‘A positive difference’- Avanti West Coast partners with Vault Youth Zone to support Preston’s young people
“We want to make a positive difference in the communities we serve” says one of the organisations behind a new project targeting Preston’s youth.
A major train operator has partnered with a Preston youth centre for what is being called a “transformative project’ for local youngsters.
Vault Youth Zone in Preston says it is proud to announce its partnership with Avanti West Coast to deliver Nourish to Flourish: Building Food Resilience for Preston’s Young People.
According to the charity, this transformative project is designed to improve health, skills, and opportunities for Preston’s young people.
Through this partnership, Avanti will play a vital role in strengthening food resilience while creating meaningful learning opportunities for young people across Preston.
As part of the programme, Avanti will support Vault Youth Zone in delivering:
- 50 subsidised nutritious meals per day, ensuring consistent access to healthy food
- 10 free meals per day, targeting those most in need
- Comprehensive youth-led training kitchen sessions, a total of 312 sessions annually, equating to 1,404 hours of engagement per year
These structured sessions will provide young people with practical cooking skills, nutritional knowledge, and opportunities to build confidence, teamwork, and employability.
The Nourish to Flourish programme is more than a food initiative, it is an innovative way to empower the city’s young people.
By combining access to nutritious meals with hands-on education, the project addresses both immediate needs and long-term outcomes.
Avanti’s support enables Vault Youth Zone to expand its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring that more young people can access safe spaces, develop life skills, and build brighter futures.
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Joanna Buckley, Community Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We want to make a positive difference in the communities we serve, and Vault Youth Zone’s programme will help improve the health and wellbeing of young people in Preston.
“By connecting the next generation with new experiences, we hope to support those most in need while equipping them with lifelong skills.”
Both organisations say they share a commitment to tackling inequality and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
This partnership reflects a shared vision of a healthier, more resilient Preston community where every young person has the chance to succeed.