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 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 using the links below 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.
Get in touch:
If you’re not sure about anything, or have any questions, you can reach us via our easy enquiry form here.
Or you can whatsapp the ARC:Youth phone on 07538923276
Where and When?
💥CARLISLE
To get all the deats for Carlisle, fill out the form below!
We’re also working on setting up more locations in Cumbria…
If you’re outside of Carlisle and interested in getting involved, then please register HERE and we’ll get back to you asap.
Meet the Team!
Jess
Hi! My name is Jess.
I’m excited to be a part of this team 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.
Faniri
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! 🤣😅
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.
Derek
Hi, my name is Derek. I was born in the coastal part of Kenya, a country famous for producing some of the world’s greatest runners! I’m a big football fan, and I love football because it brings people together, creates a sense of belonging, and connects people from different backgrounds and cultures. I’m super proud to work with ARC because I believe everyone deserves to feel welcome, respected and valued, regardless of their background or where they come from. I want to be part of creating communities where people can celebrate their differences, challenge racism, and learn from one another. It's all about helping to build a more welcoming Cumbria for everyone.
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.
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.
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!
