The incredible work of local charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises involved in Transforming West Cumbria has been recognised nationally, with the programme winning two prestigious awards.

Funded through the Sellafield Ltd Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation, Transforming West Cumbria is a £6.5 million social investment initiative. It is designed to tackle the reasons behind poor health, low incomes and low skills amongst West Cumbria’s most disadvantaged people. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported hundreds of local groups and thousands of individuals and families, creating lasting change for people experiencing mental ill health, improving financial wellbeing, and the health and wellbeing of children living in poverty.

This team effort was named Social Value Initiative of the Year at the Institute of Economic Development Awards and won the Social Impact category at the Institute for Collaborative Working Awards. Earlier this year, it also received the Partnership Award at Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster Awards and was highly commended in the Grant Making category at the national Charity Awards.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received such clear recognition of the value of the Transforming West Cumbria programme, both locally and on the national stage this year.

“These awards celebrate the passion and commitment of everyone involved – from frontline charities and skilled volunteers to expert mentors, match funders, and steering group members. Transforming West Cumbria is a true team effort, responding to local needs and driving real, lasting change.

Huge team effort

“Thanks to Sellafield Ltd’s significant investment and input, we have been able to co-create and deliver this programme with a range of voluntary, community and social enterprise partners. Transforming West Cumbria is a huge team effort.”

Tracey West, Head of Social Impact at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We know that Transforming West Cumbria has had wide-ranging, lasting impact on local communities since it was launched in 2020, as confirmed by the independent mid-programme evaluation. This success is down to the strength of our delivery partners. Their work has transformed lives and communities, and these awards are a testament to that collective impact.”

The Foundation has also been honoured for further partnership working this year. The Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal Partnership was named Fundraising Feat of the Year at the Cumbria Life Awards, while Age Friendly South Lakeland, which the Foundation helped to set up, was highly commended in the Organisation Champion category at the Diverse Cumbria Awards

Cumbria Community Foundation Chief Executive, Andy Beeforth OBE, said: “All of the awards we have won and been shortlisted for this year demonstrate our depth of knowledge and the difference we have made in supporting vulnerable people. It is a privilege to be able to receive the generosity of local people and businesses and then to direct that money to where it is needed most. We couldn’t do this without the passion and commitment of the charities, social enterprises and volunteers in our communities.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team, and proud of the trust people across Cumbria place in us to deliver life-changing work. These awards are for all the people we have had the honour of working with, supporting and championing this year.”

This is the final week when donations to the Winter Warmth Appeal will be doubled £1 for £1.

Cumbria Community Foundation runs the annual appeal to help vulnerable older people stay warm through the winter months. It has raised £3m since it was first launched in 2010.

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.

Eighty-year-old Pat has received a grant for the past five years. She said: “I’m extremely grateful. I need warmth to stay healthy, like many people of my age do. I have these worn-out jumpers that I’ve worn in the wintertime, that have really had it. So I wear them in bed now.”

For the past few weeks, the Foundation has been running a match funding challenge, meaning 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, Nuclear Waste Services, Roseland Trust, Sellafield Ltd, SP Electricity North West, WCF Ltd, Westmorland & Furness Council and private donors.

All donations received by 5pm this Friday, 19 December, will be doubled.

Ecological Building Systems, of Carlisle, has once again donated to the appeal. Marketing Executive Nuria de la Guía said: “This initiative holds real meaning for us. As a company dedicated to providing sustainable building systems and technical support for low-energy projects, we care deeply about helping our local community stay safe and warm through the colder months. Contributing to this appeal is a small way we can give back and support those who need it most.”

And James Walker and Co Ltd of Cockermouth has also donated. Site Director Mark Rosser said: “James Walker and Co Ltd are proud to support the Winter Warmth Appeal because we believe everyone deserves to stay safe and warm during the colder months. Rising energy costs and harsh winter conditions can put vulnerable individuals at risk, and by contributing to this fund, we are helping to provide essential warmth and comfort to those who need it most. Supporting this initiative reflects our commitment to caring for our community and making a positive difference where it matters.”

Upper Eden Rotary Club has donated £400 from the proceeds of their Christmas raffle and many older people who have received the Winter Fuel Payment from the Government have kindly decided to pass this on to our appeal, feeling others need it more than they do.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Once again we have been absolutely blown away by the generosity of businesses, individuals and community groups. Every single donation will make a difference to the lives of older people in Cumbria, meaning they don’t have to choose between heating and eating this winter.

“I’d urge anyone who has been thinking of donating but hasn’t got around to it yet to do so this week, to ensure your donation is matched £1 for £1 by our amazing match funding champions.”

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.

A West Cumbrian business is backing a fundraising campaign aimed at tackling the region’s growing mental health crisis.

Global AI-powered digital transformation leader Atos, which has a base in Whitehaven, is the first business to pledge support for the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge.

West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership (WCMHP) was launched in 2021 as part of the Transforming West Cumbria social investment programme, funded by Sellafield Ltd through its Social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Since then, more than 20 charitable organisations have been funded to deliver accessible, low-level mental health services that prevent mental ill health and promote emotional wellbeing. Over 6,500 adults and 2,200 children and young people have already benefited from this support.

Now, the Community Foundation is running a match funding challenge, giving other businesses, community fundraisers and individuals the opportunity to step up and help sustain these essential services.

Sellafield Ltd has pledged a match funding pot of £200,000 to support future mental health service delivery. For every pound donated to the appeal, Sellafield Ltd will match it £1 for £1, offering businesses, groups and individuals the opportunity to make double the difference.

Atos is the first business to rise to the challenge, donating £4,000 to the appeal.

Atos Client Executive Partner to Sellafield, Leigh Seaman, said: “Atos are really proud to be the first business supporter of the Match Funding Challenge, as we recognise the huge impact mental health has in the workplace and the wider community.

“It is an honour to be able to support charities who are doing so much to help people with mental health challenges in West Cumbria. With a large local team, we can be sure that their vital work in some way touches our colleagues, alongside thousands of others across the region.”

Voluntary sector organisations are at the heart of delivering mental health services in West Cumbria, and their work is vital to building community resilience and reducing stigma. Cumbria Community Foundation oversees the WCMHP, while Groundwork North East & Cumbria lead on the adult and youth mental health service delivery and coordinate bringing wider mental health providers together.

Organisations funded to deliver services include Always Another Way, Citizens Advice Allerdale, Citizens Advice Copeland, Cumbria Youth Alliance, Mind in Furness, Together We and the Windmill Trust.

Support for those struggling comes in many forms, from one-to-one counselling and physical activities such as walking groups, to tailored sessions for those recovering from abuse and addiction.

Carlianne’s story

West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership funds support for care experienced young people through Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA).

Carlianne, now 21, was in the care system for eight years. Working with Claire Price, In Care and Leaving Care Project Manager at CYA, has given her the confidence to move into her own flat and undertake work experience placements.

“I didn’t want to really speak to Claire at first,” Carlianne said. “But now she has brought the confidence out in me.

“They’ve also helped me with my ups and downs. I was going through a hard time through loss – I lost someone really close to me. Not just meeting me once a week but messaging me every day, when I’ve not wanted to get out of bed.”

Claire Price said: “A lot of care experienced young people have massive trust issues. I would be very, very surprised if I met a young person that’s been in the care system that said to me, ‘I don’t have any issues with my mental health’.

“They lack confidence in themselves and our job is to boost that confidence, build their self-esteem and give them belief that they can do whatever they want.”

How to help

There are several ways you can support the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge:
• Donate online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/wcmh-match-funding-challenge
• Make a donation by telephone by calling 01900 825760. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Send a cheque, payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN. Please write ‘West Cumbria Mental Health’ on the back of the cheque.
• Organise a fundraising event – see our Fundraising Guide for inspiration.

Transforming West Cumbria, led by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, has been honoured as Social Value Initiative of the Year at the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards 2025.

The awards, which were hosted at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 25 November following the iED Annual Conference, Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities, celebrate achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.

This year saw a record-breaking number of entries across seven categories, and shortlisted nominations were assessed by an expert judging panel in September.

The Social Value Initiative of the Year award, which this year was sponsored by The Growth Company, recognises projects, teams or individuals which have championed and made a significant contribution to social value creation, developing best practice in their field and making positive impacts in their communities.

The partners’ submission detailed how Transforming West Cumbria, a £6.5 million place-based five-year social investment programme co-created by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, has addressed the root causes of disadvantage across West Cumbria and generated exceptional social value. Success is not only measured in numbers but in lives changed, futures secured, and communities strengthened.

iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards honouring achievements across the public and private sectors, said: “Our judges praised Transforming West Cumbria as a benchmark for place-based social investment. Co-created by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, the programme exemplifies strategic vision, deep collaboration, and measurable impact. With £19.9 million in social value generated, it addresses disadvantage through innovative, thematic delivery, empowers communities across generations, and serves as a replicable model of inclusive growth. This benchmark initiative in social value demonstrates how strategic design, inclusive delivery, and measurable outcomes can transform lives and communities.”

Tracey West, Head of Social Impact, Sellafield Ltd, commented: “We are honoured that the Transforming West Cumbria programme has been recognised nationally by the Institute of Economic Development in the ‘Social Value Initiative of the Year’ award category. Co-created with Cumbria Community Foundation, we know that the programme has had wide-ranging, lasting impact on local communities since it was launched in 2020, as confirmed by the independent mid-programme evaluation. The programme has directly supported hundreds of local organisations and thousands of individuals and families, achieving significant outcomes in mental health support, financial wellbeing, early years development and many, many more areas. We are grateful for the support of all our delivery partners who have helped make Transforming West Cumbria such a success.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, Cumbria Community Foundation, shared: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the iED’s Social Value Initiative of the Year award for the Transforming West Cumbria programme. Thanks to Sellafield Ltd’s significant investment we have been able to co-create and deliver the programme with a range of voluntary, community and social enterprise partners. Our collaborative approach has ensured that Transforming West Cumbria has remained responsive to community’s needs, whilst bringing about real and lasting change. Importantly this prestigious award recognises the work and passions of everyone involved, from those delivering key services, skilled volunteers, expert mentors to match funders and steering group members.”

iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock commented: “When we first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, our ambition was clear: to recognise excellence – individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in economic development across the UK. Every year since, the quality, innovation and commitment displayed has been extraordinary, and this year is no exception.

“Shortlisting the finalists was no easy task for our judges. My congratulations go to all those who were shortlisted, to each of our winners, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. Their work showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of economic development in action – precisely what these awards exist to celebrate. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, along with new colleagues, to share in this special evening.”