The Salterbeck Youth Group, based at The Oval Centre, was launched last summer after housing association Riverside’s Communities and Livelihoods team carried out local consultation, alongside StreetGames and Active Cumbria.

Residents voiced a need for accessible, low-cost youth activities that combined sport, physical activity, and youth work.

Riverside Foundation responded to StreetGames’ application, by providing over £19,000 in funding to help bring the idea to life.

The funding enabled national charity StreetGames to deliver the programme in partnership with local organisation North Allerdale Development Trust (NADT).

Since then, the group has grown to nearly 100 registered young people, offering weekly sessions that include multi-sport, dance, rugby, yoga, and archery – designed to build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

In addition to their weekly sessions, NADT also coordinated a Community Litter Pick starting at the Oval Centre and had external organisations such as CADAS (Cumbria Addictions, Advice & Solutions) come in to deliver workshops.

The project has also helped build strong relationships between staff and young people, with early intervention and positive engagement already making a difference in the lives of participants.

Having secured £11,550 additional funding – including £8,000 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and £3,550 from Cumbria Community Foundation – NADT will now lead the programme independently for the next year, with spaces available for new participants to sign up.

Sessions will continue every Monday evening, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Sarah Mitten, Community Planning & Resilience Manager from Riverside said:

“This is a fantastic example of our neighbourhood planning model in action.

 “We listened to what residents told us, supported StreetGames in securing the funding, and worked with trusted partners to deliver something that’s now sustainable and community led. It’s exactly the kind of long-term impact we aim for.

“We know from feedback both the young people taking part and their guardians are really pleased with the group, with one attendee recently sharing how they loved it that much they ‘wished they could sleep at the Oval!’

“Knowing the difference it’s having, we want to say a huge thank you to the Riverside Foundation, StreetGames and NADT for their support in bringing this initiative to life.”

Hazel Waddington, Chair of The Riverside Foundation, added:

“The Riverside Foundation exists to fund projects that create lasting change.

“Hearing the incredible outcomes it has led to for local young people and their families, we’re pleased to have supported the introduction of the Salterbeck Youth Group to the estate. Its success demonstrates how targeted investment can empower communities to build something sustainable, meaningful, and long-term.”

Sandra Keaveney, CEO of NADT, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to be leading the Salterbeck Youth Group and continuing our support for local young people. This has been a true partnership from day one – working closely with Riverside, Street Games and Active Cumbria to create something that young people really value. To have over 100 young people already signed up, in such a short period of time has shown us first-hand the difference it’s making.

“This isn’t just about activities – it’s about building trusted relationships, boosting confidence, and giving young people a space where they feel safe, heard, and part of something. The group is already becoming a vital part of the community, and we’re excited to keep growing that impact and standing alongside young people as they navigate life’s challenges.”

For more information or to request a sign up form, please contact [email protected] or call 01946 834713.