Carlisle Skills Fair generates funds for youth projects

The funds were evenly split between the Rock Youth Project and Carlisle Youth Zone.

John Stevenson MP, organiser of the fair, said: “We are extremely lucky in Carlisle to have not one but two excellent youth projects.

"One of the primary aims of the Carlisle Skills Fair is to allow young people to see the kind of careers that are available now and in the future in Carlisle and help them gain the skills necessary to be successful in applying for jobs.

"I am delighted to support both of these registered charities, which do wonderful, targeted work with young people in Carlisle. “

Hannah, a youth worker at the Rock, expressed her gratitude for the aid.

She said: "The skills fair for young people and the donation which we received from the skills fair allows us to support vulnerable young people in the community, by providing access to a safe space, trusted youth workers and free fun activities to socialise and be young people.

"All this wouldn't be possible without continued support. “

The Rock Youth Project received a share of £800 (Image: John Stevenson MP)

Fiona, the deputy CEO at Carlisle Youth Zone, echoed Hannah's sentiments, explaining how instrumental the skills fair is as a citywide annual event.

She said: "It’s essential that as a city and county we come together to raise awareness of the excellent opportunities Carlisle and Cumbria has to offer across so many sectors as well as raising the aspirations of our young people.

"The young people walking through our doors each day need to know we are all behind them, not against them, and events such as this are one way to demonstrate this.

"As a benefactor of the Skills Fair Dinner raffle we thank everyone who contributed for their generous donations which will go directly back in to the work we do in Carlisle Youth Zone and supporting the 1,000 young people we see each week, 52 weeks of the year."