Carlisle Youth Zone has been given £10,000 to help youngsters cook up a storm this winter.
The donation from the National Highways Social Value Fund has helped the organisation buy vital kitchen equipment including ovens and freezers as the charity provides its Winter Warm Zone for young people again this winter.
National Highways became aware of the support work the charity undertakes as part of its delivery of the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project.
Mark Bellew, senior communications manager at National Highways, said: “Working with the charity they explained how they were in desperate need of fridge freezers, dishwashers and cooking equipment.
“The fact that so many young people rely on CYZ, sometimes as a getaway from a troubled home life, and due to the cost-of-living crisis, really tugged at our heartstrings. We felt this was a really good, worthy cause for us to provide some much-needed help.
“Visiting the charity, you can clearly see how it will benefit them. The social value fund is about giving back to the community and supplying a legacy. It’s not just about building a road; it’s about being a good neighbour and helping people in their time of need.”
Fiona Fergus, business support and operations manager at CYZ, said: “We have a commercial kitchen, and the young people pay just £1 for a meal, subsidised by the charity. Last year we provided a Winter Warm Zone to provide young people with somewhere to come and enjoy a hot meal and served 8,000 meals in total.
“The donation has helped with the purchase of new ovens and freezers to help us continue delivering meals and offer the Winter Warm Zone again this year.
“We first launched this scheme last year in response to the cost of living crisis and while not in the news as much this year, the struggle is still there for so many families. This will support them through the coldest time.”
This year’s Winter Warm Zone began providing meals this month and the initiative will continue until the end of March.
Funds left over have been spent on buying a karaoke machine, disco lights and a huge television, while the young people themselves were given the opportunity to buy another item, voting to purchase Vlogging Gear.
“Giving young people the chance to choose something themselves means they take responsibility and pride in the process too,” added Fiona.
The donation has also helped with the purchase of an Owl video conference system, allowing the young people to connect with other youth zones across the country.
Fiona said: “The conferencing system enables young people to broaden their horizons and is so beneficial and a huge step on from them having to share a single laptop.”
