Press Stories

Cumbria Youth Alliance held the first opening event at its new home, the £2.2 million Benny Walker Centre in Workington, on Friday 25 September. Young people shaped the evening, questioning mayoral candidates on local decision-making, transport and farming. The centre, funded by the Benny Walker Charitable Trust, Sellafield and UKSPF, gives the charity its first permanent base in over 25 years, with a youth room designed by young people and seven bookable rooms.

Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA) marked its 25th anniversary at Westminster, where young people secured support from MPs and policymakers. Having helped over 100,000 young people aged 11-25 across Cumbria, CYA received praise from Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister and pledges for funding and new partnerships to continue its work creating brighter futures for Cumbrian youth.

Horizons project has completed a successful first-year pilot, introducing over 70 young people to civil engineering through interactive sessions, mentoring, and industry partnerships. The programme culminated in a celebration event featuring a team challenge, with Beacon Hill Community School winning the inaugural BECivilE Cup.

A look back at 25 years of empowering young people and the impact on youth services in Cumbria.

Cumbria Youth Alliance launched Bridging Horizons a groundbreaking project that will introduce young people to civil engineering and its various career opportunities.

Young people leaving care will benefit from mentoring, work experience placements and life skills development, thanks to a new three-year £315,000 programme created by Cumbria Community Foundation.

CYA has just launched the latest version of youth work training at level 2 and level 3.

With huge thanks to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Community Fund for their very significant investment in the future of young people in Cumbria.

A good news story focusing on overcoming rurality and access to employment issues in Cumbria

A group of 20 young people aged between 16 and 24 living in Cumbria and Lancaster embarked on a journey to design and oversee the grant programme. These dynamic young leaders are poised to distribute the £60,000 throughout September to January 2024.

Youth Futures Foundation announces more funding for Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA) to launch a new county-wide youth support programme, Forging Futures. Young people facing the greatest challenges will receive personalised support in housing, wellbeing, work experience and job search allowing them to fulfil their potential.