Legacy Zones

The New Parks People Zone is located in West Leicester (LE3) and lies within the Western Ward.

People Zones has been a proud and established part of the New Parks community for many years, helping to drive its growth into a city-wide example of community-led best practice. Through strong, lasting partnerships and deep-rooted local connections, we have supported residents, strengthened community organisations, and helped deliver meaningful change for those who need it most.

Key Successes

• The People Zone partnership has evolved so successfully that its founding organisations have now formed their own constituted partnership, New Parks Together. Working collaboratively and drawing on each other's expertise, they continue to deliver impactful projects and services across New Parks, creating sustainable, long-term change for local residents.
• Team Hub has grown into a trusted community leader within New Parks, delivering a wide range of sustainable services and initiatives that support children, young people, adults and families across the area.
• The Venny has expanded significantly, becoming a vital community asset and a safe, welcoming space where hundreds of children and young people can play, learn, develop skills, and build positive relationships.
• Soft Touch Arts has played a key role in engaging young people through arts, music, personal development, employability and life-skills programmes. Their influence now extends far beyond New Parks, supporting young people across the wider city.
• New Parks Men's Shed has become a valued safe space for men within the community, providing companionship, purpose, mental wellbeing support and a strong sense of belonging.

The Thringstone & Whitwick People Zone is located in North West Leicestershire (LE67) and lies within both the Thringstone and Holly Hayes Wards.

Using People Zones’ asset-based community development approach, Thringstone and Whitwick’s existing strengths, organisations and community assets were brought together to tackle local challenges collectively. As a result, young people are more engaged in positive activities, anti-social behaviour has reduced, and residents are better connected through improved community transport and support networks.

Key Successes

• One of the area's key challenges was anti-social behaviour, often driven by a lack of activities and opportunities for young people. Through the People Zones approach, partners have successfully developed a range of engaging initiatives that provide positive pathways, reduce boredom, and create meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive.
• The Charles Booth Centre has become a cornerstone of community life in Thringstone and Whitwick, offering an ever-growing programme of activities that includes fitness sessions, drama and theatre opportunities, community events, and youth engagement initiatives.
• Coalville C.A.N. has been instrumental in bringing together previously disconnected organisations and services, creating a collaborative network that supports young people and families. Through the People Zones ABCD approach, they now deliver parent support hubs, youth outreach, boxing programmes, community connection projects and much more.
• Thringstone Members Club has consistently provided valuable opportunities for young people while remaining a trusted community hub for adults. The organisation continues to expand its offer, delivering a diverse range of activities and engagement opportunities throughout the year.
• The Marlene Reid Centre has played a crucial role in addressing transport challenges across the area. Through its highly valued Dial-a-Ride service, residents are better able to access services, activities and opportunities across the wider region, helping to reduce isolation and improve connectivity.

The Bell Foundry People Zone is located in Loughborough (LE11) and lies within the Hastings Ward.

People Zones played a pivotal role in strengthening community safety, wellbeing and cohesion across Bell Foundry, helping partners address challenges including crime, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse and poor mental health. Through our asset-based community development approach, we fostered stronger connections across geographical and social divides, empowering residents and organisations to work together to deliver lasting positive change.

Key Successes

• Limehurst Academy has been a central partner within the Bell Foundry People Zone, extending its impact beyond the school gates and into the wider community. Through restorative approaches, emotional regulation support, empowerment programmes and diversionary activities, the Academy has helped create a more connected and resilient local network that builds on the area's existing strengths.
• Love4Life has been instrumental in supporting, protecting and empowering girls and young women across Bell Foundry. Their work has helped reduce vulnerability to risks such as child criminal exploitation and child sexual exploitation, while providing consistent support focused on emotional wellbeing, confidence-building, personal development and practical life skills.
• The Marios Tinenti Centre has become a thriving community hub for adults, helping to combat loneliness, strengthen social connections and improve wellbeing. Through initiatives including community gardening, leisure-based projects and health-focused activities, they have made a significant contribution to the physical and mental wellbeing of local residents.
• Regul8 has established itself as one of Bell Foundry's leading organisations for youth engagement. Demonstrating the strength of the People Zones partnership model, they work closely with schools and community organisations to provide diversionary activities and help young people better understand their emotions, experiences and behaviour. Initiatives such as their Blame My Brain training and De-Stress Clubs have been particularly effective in reducing risk factors associated with violence and anti-social behaviour while building resilience and self-awareness among young people.