Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA) has taken the voices of Cumbrian young people to the heart of government, securing pledges of support from MPs, commissioners, funders, businesses and national policymakers.
Last week, a CYA delegation travelled to Westminster to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary and showcase its impact across Cumbria. In two and a half decades, CYA has supported more than 100,000 young people aged 11-25, (30,000 in the last five years) opening pathways to brighter futures.
“Last Tuesday, Cumbrian young people were front and centre of the Westminster agenda,” said Mark Libby, Chair of CYA. “Alongside politicians and leading figures from across the country, our team and young people shared CYA’s proven, innovative solutions. The event was also about looking forward, informing best practice and ensuring every young person in Cumbria can thrive.”
Becky Wolstenholme, CYA’s CEO, said highlights of the event included inspiring speeches from four young people and an impromptu juggling display from Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale. “It was fantastic to see the youth voice shining through,” said Becky. “We received offers to help with capital funding to complete internal works at our Workington buildings, pledges of ongoing financial support, and invitations to develop new partnership programmes. Both Tim Farron and Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, spoke very highly of CYA and our impact. It was a phenomenal experience and a brilliant way to celebrate our milestone.”
One of Cumbria’s youngest accredited youth workers, Lizzie Hudspith-Spence, represented young people and the wider youth sector. “I spoke with Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle, about my journey into youth work and third sector leadership,” she said. “I also met Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, to discuss leisure and recreational opportunities like Penrith’s skatepark and pump track, which keep young people active and connected.”
Lizzie added: “Attending Westminster was truly inspiring. Having my voice heard among MPs and sector leaders reinforced how vital it is for young people to be represented in national discussions about the future of our communities. Continuing to spotlight youth work and partnership in Cumbria will help build stronger networks and lasting, positive change for young people across the county.”
Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister said:
“It was a real pleasure to welcome Cumbria Youth Alliance and a fantastic group of young Cumbrians to Westminster. The energy, ideas and ambition they brought were inspiring.
“For 25 years, CYA has been helping young people across Cumbria find their voice and their purpose – often when they’ve needed it most. Their work makes a genuine difference in our towns and communities, and I’m proud to support what they do to give every young person the best chance to thrive.”
Josh MacAlister MP 