A BUSINESSWOMAN and patron of Carlisle Youth Zone showcased the centre’s work in the community to businesses this week.

Jill Glencross, who runs an independent funeral directors in Carlisle, is a patron of Carlisle Youth Zone and she held a “Seeing is Believing” night on Tuesday so that Cumbrian businesses could see why she is such an ardent supporter.

The open day was attended by a therapeutic counselling business, Busy Bee Cleaning, Stay Safe Carlisle, Caldew Cleaning Services and more.

Lynsey Buckle, development manger at Carlisle Youth Zone, said: “It was a recruitment event essentially. What we try and do with anyone that hasn’t been in the building before is show them around, give them an opportunity to come in and get that guided tour.”

It has never been a better time to join the mission. Lynsey said: “We’re just celebrating our 10th year.”

Businesses who become a patron of Carlisle Youth Zone are helping to keep the centre open so that it can continue offering support and enrichment activities to young people in Carlisle.

Lynsey said: “What the youth need is somewhere to go and someone to talk to.

"The activities that can be run are even more important during the pandemic.

“We’re seeing a lot of negative impact on young people. Having a place they can be kids again has never been more important. That’s not just in Carlisle, that’s right across the country.”

She called on businesses to get involved in the important work.

“I think young people are getting further down the list of priorities. It’s amazing what local action can do.”