a hub of opportunity and support
Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) is a registered charity and was the first purpose-built Youth Zone in the country. Built in 2011 today we welcome around 3000 young people a year. We are open 6 nights a week offering age-appropriate youth clubs to local young people for just 50p entry.
Our work extends beyond the walls of our state-of-the-art facilities; we are a hub of opportunity and support for young people and work closely with partners and with our community to be a voice for young people. If you’re a young person you might wanna see what means here.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT CYZ
“It’s the best place in the universe.”
Current Member
“I struggled a lot with anxiety when I first arrived and felt really nervous not knowing anyone. The staff supported me by taking time to get to know me, chatting with me, and helping when I needed it. Being able to talk to staff has really helped me cope with things. I love being at the youth club.”
Current Member
“I also got to take part in creative projects and community events, which helped me gain confidence and skills I now use in my part-time job.”
former member
“I’m proud to be part of CYZ, I’ve learned so much from the team but especially from the young people!”
Current Staff Member
“It’s amazing that I can do all of this at the youth club and have full access to the equipment. I joined because a lot of my friends were already going – they came to every session, so I thought it would be a good way to get to know more people and have something different to do after school.”
current member
There are loads of things I enjoy at the youth club – football, young leading, playing pool, working towards my Duke of Edinburgh award, and using the music room.
Current Member
I think the main things I’ve taken from volunteering with the Youth Zone is: it’s way more than just giving back – alongside the obvious benefits to the young people you also learn and develop yourself too; it can be as structured or flexible as you need.
Current Member
The youth club was always the place I looked forward to the most each week, and the one I was most sad to leave at the end of the night.
Former Member
We’re honoured to support an organisation that gives so much back to the future of our city.
Neil McIntyre, Managing Director of Kingmoor Park. Patrons since 2011
Youth Zone is like my second home.
Current Member
The sessions themselves were great – I loved the books we read and the conversations we had. But what stood out most were the friendships I made.
Former Member
Young leading has helped me feel more confident and responsible – I’ve learned how the music equipment works and I like showing others how to use and look after it.
Current Member
Being part of this project has been a good thing during a tough time, and it’s helping me work towards my GCSE music grade.
Current Member
Overall, it’s been somewhere that’s consistently helped me grow – in happiness, in confidence, and in the skills and passions I carry with me now.
Former Member
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. The youth club gave me the space to do just that.
Former Member
We believe in supporting young people.
Paul Dickson, CEO & Managing Partner of Armstrong Watson. Patrons since 2015
The youth club has boosted my confidence so much. Staff have always been there when I needed to talk. One of the quieter sessions helped me build the confidence to join the busier one.
Current Member
There were also emotional challenges – like when I lost a family member. That was a really tough time. I found it hard to express how I was feeling, but staff were always there for me. Sometimes it was easier talking to them than my family.
Former Member
I originally got in touch with the Youth Zone as I wanted to give something back but also do something for me again after having two children and moving to a remote working job.
Current Member
I realised I needed to get out of the house more, and wanted to do something that would give back to the local community. The application and training process was straightforward, and I felt fully supported along the way. It was clear from the outset that CYZ was going to be different from other places I’ve volunteered; CYZ wanted to get to know me as a person, my interests and what I wanted to get out of it as well as what I could offer them.
Current Volunteer
I’ve gained independence, freedom, and belief in myself.
Former Member
I would definitely recommend signing up to volunteer at CYZ as it not only gets you out of the house, but gives you the opportunity to support other children in making different choices, and help them progress in life. CYZ quickly recognises volunteers’ own talents and regularly reviews their own strengths, placing them in an area where they will feel most comfortable and competent in their work.
Current Volunteer
We firmly believe that businesses should be doing their bit to empower the future generation.
Roger Smith, Managing Director of Thomas Graham. Patrons since 2011
As a volunteer at CYZ I really feel part of the team and am treated in the same way as the paid members of staff. Volunteering has given me back the self-confidence that I lost during the pandemic – I’m now part of a local samba drumming band and I couldn’t have imagined doing that 2 years ago!
Current Volunteer
I get to try things I don’t experience at home or school, and there’s always something going on. The staff let me have the freedom to be myself, and that’s why I feel so comfortable here. They listen – and that means a lot.
Current Member