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Grant funding supports South Lakeland charity to tackle effects of domestic abuse

Springfield Voices has received £8,820 through Cumbria Housing Partners Fund to support women affected by domestic abuse to restore their self-confidence and move on into education, training and employment.

Founded in 1915 as The Westmorland Association for Social and Moral Welfare the charity, based in South Lakeland, has positively transformed the lives of hundreds of women and their families for over a century and continues to do so today.

Angela Speak, Springfield Community Services Manager, says: “We are so grateful to Cumbria Housing Partners for their support. The grant is being used to fund our ’Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It’ and ’WISH’ (Women in Safe Hands) recovery programmes designed to support clients overcome the devastating after-effects of suffering domestic abuse at the hands of someone they loved and trusted.

“Clients often have an overwhelming loss of self-confidence and trust in other people; this can be a huge issue when applying for jobs. The programmes include support with CV writing and interview techniques as well as money management and life skills. By working in small groups, in a safe environment, we are able to help them start to rebuild their lives and return to a healthy, active life as part of their community whether through volunteering, employment or study.”

Alan Sandey, the Chair of Employment and Skills Group for Cumbria Housing Partners, said: “Cumbria Housing Partners is delighted to support Springfield Voices. This is a vital service that supports communities in which all the partners work for the benefit of everyone in Cumbria. At the core of Cumbria Housing Partners is supporting social value through collaboration and we look forward supporting further worthwhile projects in the coming months and years”

The Cumbria Housing Partners Fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, provides grants of up to £10,000 to community and voluntary organisations running projects aimed at improving people’s employability or education.

Annalee Holliday, Grants & Donor Services Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The fund offers a great opportunity to support projects led by community groups and smaller charities that are making a real difference to improve the lives of local people.”

Grants of up to £500 are also available to individuals aged 16 or over who wish to undertake work-based education or training to improve their employability. Activities which provide advice and guidance, support and engage people in their local community, and improve community facilities will also be considered.