Andy Beeforth OBE and a group of leading Cumbrian’s slept above Stickle Tarn in the Langdale valley to raise awareness of Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund. The group had hoped to sleep on the aptly named Cold Pike but ice and snow on Wrynose pass made it dangerous to ascend from 3 Shires Stone.

Andy said: “The camaraderie provided by everyone made it a very special trip.” He added “We have up to two months of cold weather ahead of us so ask if people will please continue to donate to support the appeal?”

The ice on tents and bivvy bags proved that temperatures dropped below freezing. It was particularly cold for Nuclear Management Partner’s Gary McKeating who, along with Andy Beeforth chose to forego tents and slept under the stars in bivvy bags. Gary said “We’re very fortunate to be choosing to sample the cold and discomfort. Sadly for many people choosing between heating and eating is a daily decision”.

“The Winter Warmth Appeal has now raised £43,500 and we’ve already helped 120 older people with grants and expect that figure to rise to 300. We know from previous year’s appeals that this money saves lives – so our efforts are for a very good cause.”

Anyone can donate to Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund and the money raised will be given directly to those in need.

Donate Online http://www.justgiving.com/winterwarmthfund

Donate by Text – Simply send a text message to 70070 including our code WINT37  e.g. WINT37 £5 to 70070. You can donate £2, £5 or £10.

Donate by Cheque – Payable to: ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ and write ‘Winter Warmth’ on the back. Post to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.

For ideas on how people can stay safe and warm this winter and how you can help people in your community, click here.

Funded by Cumbria County Council and part of the Health and Social Wellbeing System, Place Based Prevention (PBP) is delivered through a partnership of third sector organisations who deliver a range of practical help and support for people living in the county. Support is provided by dedicated staff and volunteers to help customers maintain health and independence in their own home and community.

How does PBP work?
The PBP helplines act as one stop shops for independent information and advice. Where a customer could benefit from more assistance, we arrange a home visit by one of our Case Workers to provide face to face support and complete a holistic assessment of needs.

Who does PBP work with?
The PBP programme is for anyone in Cumbria who is aged 18 and over and needs help to deal with issues they are facing and wants support to improve their quality of life. Our Case Workers can help with a very wide range of issues including:

• General well-being – helping tackle feelings of depression or loneliness; feeling worried or struggling to relax; dealing with bereavement
• Income and employment – checking people are claiming all the benefits to which they are entitled, helping with money management
• Housing – help and advice for those who are struggling to manage their home or feel unsafe
• Social isolation – for those who feel unhappy with the level of contact they have with friends and family or who need help accessing local activities
• Leaving hospital – making sure people are safe and supported in the first few weeks after they leave hospital
• Health – reducing the risk of falling at home, general health advice and help with staying fit and active
• Aids and adaptations – equipment or minor adaptation needs in the home to help with mobility / daily living

How do people contact PBP?
If you live in Allerdale or Copeland, contact: Age UK West Cumbria
If you live in Barrow or South Lakeland, contact: Age UK South Lakeland
If you live in Carlisle or Eden, contact: Age UK Carlisle and Eden

PBP uses Compass in Cumbria – a ground breaking way of linking the third sector, Adult Social Care and Health. Click here to see the Compass eHub.

The Rivers Ride 2013 was launched on Sunday 10th February by inviting participants from last years event to take part in a gentle 10.6 mile ride, starting and finishing at Cockermouth School.

Those people who fundraised for the Foundation in 2012 also had the chance to collect their yellow jersey before heading out.

“Thank you for a lovely launch ride out and a most welcome cup of tea beforehand, and an even better one afterwards!” Chris Knox.

“Thanks for a great route. Perfect, if a little cold. Fingers & toes now fully defrosted.” Adrian North.

For more information, visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/riversride

Cumbria Community Foundation and Rather Be Cycling were there to assist with the ride.