Carlisle’s largest youth centre has opened as organisers face the challenge of giving young people what they want in a Covid-safe environment.

Clint Howat, youth work manager of the Carlisle Youth Zone, said the organisation – which has more than 2,500 members – is working to ensure that it can meet the needs of all.

“We deal with young people aged seven to 18, or 24 for anyone with additional needs,” said Mr Howat.

“The junior group has been the easiest. These children have been so deprived of activities during lockdown that all our sessions are getting booked up.

“The senior group is a little harder. They tend to look on the Youth Zone as their own place to hang out. They come and wander around using the equipment and just socialising.

“To try and cater for their needs we are running a Saturday evening session where bubbles of 15 can come in and do just that.”

No more than 15 at a time can take part in activities but there is a huge range to choose from.

During lockdown the Carlisle Youth Zone ran numerous online events, including cooking and craft sessions.

Mr Howat said the younger groups really enjoyed them but it was harder to reach the older age group because what they wanted was to be together and socialise.

It is not unusual to have around 100 young people in the building at any time, so working around the Covid issue is challenging, Mr Howat admitted. But he said what is in place now is as safe as possible. A complete and thorough risk assessment has taken place during lockdown.

Pre-Covid, the young people could try anything, and Mr Howat is justifiably proud of what is on offer.

“This building has everything.We have a huge sports hall that can be used for any sport imaginable. We’ve got an Astro turf pitch. There is a climbing wall and a music room.

“There is a room completely set up for cooking and baking, there is a room for craft work and some quiet spaces for those who want that, or someone who might just want to talk to someone else.

“We are concerned about their physical and mental health,” Mr Howat added.

The Youth Action Zone is also open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday.

From Monday to Friday the zone is open to the junior age group from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and for the seniors from 6.30 to 9pm.

Saturday morning is for the Inclusive club, afternoons for the juniors and evenings for seniors.

Even under Covid restrictions, the zone is providing the most universal service to young people, Mr Howat said.

“Membership is £5 a year and 50p a session, although no child would be turned away if they could not afford it.

“Fifty pence doesn’t sound a lot – it isn’t a lot – but for some families it is, especially when you think about transport costs as well.

“We still believe, though, that charging is actually quite important because it gives our users ownership of the zone. If something is broken and they come for free they might not expect that it will be fixed. But they are paying – it is their zone and they demand the best from it!”

The zone serves not only Carlisle but the surrounding villages, too.

The Youth Zone is also run by volunteers.

“We really appreciate the people who give so much of their time. We are always on the lookout for volunteers, though, especially those who can bring a specialist skill to us.”

The zone has worked out that about 10p of the 50p “entry” fee goes towards the running of the organisation.

“The rest is spent on the children and young people. If we are doing baking, for instance, 50p is the only cost. We pay for all the ingredients and equipment.

“The same applies to the craft workshops. All the children pay is their 50p.

“For that reason we appreciate those businesses with a social conscience who help us out – and there are a few.”

But Mr Howat said he would welcome other business leaders in the town to come and visit the Carlisle Youth Action Zone to see exactly what happens there.

“I would love to show them around and show them what we are doing with their future employees, future citizens of their community.”

To find out more about the Carlisle Youth Action Zone visit their Facebook page for information on activities, how to book or to look at opportunities to volunteer or donate to this not-for-profit organisation.