What is ARC - Youth?
ARC:Youth is a dedicated youth project where young people in Cumbria can truly be themselves. We create welcoming, joyful spaces where young people can connect, share, have fun and build lasting friendships with others who understand their experiences.
At ARC:Youth, young people are supported by a specialist team of youth workers, many of which are Black or Brown and bring deep anti-racism knowledge and lived understanding. This means young people have access to a trusted support system and a safe space to speak openly about their lives, including experiences of racism that many face every day. We offer the only specialist support of this kind locally.
Our sessions centre around identity, culture and community. We celebrate the richness and joy of heritage while helping young people explore race, develop a strong sense of self and build confidence in who they are. It’s not just about talking, it’s about laughter, creativity, shared experiences and learning how to regulate emotions and navigate the world with resilience.
For parents and carers, ARC:Youth is more than a youth group, it’s often described as a lifeline. Families tell us the service reduces isolation, strengthens confidence and helps their children feel understood, validated and supported in ways they may not find elsewhere.
Join the conversation. Connect. Share. Celebrate who you are. Have fun…. ARC:Youth is where belonging begins.
Who is it For?
Young people aged 11 – 18.
Many of the young people we work with experience racism in many forms based on their skin colour. They come to our spaces because they don’t need to explain what that looks and feels like. That works because the youth workers share those same experiences and that’s really important.
We’re often asked why spaces like this are needed.
The answer is multi-layered but put simply: sometimes the best way to talk about difficult things like racism is to have people there who just GETS IT. Our youth workers all come with lived experience of racism and their intersecting experiences such as neurodiversity, disability and queerness. Not only do they facilitate fun, our young people can confide in them about any of the difficulties they are facing.
The impact of our youth work is immense and we’ve seen our young people develop a strong sense of self and confidence which they can draw upon for the rest of their lives.
What Can I Expect?
Once you’ve registered for our ARC: Youth Hub we will get in touch with more info, so before you even arrive at one of our sessions you will have been contacted by one of the team!
On arrival you will be met by one of our fantastic youth workers – you can read more about them below…
You then get to join in the fun by taking part in icebreakers, games, creative, artistic and exclusive activities, or just chill out and chat.
It’s your club, so it’s your choice!
You can join in as little or as much as you would like and there will always be time to get to know each other and make new friends.
All sessions meet our safeguarding standards, with fully checked DBS staff, first aider always on site, and members of our team are trained in mental health first aid.
We’ll always hold our in-person sessions in spacious, wheelchair accessible places and once you are registered we will share all the important information about how to get to each venue with you. We strive to improve our accessibility and will make any reasonable adaptions to ensure the spaces we use meet your needs. With this in mind, do talk to us if you think there might be a barrier we can remove so that you can access our spaces.
If you have any questions or want to find out more before registering please do email our ARC:Youth Lead jess@antiracistcumbria.org
Where and When?
💥CARLISLE
💥KENDAL
More locations coming soon!
All you (or a parent/carer) need to do to get all the important details is fill in this registration form.
If you’re not sure about anything, or have any questions get in touch via email: jess@antiracistcumbria.org, or text 07961623821 and we’ll get back to you.
Meet the Team!
Jess
Hi! My name is Jess.
I’m excited to be a part of this project as it’s something that would have been a life raft for me as a kid.
I love laughing with my beautiful children, feeling the sun on my face & being kind, kindness makes the world go around! ♥
I dislike queue pusher-inners, hot tuna & ignorant people who refuse to change antiquated viewpoints contrary to all the evidence around them.
Faniry
My name is Faniry.
I am excited about this project as I love to inspire young people to be awesomely themselves through being able to support and create a space where you can be authentically yourselves!
I like orange ice lollies, sirens (Merpeople) and houseplants.
I don't like mean people, and the smell of damp and wet socks! 🤣😅
Chim
Hi there, my name is Chim.
I’m an intersectional activist and writer and I would describe myself as a joyous silly billy.
I like to listen to records on my record player, playing games and going for walks. I dislike long queues, tuna and having to wait for things.
Youth work is important to me as we are raising the next generation and giving them a space to be their true authentic selves.
Adi
Hi, my name is Adi!
I am excited for this project as Young people are the future and also because I wish I had something like this when I was younger. So, it's great to be part of this offering.
I like food, crochet and wild swimming.
I dislike coffee, wet clothes and iceberg lettuce.
Pat
Hi, my name is Pat and I'm soo looking forward to joining you all on this journey, I just wish my children had had the opportunity to join a group like this when they were younger.
My likes include a love for dancing, chocolate and fashion - although you wouldn't guess that from what I wear🫣.
My dislikes are mice, loud fast cars and people who are unkind to others.
Mina
Hi, my name is Mina and I'm from Iran. I moved to the UK and settled in the Carlisle area over 5 years ago and for almost all of the time since, I've been working with ARC.
Though I've been involved in ARC for a few years I only recently joined as part of the youth work team and I can't wait to meet you all!
Lekhani
My name is Lekhani.
I am excited about this project because I wish I had something like this when I was growing up. I can't wait to meet you all and begin this journey with you.
I like listening to Beyoncé, the sweet taste of chocolate, and when I laugh so hard, I cry.
I dislike arguing with people who are committed to misunderstanding me, injustice, and when I lose my umbrella.
Youth work is important to me as it helps support the next generation of young people, with an anti racist lense where they can be seen and heard.
Leo
My Name is Leo, I am Malawian and grew up on Malawi, but I have been in England since 2011.
In my spare time I tend to read graphic novels, bird watch and play a variety of games whether video, sports or table top games, I enjoy the friendly competition and interaction that games can give. As for why I got involved in ARC:YOUTH it is because I want to be an active part in helping grow a community of youth who can understand that it's okay to be okay with who you are and how you look in places that might look different to you.
