Covid-19 Updates

24 March 2021

Currently, we are continuing to run our virtual sessions through Zoom and targeted sessions within the building, but are gearing up to re-open ALL our clubs on 19th April.

We are currently in the process of planning what our clubs will look like, what activities will run etc, but we want to give our members and parents the opportunity to have input in this process.
Use this link to give us your suggestions – https://www.carlisleyouthzone.org/covid-19/reopening-survey-202104/
To ensure we are covid safe we will be opening groups using all the recommended procedures and running activities with bubbles of a maximum of 15 members. We will also be temperature checking all members on entry into the building and ensuring handwashing procedures are adhered to.
Please check back for further updates on our re-opening.

30 December 2020

Following today’s Governments announcement that Cumbria will be moved into Tier 4 from 31 December we are very excited to announce we will be starting our virtual online programme on Monday. We’re bringing more sessions online than ever before!

In line with National Youth Agency and Government guidance, our building will still be operating ‘invite’ only small group support sessions and 1:1 sessions during these restrictions.

As always, if you need a chat get in touch—our Youth Workers are always here to help.

Please keep an eye on social media for more information on our virtual timetable.

As always, thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you on zoom soon!
#Team CYZ


03 November 2020

As of Wednesday 4th November, usual CYZ services in the building will be put on pause due to the national lockdown. Activities will be continuing online, please refer to our website and Facebook page for regular updates on these online sessions


15 September 2020

Although still on a pre-booking basis, and with safety protocols still in place, we are returning to more normal club based sessions. Senior members choose an activity to attend and are only able to attend one per evening. Junior members are able to book onto a session, and within that session they will get a choice of activities which they can move between.

Monday: Junior Club

Tuesday: Senior Club

Wednesday: Senior, Junior and Inclusion Sessions

Thursday: Junior Club

Friday: Senior Club

Saturday: Inclusion (am) and Junior (pm) Club


10 August 2020

In line with current government guidance, members over age 11 are now required to wear masks within CYZ.

There are certain situations where this is not required such as when participating in sport activities.

We also recognise that some members will have another reason for exemption – they just need to let us know on signing in at reception.

For further information on the wearing of masks, we suggest taking a look here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own


24 July 2020

We’ve been working very hard to bring to you an updated programme starting from Monday 27 July 2020 which is open to all CYZ members. We have more outreach sessions, building based sessions are back (pre-booking only), and we’re upping the number of participants we can take on Zoom.

As you will appreciate, many ways in which we work had had to change and we are working to government guidelines with detailed risk assessments, new procedures and steps being taken to protect members and our staff. Your health and safety is our number one priority in all of this.

If you would like more information on what we are currently doing, including FAQs relating to our offering, please Click Here to view our COVID 19 page.


03 July 2020

It is now over 100 days since we entered lockdown. Across the OnSide Network, we are proud to have together supported many thousands of young people digitally in this time – enabling them to stay connected, have fun and receive vital support from trusted youth workers through what has been a difficult and often confusing time. We have also provided support to their families and the wider community we serve.

But we know that there is only so far that remote support can go, and that following many months of isolation, young people need the sort of face to face support and connection they receive in our Youth Zones more than ever before.

That’s why, over the past few weeks, we have been hard at work making plans to slowly and carefully reopen Youth Zones for face to face provision. We have conducted detailed risk assessments, ensuring adherence to government restrictions. Each Youth Zone will take a slightly different approach to how we work with young people in this ‘new normal’ depending on our local needs. However, we all share a commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of our members, employees, volunteers and communities – while ensuring young people receive the support and positive opportunities they deserve.

We are pleased to now have confirmation from Government that youth centres can reopen from 4th July*. We now urgently need further clarity from Government on the specific conditions that we will be operating under, such as group size restrictions and the maximum number we can bring into our buildings. This clarity will enable us to finalise and share our plans with young people.

We are ready and eager to reopen, so that we can offer our young people something to do, somewhere to go and someone to talk to in our Youth Zones once again.

– Onside Youth Zones Network CEOs

*Please note that the CYZ building is not yet open, and all scheduled sessions remain suspended temporarily.


07 June 2020

From Monday we are taking CYZ on the road and coming into your community. This work will be done in 2 phases:-

  1. We will be visiting different communities to carry out check up’s / catch up’s with our members. This will be a safe space for any child to chat to a youth worker about the impacts of the last few months both positive and negative. This will be invitation-only so we can manage social distancing and abide by government guidelines. If you have a child who you think would benefit from chatting to our youth workers let us know* and we’ll arrange with you to invite them down when we are in your local area.
  2. As the current restrictions are lifted and ONLY when safe to do so we intend to bring everything good about the Youth Zone to your local area. That means a safe space, fun, a range of activities, food, music, sports, challenges, a space to meet friends, advice and guidance along with much, much more. We want to make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons!

*You can contact us using the links below either by sending a message on messenger or emailing us.

Message Us

Message Us

Email Us

Email Us

Please Note: The CYZ building remains closed at this point, and our regular scheduled clubs are still temporarily suspended.


28 May 2020

At present we are still closed. We are exploring the possible steps we could take to gradually and safely re-commence operations in a limited capacity & will post further updates as they become available.


23 March 2020

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak our building will be closed from 3pm Monday 23rd March 2020.

Despite this we remain totally committed to Carlisle’s young people. They can message us on any of our social media platforms or our email address and we will be in touch as soon as we can.
We will update our social media platforms and our website as and when this situation changes.
Thank you for your patience and please take care.

Best wishes from all the team at CYZ


17 March 2020

Following last night’s government advice, and in the interest of safety for the young people and our team, we have reluctantly decided that we must suspend our evening and Saturday club sessions, which  attracts upwards of 150 young people per night from across the City.

We are continuing to support those most at need in these very difficult times and will be looking at creative ways to further support young people, their families and the wider community in whatever ways we can.  We are looking to work closely with the local authority and public health to ensure we can make maximum impact and avoid duplication.

In this rapidly evolving situation, we will ensure news is updated regularly on the website here.

filed under: COVID-19