They Could Lose Their Youth Centre – But PZN Youth Isn’t Giving Up

PZN Youth, a much-valued service for young people in Penzance and Newlyn, has vowed to carry on its work after a major funding blow.

Bid Rejected Despite Community Support

The group’s recent application to the Community Levelling Up Panel (CLUP) for support to purchase its current building was not selected. The fund was heavily oversubscribed, and the panel chose to back other projects in Penwith — partly because of previous Town Deal investment already made in Penzance.

Despite the setback, the bid highlighted the growing and urgent need for dedicated youth space in the town and received strong public backing.

“This decision was hugely disappointing,” said Bek Breslaw, founder and manager of PZN Youth. “The Town Deal has been wonderful for Penzance, but it hasn’t addressed the urgent need for a dedicated youth venue. We’re seeing rising demand from young people, and believe that the location in the middle of Penzance is part of what makes it work so well. But without ownership of the building, we are stuck in a rent cycle on a full repair lease and are unable to access the funding needed to expand the space and meet that growing need.”

What PZN Youth Offers

PZN Youth is completely funded through grants and donations, including core funding from Penzance Council. It runs free, open-access youth club nights every Friday, offering healthy meals, creative activities, games and a chance for young people to connect with supportive adults.

Up to 50 young people now attend across three Friday night time slots, reflecting the growing demand.

Feedback from young people underlines the importance of the space:

“I can be with my friends and be safe… in a building where there are lots of people.”

“There’s stuff to do and you feed people healthy food, not just junk food.”

“I can talk to my friends and the adults too. It’s a place where I can open up.”

“I’d be on my PlayStation if I wasn’t here… I’ve met new people and friends… A new social… My old social was a bit worse. I didn’t have many friends and now I have enough.”

Next Steps and a New Appeal

PZN Youth had hoped to purchase the building for £120,000, which would have allowed them to extend and transform the space. Although the CLUP bid was unsuccessful, they have secured Community Capacity Funding to carry out a feasibility study with local firm Hireth Architects. Crucially, young people will be involved in the redesign to help ensure it meets their needs.

The organisation is also supported by local professionals, including a Clinical Psychologist working in NHS family mental health services, who said:

“While clinical services help, I often notice that organisations like PZN Youth have the most impact. They provide safe, fun, regular opportunities for young people to connect—experiences that research shows can have lifelong effects on mental health and resilience. PZN Youth delivers that, and we must ensure they can continue to grow and support the young people who rely on them.”

More Than Just Club Nights

Alongside Friday sessions, PZN Youth offers girls’ and boys’ groups, daytime support for those not in education, and one-to-one mentoring, where funding allows. These sessions are tailored based on requests from young people themselves.

Bek and the team say they’re more determined than ever to push forward and are calling on the community, local businesses and philanthropists to help them buy the building they lease. Owning the space would give them the freedom to renovate and expand, making sure they can keep serving young people in the town for years to come.

They have thanked everyone who supported their bid, especially the parents, professionals and young people who continue to back their work.

📷Photo credit - Penzance Council