Month: November 2025
Search launched for the best young business brains
The hunt is on for the best young business brains in Furness and West Cumbria – with £1,000 in funding awarded to those selected.
Positive Enterprise is a programme run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) to help people aged 14 to 25 go into business.
Successful applicants will be mentored by an experienced businessperson for six months, alongside workshops and coaching in business skills such as communication and leadership. They will also each receive £1,000 to spend on equipment, marketing or other business start-up costs.
The programme has run successfully for three years in West Cumbria and is now being extended to Furness for the first time. It is open to anyone aged between 14 and 25 living in the former districts of Allerdale, Copeland and Barrow, and in the wards of Broughton & Coniston, Furness Peninsula, Ulverston East and Ulverston West. Up to 20 places are available for the next intake, which will launch in January 2026.
The scheme is funded by Sellafield Ltd as part of its Transforming West Cumbria programme, Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd, the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund and individual donors including Jan Ambler.
Businesses which have been developed under the scheme so far include sustainable clothing brands, a football coaching company, art and craft producers, and self-care packages for people undergoing chemotherapy.
Thomas Henderson, 18, of Cockermouth took part this year with his garden maintenance business. He said: “The best thing about Positive Enterprise has been the opportunity to take an idea I care about and turn it into something real. Being surrounded by other ambitious young people and getting the chance to pitch my project made it feel like my ideas actually mattered. It gave me a huge confidence boost.
“Before this, I saw business mostly as a way to make money. Now I realise how powerful it can be as a tool for solving real problems and helping people. It’s shown me that business and social impact don’t have to be separate – they can actually work hand in hand.”
Rhianna Smith, Project Lead at the Centre for Leadership Performance, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the fourth year of Positive Enterprise, and especially proud to be extending the programme for the first time into both West Cumbria and Furness.
“At the Centre for Leadership Performance, supporting young entrepreneurs is a core part of our wider strategy to build enterprise skills, leadership and confidence at every age. Seeing these young people turn their ideas into real ventures is inspiring, and we’re delighted to be part of the next generation’s entrepreneurial journey.”
Fantastic track record
Key to the success of the programme is the recruitment of local businesspeople to act as mentors to the young entrepreneurs.
Georgina Goulding, owner of Bakes by Gina and Beach Road Bakehouse in St Bees, was a mentor this year, and has also taken on a Positive Enterprise participant from a previous year as a business administration apprentice.
She said she would highly recommend applying, both to young people and potential mentors. “It has been absolutely amazing taking part in this scheme and I really hope to be involved again in the future.”
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, encouraged both young people and potential mentors to consider applying.
She said: “The programme has a fantastic track record of helping young people fulfil their dreams and turn their business ideas into a reality. We’re so grateful for the support of our funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”
Two online information sessions will be held for anyone wanting to find out more about Positive Enterprise, on Wednesday 26 November and Wednesday 10 December, both 5.30pm to 6:30pm.
For more information, and to apply for a place or to be a mentor, go to https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/positive-enterprise/. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 9 January 2025.
Youth work heroes celebrated at Better Tomorrows Awards
Youth workers, youth projects and young volunteers from across Cumbria were celebrated at a new awards ceremony this week.
The Better Tomorrows Awards 2025 were created to shine a spotlight on those making a real difference to the lives of young people through youth work.
Awards were handed out to the Youth Worker of the Year, Youth Project of the Year, and Young Volunteer of the Year as part of the annual Better Tomorrows Youth Work Celebration Event at Carlisle Youth Zone
Better Tomorrows was launched by Cumbria Community Foundation in 2021 with the aim of substantially increasing the number of young people able to access quality youth work across Cumbria and increasing the number of trained youth workers.
So far, £2.5 million has been raised from more than 50 funders, enabling youth work for over 8,000 young people through 61 trained workers, 46 new jobs, 116 volunteers, and 22,230 hours of provision.
The event on 12 November brought together youth workers, young people, funders, and community organisations to celebrate the progress to date and hear about future plans.
Awards were handed out to winners chosen by a panel of young people from a longlist of nominations by members of the public. Each winner also received £500 toward their youth project or group.
Fourteen-year-old Evie Owen was named Young Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to Wigton Wombles, run by North Allerdale Development Trust. Evie has been volunteering for five years with the group, helping to run litter picks, craft sessions and other community projects.
She said: “I help the little ones if they’re struggling. To be nominated for Young Volunteer of the Year makes me feel really good. It was a big surprise to win. I just like helping the community.”
The award was sponsored by Mott MacDonald. Marc Goodwin, Senior Project Manager and Social Value Delivery Lead based in Cumbria, said: “We are passionate about the contribution being made to improve the lives of people in our communities by such purpose-driven young people. Such young people embody Mott MacDonald’s values because they too appreciate that every action and decision we take is connected to improving lives and delivering value to society. Those nominated inspire us by their insights, wisdom and compassion that many take a lifetime to master.”
Lindsey Atkinson, Community Engagement Producer at Tullie in Carlisle, was named Youth Worker of the Year. She said: “I work hard to reach out, break down barriers and always work on others’ terms. Collaboration is at the heart of it all and I love helping people to turn their amazing ideas into real experiences.
“I was really surprised to be nominated for this award. I’ll let the young people decide what to spend the prize money on – maybe a trip or a big party.”
The award was sponsored by Nuclear Waste Services. Samantha McKenzie, Principal Community Engagement Manager, said: “Nuclear Waste Services is proud to sponsor the Youth Worker of the Year category at this year’s Better Tomorrows Awards. We deeply value the dedication and impact of youth workers, whose tireless efforts are instrumental to the success of the programme and the positive change it brings to young people’s lives. Their role in helping young people realise their full potential is truly vital.
“It’s been a privilege to support Better Tomorrows since its inception in 2021 and have greatly enjoyed witnessing its growth and continued success.”
Shackles Off, based in Seascale, was named Youth Project of the Year. Operations Manager Joanne Pears said: “It’s so nice for the team to be recognised in this way. The whole reason we exist is for the young people so we’ll let them decide how to spend the £500.”
The award was sponsored by Dodd & Co. Partner Alison Johnston said: “Huge congratulations to all the inspiring winners. We were delighted to sponsor the Youth Project of the Year category, as supporting the new generation is something we truly value at Dodd & Co – it’s all about celebrating their incredible achievements and empowering young people to reach their full potential.”
Keynote speaker Andy Lloyd, Head of Quality and Standards at the National Youth Agency, shared valuable insights into national youth strategy development and celebrated the unparalleled impact of Better Tomorrows – pioneering a professional pathway that is redefining youth work and opening doors to meaningful careers with young people.
He said: “What’s happening here in Cumbria with youth work training is amazing, but that’s not the picture across the country. Nationally, two-thirds of the sector don’t have a recognised youth work qualification. Youth work as a profession is often overlooked and misunderstood.”
David Beeby, former Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and founder of the Better Tomorrows programme, said: “It’s so important to recognise the value of youth work. The feedback we have had from the newly trained youth workers, the young people they support and the organisations they work in tells us that Better Tomorrows is making a huge difference across the county.
“These awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible work happening across our communities – both paid and voluntary – to support and inspire young people.
“Congratulations to all of the winners, to those shortlisted and to everyone nominated – every one of you is a winner, as far as I’m concerned.”
As well as funding to pay for accredited youth work training, which is managed by Cumbria Youth Alliance, Better Tomorrows also offers multi-year grants of up to £75,000 to community organisations that set up or provide new youth work opportunities for local people.
More than 50 funders have contributed to the programme, including Cumbria Community Foundation, Francis Scott Trust, Four Acre Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, many local businesses and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
For more information about Better Tomorrows, and how to support it, contact Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.
Help older Cumbrians stay warm this winter – every pound doubled
As winter approaches and temperatures plummet, older people across Cumbria are sharing their fears of having to make an impossible choice: heat their homes or put food on the table.
Every winter, as many as 500 older people in Cumbria die because they cannot afford to heat their homes and eat properly.
Cumbria Community Foundation is calling on people to support its annual Winter Warmth Appeal, which has raised £3m since it was first launched in 2010.
Donate here
Money donated to the appeal is given out in grants to older people most in need, enabling them to stay warm without worrying about the cost.
Last year more than £270,000 was awarded in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefitting 1,570 vulnerable older people across the county.
“The cold affects my breathing”
John, 85, of Penrith, received a grant from the fund last year. He said: “The cold affects my breathing, and that’s when I start to get angina pains. My flat gets so cold, but I’ll sit here with three jumpers on and a blanket because I daren’t put the heating on.
“Last year I got a grant and it meant I knew I could put the heating on once it got really cold. It’s been a godsend, it really has. I’d like to say thank you very much, and ask everyone to donate if they can.”
Pat, 80, of Barrow, has received a grant for the past five years. She said: “I feel very fortunate to have received the grant.
“I have a health condition that means I need to stay warm. I need warmth to stay healthy, like many people of my age do. I’m very, very grateful to everybody that gives to the appeal.”
Christine, 72, of Carlisle, also received a grant last year. She explained what a difference the money made to her: “I have gas central heating but my bills have gone up so much, I worry about turning it on. I’m the coldest person on Earth! The warmest place is in bed, but you shouldn’t have to live like that.
“The grant makes a great difference. I can’t stress how much it helps to know you’ve got that money coming. It’s a lot of money to me. It’s a great help.”
“Less frightened to put your heating on”
Sheila, 70, of Workington, said: “It just makes you feel less frightened to put your heating on instead of putting on three dressing gowns. I have got emphysema and the dry air doesn’t help my breathing. So I like to heat the house through a few times a day rather than have it on all the time. The grant also made me more able to have hot meals.”
Cumbria Community Foundation is running a match funding challenge until Friday 19 December which means all donations to the appeal are matched £1 for £1. This is thanks to the generosity of match funding champions Allan Stobarts Lubricants & Fuels, Hadfield Trust, Harvey Family Fund, John Laing Charitable Trust, Johnson Fund, Sellafield Ltd, SP Electricity North West, Roseland Trust, WCF Ltd, Westmorland & Furness Council and private donors.
Karen Hunter, Customer Inclusion Manager at SP Electricity North West, said: “We’re proud to once again support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal, following the success of last year’s partnership.
“At SP Electricity North West, customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always seeking out meaningful partnerships that make a real difference in our communities.
“As a funding champion, we’ll be doubling donations £1 for £1 over a six-week period starting 10 November, up to a total of £20,000. We hope this inspires both new and returning donors to get involved, knowing their generosity will go twice as far.”
Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We know this winter is going to be incredibly hard for many older vulnerable members of our community who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.
“We’d like to say an enormous thank you to all of our match funding champions whose generosity means that anyone donating to our appeal before 19 December will make double the difference.
“We are proud to have helped thousands of older people since the appeal began in 2010, but the need has not gone away. Please donate to the appeal if you can to ensure older people don’t have to choose between heating and eating this winter.”
How to donate
Donate online at:
https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2025
To donate by phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Please make cheques payable to Cumbria Community Foundation, writing ‘Winter Warmth Fund’ on the back, and send to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN.