Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) have just announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive.

The centre, which aims to work with deprived children, providing them with a wide range of activities and experiences six nights a week, have welcomed the appointment of Caroline Taylor-Beswick to their outfit. 

Caroline, who holds professional qualifications in youth work and social work, joins the charity from UNICEF UK, where she held the role of Programme Manager, with responsibility for supporting cities and communities across the north of England and Scotland to achieve ‘Child Friendly City’ status.

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The charity have said that Caroline is passionate about Children’s Rights and in particular working with and for young people to increase youth participation and leadership opportunities, something which has been a strong thread in her career to date, including through co-leading the Resilience Revolution being piloted in Blackpool, a research programme focused on improving youth mental health; managing a Children’s Rights service at The Children’s Society; and running Young Leader and participation programmes across youth services.

"I am delighted to be joining CYZ and especially at a time when the Board have, in partnership with our members, endorsed such a clear and bold focus for our development in the coming years. I started my career delivering youth and community work, so have a deep understanding and value for the role youth workers and access to high-quality youth provision can have. 

"Alongside the dedicated staff team I have already met, and those we hope to welcome through current recruitment, I look forward to playing my part in taking action towards achieving our priorities so more young people get the opportunity to experience and benefit from our offer. I also greatly value meaningful partnerships, and look forward to strengthening existing relationships as well as making new ones in order to respond to the needs and hopes of young people in the city," she said. 

Chris Holmes, chair of the board of Trustees said they are "thrilled" to welcome Caroline. 

"Caroline’s background and experience clearly bring something unique, and further strengthens the skills, knowledge and expertise within our incredible team. Ultimately, we know Caroline’s appointment will benefit tremendously the opportunities we can offer for young people of Carlisle and surrounding areas," he said. 

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