18th December 2025
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.”