see the positive impact you and the team have on young people across our community.”

As The Hive approaches its 10th anniversary chief executive Jayne Wilson hailed the support of local businesses and urged other firms to join its Hive 100 initiative which, since it launched four years ago, has raised more than £500,000 via 96 donors.

Membership costs £1,000 per year and as part of this, members can access regular networking events attended by other business people from across the region, from business breakfasts with an industry focus to social events.

£1,000 could generate around £13,000 of social value (Independent WELLBY analysis found that Youth Zones generated more than £13 of social value for every £1 invested during 2023/24 across the OnSide network).

Jayne said the investment of Hive 100 members is vital to sustaining the much-needed services its provides for young people and their families.

“Reaching 20,000 members is an incredible milestone for The Hive,” she explained. “It reflects the incredible work of our team and the trust that young people, their families and the wider community place in us.

“More than ever, young people are craving real places where they can connect and feel part of a community. For many, The Hive is that place. We’re incredibly proud of our growing reach and the positive impact we’re creating with young people across Wirral.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing community, and we’re so grateful to all the local businesses and fundraisers who make our work possible.”

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Former Hive member and ambassador, Mollie McKee, added: “Without The Hive, I would never have become the person I am today. I would spend seven nights a week at The Hive, it was like my home.

“I love singing and the team helped me grow as a singer and become confident enough to perform on stage, even getting us the opportunity to sing at The Royal Albert Hall! It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the experiences that The Hive gave me.”

Click here for information about the Hive 100 initiative.