In 2025, we mark 25 years of improving the life chances of young Cumbrians and supporting the vital organisations across the county that help them thrive.
Since 1998, CYA’s programmes have supported over 100,000 young people aged 11-25 across the county. Just some of our milestones include:
- Giving young people a voice—and the power to fund what matters to them
- Equipping local organisations to better support young people
- Reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training to below the national average
- Filling support gaps for care-experienced, 15–24-year-olds since 2008
- Taking action on rising youth mental health challenges
CEO Becky Wolstenholme, said:
“Collaboration and partnership working has been essential to prevent duplication and conflict and to ensure a better service to all young people.
“As recognition of how CYA’s work has grown, the organisation has been invited by national funders and government departments to pilot innovative approaches to youth service delivery.”
Now other counties are looking to adopt models that include:
- A smart tool for faster, joined-up support when a young person needs help.
- Two low-cost, high-impact programmes building young people’s leadership and job skills.
- The charity’s youth alliance model that brings people together to deliver better youth services.
Today’s young Cumbrians face a complex mix of pressures. These include mental health struggles, educational disruption, employment, the cost of living, poverty, consequences of COVID and limited rural transport that isolates many from essential services.
CYA works throughout Cumbria, supporting youth clubs, training volunteers, and coordinating services where no one else can. We also work on systemic change, strengthening Cumbria’s wider youth sector. Our model doesn’t just support young people—it grows the services they need.
Later this year, we will open our new Benny Walker Centre in Workington, host a celebration event at the Palace of Westminster, release an anniversary impact report and launch a fundraising campaign. We’re incredibly excited for what’s to come.
We’d like to invite all those who care about young people's future to join us in marking this important milestone.
Donate here. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cya25