On Tuesday afternoon, 31st March 2026, from 3–6pm, the Make it Market Drayton team had the pleasure of visiting The Zone Community Hub to take part in the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme—an inspiring initiative delivered through Shropshire Youth and funded by Shropshire Council.
We were kindly invited by youth workers Carly and Andy, who run a weekly youth group at The Zone every Tuesday. Their dedication to creating a safe, welcoming space for young people aged 10–19 is clear to see, and the HAF sessions are a fantastic extension of this work during the school holidays. The programme offers a mix of free activities including food, Easter arts and crafts, sports, and—just as importantly—a place for young people to relax and spend time with friends.
As part of the afternoon, we teamed up with Cllr Tim Manton, Mayor of Market Drayton, to deliver interactive radio show sessions with the young people. This formed part of our ongoing mission at Make it Market Drayton to better engage with younger members of our community—understanding what they love about the town and what changes they would like to see.
The conversations were thoughtful, honest and full of ideas. Young people spoke about the need for improved shelters and youth facilities, as well as enhancements to local parks—including the creation of a dedicated SEN garden with facilities that support both young people and adults with additional needs. There was clear enthusiasm for the town’s festivals and carnivals too, with some keen to explore creating their own float this year.
We also heard about the importance of better transport links, allowing young people to stay connected with family and opportunities beyond the town. There was strong interest in bringing more variety to local shops, alongside improving sports facilities and ensuring activities are accessible to all.
A particularly encouraging discussion focused on future opportunities. Many young people expressed a desire for more support in becoming work-ready, including help with writing CVs, improving communication skills, and building confidence when speaking to employers. The idea of starting an employability group was met with real enthusiasm.
There was also a shared interest in establishing a youth forum—giving young people a stronger, more consistent voice in shaping the future of Market Drayton.
Mayor Tim Manton, who joined us throughout the session, shared his ongoing commitment to engaging with young people:
“When I became Mayor, I made it a priority to visit every school because I believe it’s vital we listen to young people. They are the future of our town, and their ideas and energy are incredibly important.”
It’s safe to say the feeling is mutual—the young people clearly enjoy his visits and the time he spends with them.
Of course, it wasn’t all serious discussion—there was also time for a lively game of Jenga, with the Mayor joining in alongside the young people. Moments like these really highlight the value of informal engagement and building relationships.
The work happening at The Zone each week is truly inspiring. Carly, Andy and the wider team are making a real difference, creating opportunities, building confidence, and supporting young people in a positive and meaningful way.
We’re excited to continue working alongside them—and, most importantly, alongside the young people of Market Drayton—to help shape a town that reflects their ideas, ambitions and future.
