Carlisle Youth Zone’s Race Day 2024, held on 28 August at Carlisle Racecourse, was an outstanding success, bringing together a community of supporters for an afternoon of connection, fun and fundraising—all in support of the region’s young people. Final funds raised have been calculated as £27,680.79 exceeding all previous years and Caroline Taylor-Beswick, Chief Executive of Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) thanked Carlisle’s business community;

“We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s record-breaking fundraising. It is symbolic of the love and care which I felt towards CYZ from everyone in the room, and that support from such a diverse community of people and businesses doesn’t pass us by.”

“We know from a range of sources, including from listening to young people themselves, that young people across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges—25% are affected by mental health issues, and 30% by the cost of living,” said Taylor-Beswick. “At CYZ we are increasingly seeing and feeling these challenges at heightened levels amongst our members. Young people need the reliability and dependability of their Youth Workers at CYZ now more than ever, and events like Race Day are vital to securing the funds required to continue supporting our members when they need us, whilst also celebrating their achievements and supporting their ambitions.

We’re proud to celebrate our 13th birthday this year, and just like Carlisle’s young people, we have ambitions for the future. Your support shows young people that you see, believe in, and value them. Once again— a huge thank you.”

Carlisle Youth Zone offers a safe, reliable, and engaging environment for over 3,000 young people each year.  Open 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year CYZ provides a wide range of activities for young people age 7 – 18, including sports, arts, leadership programs, and mental health support, all designed to help young people explore their passions, develop their voices, and navigate life’s challenges. Key initiatives, like the Winter Warm Zone, which offered free meals and waived membership fees during the coldest months, are just a few examples of CYZ’s commitment to young people.

“Neil McIntyre, Managing Director of Kingmoor Park and event sponsor, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and providing Carlisle’s young people with opportunities is both a gift and a legacy.”

The event was a vibrant mix of excitement and reflection. Attendees participated in various activities, from balloon bursts to charity auctions, all while cheering on the horses. Yet, as Taylor-Beswick reminded the crowd, the focus was always on the young people who rely on CYZ every day.

Looking ahead, Carlisle Youth Zone remains committed to its mission and ambitious in its goals. “Every young person has a right to a safe and supportive childhood,” Taylor-Beswick emphasized. “With your continued support, we can ensure that more young people have the opportunity to find their passion and purpose in life.”

You can view our gallery of images by clicking here.

About Carlisle Youth Zone: Carlisle Youth Zone is a charity dedicated to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for young people aged 8-21 in the Carlisle area. Offering a wide range of activities and support services, CYZ aims to empower young people to achieve their full potential. For more information or to get involved, visit www.carlisleyouthzone.org.

For Media Inquiries: Sophia Minden, Communications Director, sophia.minden@carlisleyouthzone.org