here for all young people, and every young person
Did you know 1 in 5 of Carlisle’s young people (in our target age range) come through our doors?! Our #TeenCYZ campaign shows how we’ve helped a generation already, and our plans for the next. Each year we reach nearly 3,000 young people, deliver over 800 amazing activity sessions, and provide 3,000+ holiday club spaces — all whilst fulfilling our ‘no child missed’ philosophy. The numbers are impressive but the young people even more so. Meet some…


talking to staff members helped me deal with things
I struggled terribly with anxiety when I started here and I felt
nervous as I didn’t know anyone. Between moving house, coming to a new area and not knowing anyone I found all the changes quite scary. Staff helped by getting to know me better and just generally chatting to me and supporting me when I needed it. Youth Zone has given me confidence in anything really! I love being at the Youth Zone – mostly just like being able to talk to staff and take part in activities. I experience different opportunities that I can’t experience at home or at school and there’s loads that I get to be involved in. My favourites are baking, arts, chatting with staff, and last year I even represented YZ out in public when we…
now I ENJOY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HELPING OTHERS
I love all things music. My main instrument is the bass, but I can also play guitar and the drums. It’s amazing that I can do all of this at Carlisle Youth Zone and fully access their equipment. Joining was a way to get to know more people and for something different to do after school. I am loving the Music Project and starting a band!I like working with a staff member on how to improve our talents and helping other young people with their instruments. It’s been good when I’ve been Young Leading as I now understand more about the equipment in the music room so I enjoy the responsibility of showing other people…


Before the youth zone there was nothing for people like me
I’ve been attending the youth club for over a decade and have taken part in almost a thousand sessions during that time. I’ve grown up with it being a big part of my life, and now, at 25, I’ve reached the end of my journey there. Before the youth club, there wasn’t really anything locally for people like me who have additional needs. I wanted somewhere to spend time with people my own age and to work on my social skills.
I started by attending Inclusion Club and the football sessions. There’s been many challenges I’ve overcome during my time at CYZ. A big one was the first time away from home during a residential. That was hard for me, but the staff and other young people helped me through it…
Our impact in numbers
We’re proud to be alongside so many young people, and with every young person who comes through our door.
young people and counting
welcomes last year
sessions delivered last year
holiday club spaces provided last year
youth zone in the country
volunteer hours