9th October 2015
Initial funding from Cumbria Community Foundation has helped the Northern Fells Group secure major funding to continue to run their Village Agents initiative in rural areas of Eden and Allerdale.
Big Lottery funding, totalling £175,270 will be drawn down over the next 5 years (October 2015 to September 2020) to consolidate the Northern Fells Group – Village Action Project – an initiative to provide 4 Village Agents, based in 4 villages, in the NGF’s catchment area and the popular Men in Sheds workshop and activities.
Northern Fells Group Village Agents
Village Agents work across the area, providing support to residents – linking them into other services, facilitating a wide range of social activities (including drop-ins, walking and singing groups and health promotional activities) and engaging them in oil syndicates, energy switch advice and other NFG services. The Men in Sheds Project runs a twice weekly woodwork session targeted on older men who may be retired, of ill health or socially isolated, bringing them together to share their practical skills and knowledge whilst creating a range of products including bird nesting boxes and Christmas decorations.
Jenny Bland, Chair of the Northern Fells Group commented: “We are delighted to receive this significant award from the Big Lottery Fund, which will ensure that we can continue to deliver and develop both our Village Agents and Men in Sheds projects.
Help for older people
These deliver essential services to older people by providing companionship, practical support and opportunities to engage in a range of community activities. This award will allow us to meet current and future demands, helping to combat rural social isolation and exclusion, alleviate deprivation, improve access to other services and enable older people to remain independent, living in their own homes.”
Funding the project
Matched funding for the Big Lottery grant has been awarded by The Joyce Wilkinson Trust and the Neighbourhood Care Independence Scheme funding, via Cumbria Community Foundation and the group’s own fundraising activities.
About the Northern Fells Group
The Northern Fells Group was launched in Caldbeck in 1999 by The Prince of Wales as one of his 3 Rural Revival Initiative Projects. It is a registered community charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Its catchment area is the 7 parishes of Boltons, Caldbeck, Castle Sowerby, Ireby with Uldale, Mungrisdale, Sebergham & Welton and Westward & Rosley.
The NFG also provides a community minibus, a Lend a Hand scheme, Benefits Support, a medical loan scheme and Easter and summer youth activities. It is supported by 97 volunteers and 11 part time staff.
More information
For more information contact Libby Graham, Fundraising Coordinator:
- libby.graham@northernfellsgroup.org.uk
- 079495 08860 or 016974 7147
- www.northernfellsgroup.org.uk