Base71 Youth Zone has been named a finalist in the Tesco Stronger Starts grant scheme, sparking a town-wide effort to secure £1,500 for the community’s young people.
Running from 28 April until 31 July 2026, the campaign asks shoppers at Tesco stores in Barnsley Extra, Wombwell, and Darfield to vote for the project using blue tokens at the checkout. The funding is specifically aimed at helping members enjoy healthy meals, learn to cook nutritious food, and build the confidence, wellbeing and positive life skills they need for a successful future.
Mandy Carlson, CEO of Base71, commented:
“At a time when many families are feeling the squeeze, Base71 is committed to being a pocket of stability. Our £1 meals are a vital part of that, but our mission goes much deeper. We’re here to help young people build wellbeing and positive life skills in a safe, aspirational environment. Every vote in Tesco helps us keep our doors open and our kitchen cooking, ensuring every child in our town has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to gain life skills to enable them to flourish in the future.”
Base71, located on Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, serves as a flagship “safe space” for thousands of local 8–19 year olds (and up to 25 for those with additional needs). With 50p entry and £1 home-cooked meals, the Youth Zone relies on donations and community grants like Stronger Starts to keep these vital services accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.
How the community can help: Supporters can cast their vote by asking for a blue token with any purchase at participating Tesco stores and placing it in the Base71 voting slot. The project with the most tokens at the end of July will receive the top £1,500 grant.
