A Cumbrian construction giant is launching a new fund to tackle poverty, provide skills and training, and promote wellbeing in local communities.

Flimby-based Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd, incorporating award winning Washington Homes, will support projects making a difference in the areas where it operates across Cumbria.

Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the Thomas Armstrong Construction Community Fund will give grants of up to £2,000 to not-for-profit organisations in communities near their head office and sites where they and Washington Homes operate. These currently include Flimby, Workington, Maryport, Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Gilcrux, Millom, Moor Row, Penrith and Wigton.

Organisations should be working to create opportunities for people to escape poverty, providing skills, education, and training to help individuals achieve their full potential, or promoting better health.

Philip Hoyles, Deputy Managing Director of Thomas Armstrong Construction, said: “At Thomas Armstrong Construction, we are keen to forge stronger links with our communities.

“Establishing the Community Fund is our way of giving back to the areas where we live and work, supporting local projects that make a real difference to people’s lives. This initiative reflects our commitment to social responsibility and our desire to help create a positive, lasting impact across Cumbria.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, said: “We’re delighted that Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd have chosen to create a fund with Cumbria Community Foundation. For more than 25 years, we’ve been the trusted philanthropic partner of businesses who want to give back to the communities they serve.

“We have a deep understanding of the county’s needs and look forward to ensuring this money makes the biggest difference possible.”

To find out whether your organisation or project might be eligible to apply for a grant, or to apply, go to the fund page.

Priority will be given to projects that improve the lives of children and families in need of extra support; offer inclusive activities and reduce isolation; promote better mental health and wellbeing; or build stronger, more resilient communities.

For more information, contact Grants and Programmes Officer Lisa Blackwell on 01900 820828 or email lisa@cumbriafoundation.org.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through more than 100 grant making funds set up by generous businesses, individuals and families.

To find out more about setting up a fund and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

What is the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund?    

Between January 2023 and March 2025, the Know Your Neighbourhood (KYN) Fund invested up to £30 million to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England.

Between January 2023 March 2025, UK Community Foundations (UKCF) managed £15 million of funding, delivered through nine participating community foundations.

Originally scheduled to end in March 2025, in April 2025 the KYN Fund was extended to run until March 2026, with up to an additional £4.5 million of funding, of which UK Community Foundations managed £2.3 million.

Between January 2023 and March 2026, nine community foundations distributed a total of 190 grants between January 2023 and March 2026 to local community-led projects supporting volunteering, social connection and community cohesion.

The programme engaged a total of 144,632 participants across its funding streams.

Local delivery through Cumbria Community Foundation

As part of this national partnership, Cumbria Community Foundation distributed £1,716,000 in grant funding to support community‑led activity in Barrow‑in‑Furness, with a strong focus on volunteering, connection and community participation.

This included the Furness for You project, led by Groundwork, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s The Bay project. Furness for You is a place‑based programme designed to strengthen community connections, support local people to get involved in shaping activity in their neighbourhoods, and enable voluntary and community organisations to work together to respond to local priorities.

Delivery partners include Age UK South Cumbria, Brathay Trust, Barrow Leisure Centre, Barrow & District Disability Association, Cumbria CVS, Furness Multicultural Forum, the Poverty Truth Commission, Stitch Ability and Women’s Community Matters.

Independent report shares learning from successful approaches

A key focus of the KYN Fund has been to generate and share learning on how people in disadvantaged areas can be supported to volunteer and improve their social connections, which will help to support sustained action beyond the lifetime of the fund.

This independent report explores evaluation findings from KYN Fund delivery between January 2023 and March 2025.

It found that the KYN Fund successfully engaged people new to volunteering. Over half of volunteers (52%) reported they were volunteering for the first time through KYN‑funded activity.

Disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions were strongly represented. Nearly half of participants (48%) reported a long‑term disability or health condition, compared to 18% nationally.

The evaluation also found that the KYN Fund created conditions that supported participation by people at higher risk of chronic loneliness. ‘14% of participants reported feeling lonely often or always, compared to 7% nationally.’

At the same time, the evaluation highlights limits in how loneliness can be measured, noting that ‘there are recognised limitations in measuring loneliness which mean it can be challenging to capture impact in this area.’

Learning from the programme points to the importance of flexible, sustained funding approaches when working with communities experiencing chronic loneliness. The evaluation highlights the value of flexible delivery, sufficient setup time and multi‑year approaches to building trust and engagement.

The evaluation also identifies the role of place‑based delivery and local partnerships in supporting engagement and positive local outcomes. Local knowledge, trusted relationships and partnerships supported participation and were associated with improved feelings of belonging and neighbourhood connection. ‘Local partnerships, trusted relationships and community‑based assets were central to engaging participants.’

The report offers recommendations around recruitment and community engagement, project delivery and collaboration and evaluation approaches, which can be found online here.

Reports supported by UKCF throughout the KYN Fund can be found online here.

Charity workers and volunteers from across Cumbria were thanked at an award ceremony last week, recognising their tireless efforts to enhance and enrich their local communities.

Representatives from nine community and non-profit organisations were invited to the High Sheriff Award ceremony at Brougham Hall, Penrith on Thursday 12 March.

The awards are part of the High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. They publicly recognise both charities and individual volunteers who help improve their communities.

The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Dr Geoff Jolliffe, has travelled around the county visiting many charities and voluntary organisations throughout his year of office, which comes to an end this month.

He said: “It’s been humbling to meet these groups and individuals, to see the brilliance of their work and to be able to recognise and thank them on behalf of all Cumbrians for their outstanding contributions to the county. I recognise just a few of those today with the High Sheriff Awards.

“I want to be clear that so many could have been winners – the breadth and depth of activity I have witnessed is outstanding.”

The High Sheriff chose nine organisations to receive a certificate and grant funding totalling £8,070.

County Chair Abigail Graham, Vice Chair Hector Meanwell and Eden Valley YFC member Jade Pearson received the award on behalf of Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Abigail said: “It has been truly inspiring to hear about all the incredible work happening within our communities and we were honoured to receive recognition for the contribution our young farmers make within the county.”

Emma Wells accepted the award on behalf of Unseen Victims, which provides support and assistance to the loved ones of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. She said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to receive this award this year. It means a great deal to have the High Sheriff recognise the often-overlooked impact that crime has on indirect victims, and the importance of supporting those whose lives are affected beyond the immediate incident.

James Cobbold, Director of Raise Collective, said: “We’re honoured to receive this award because it recognises the contribution neurodivergent people are making to environmental work in Cumbria, and the importance of creating spaces where different ways of thinking and experiencing the world are valued. It is a credit to the hard work of the Raise team and to the partners, landowners and communities who are helping to grow the Cumbria Community Forest.”

Recognition

“This recognition reinforces our commitment to continuing our work in raising awareness and providing support to those who are too often unseen.”

Three organisations received the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield.

The first went to 4Eden, a Penrith-based charity that provides coaching, support and services for people throughout the Eden Valley, specialising in learning disability, neurodiversity and additional learning needs.

The second shield was awarded to Camp JoJo, which provides fully adapted camping breaks near Appleby for families of children with complex and life-limiting needs.

Greengate Junior School in Barrow also received the High Sheriff’s Shield for their work with neurodiverse children.

Lexie Gager-Liebhart of Whamos, one of the 2025 recipients of the High Sheriff’s Shield, gave an update on their year since winning. She said: “Receiving the High Sheriff Award last year meant a great deal to us. Not just as recognition, but as validation. It showed us that the work happening quietly in our community matters. That small teams, local people, and grassroots effort can make a real difference.

“Much of community work goes unseen. It is early mornings, late evenings, difficult conversations, and constant problem-solving. The award gave us visibility. It opened doors to partnerships and opportunities that may not have happened otherwise. It helped us show others that community-led work has real impact.”

The High Sheriff’s Chaplain, Debbie Wilde, also addressed the winners.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “At Cumbria Community Foundation, the High Sheriff Award ceremony is one of the highlights of our year. It’s wonderful to get together so many charity workers and volunteers to thank them for all they do, week in, week out.

“There are so many incredible voluntary and non-profit organisations working at the heart of our communities, and this is an opportunity for them to receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

Before the award ceremony and lunch, the High Sheriff officially reopened Brougham Hall. The 14th century hall was bought last year by a group of artists who had workshops there and now operates as a social enterprise.

The winners:

Shield and £1,390 grant:

• 4Eden
• Camp JoJo
• Greengate Junior School

Certificate and £650 grant:

• Emma Wells, of Unseen Victims CIC
• St Mary’s Hospice therapists
• Jade Clifford, of iCan Wellbeing Group
• Raise Collective
• Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs
• Cumbria police cadets and their trainers

Jobseekers in West Cumbria are receiving a helping hand to find work, thanks to grant funding totalling more than £40,000.

The Programme and Project Partners (PPP) Social Impact Fund – managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and funded by Kellogg Brown and Root Ltd, Amentum Clean Energy Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock Ltd – was set up last year.

It aims to enable access to educational and training activities that raise career aspirations; support individuals in becoming “work ready”; facilitate entry into meaningful employment; and remove barriers to employment and economic participation.

Since then, £42,520 has been awarded to projects across West Cumbria.

Social enterprise Time to Change West Cumbria (TTC) has received £10,000 to support individuals seeking work. The funding could provide a bicycle or bus pass for travel to work trials, a CSCS card needed to work on a construction site, or other essential equipment.

Rachel Holliday, TTC Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be awarded £10,000 from the PPP Social Impact Fund to continue to help local people in need in our area. So many people are struggling financially with the cost of living crisis and are just not able to make ends meet. By supporting people into work and helping them sustain their employment, we can help many people move towards a better life and a brighter future.”

People First Independent Advocacy has been awarded £10,000 towards funding a Job Coach to support staff with learning disabilities and/or autism at Harbour Place Community Cafe in Workington.
Revive Furniture Recycling has received £10,000 towards the cost of delivering a community training and employment project to residents in Copeland who are NEET, unemployed, or facing multiple barriers.

And Whamos Training and Development in Millom has been awarded £2,520 to cover staff costs for delivering one-to-one and small-group sessions in Digital Skills, English, Maths, Life Skills and Employability.

Last year £10,000 was awarded to Goodlives, a charity that runs training centres for adults facing long-term unemployment, social exclusion or poor mental health, in Cleator Moor and at West Lakes Science Park, near Whitehaven. The grant helped to fund a Project Trainer to provide support for adults to improve their skills and self-confidence and help with their job search.

Partnership

The PPP is a 20-year partnership established by Sellafield Ltd in 2019 to deliver major infrastructure projects. Other businesses have now stepped forward to contribute to the fund, seeing the impact it is having in transforming lives in West Cumbria.

Global AI-powered digital transformation leader Atos, which has a base in Whitehaven, has donated £5,072 to the fund. Phil Lazell, Account Director at Atos said, “As a business with roots here in West Cumbria, we strongly believe in supporting the local community. We’re delighted to be able to help the team at PPP in the vital work they do, removing barriers for people to get back into meaningful and fulfilling work.”

Bauer Technologies has contributed £500 to the fund.

The PPP Social Impact Fund is also open to applications from individuals, particularly those facing complex barriers to employment or living in areas of high deprivation.

Grants of up to £2,000 are available for individuals aged 18 and over, living in the former boroughs of Allerdale and Copeland. Applicants must have the backing of a recognised professional, such as a support worker or teaching professional.

Steve Harnwell, PPP managing director, said: “I’m delighted to see our latest grants being awarded to such a mix of amazing community organisations. Each is doing incredible work investing in skills, training and giving people the confidence to pursue meaningful work.

“Our Social Impact Fund helps them to deliver this vital work by removing barriers to employment and creating opportunities that make a lasting difference to people’s lives.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to work with Partnership and Project Partners to ensure this funding reaches those who need it most. We know many people in West Cumbria face significant barriers to securing employment and this fund is making a real difference, providing practical support where it is most needed.”

Find out more about the fund.

For further information on applying to the fund, please contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6 million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 100 grant making funds set up by generous businesses, individuals and families.

To find out more about setting up a fund or becoming a member and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

Ten young entrepreneurs with brilliant business ideas from software development to gutter cleaning have been accepted onto an exciting programme to help them bring their plans to life.

The young people, aged between 14 and 21 from across West Cumbria, have been chosen to take part in the Positive Enterprise programme, run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP).

They will each receive a £1,000 grant, plus workshops, expert advice, mentoring and the opportunity to shadow local entrepreneurs.

Each participant will also be paired with an experienced businessperson to act as a mentor and guide them through highs and lows of running their own business.

This is the fourth year of the programme, which will also run in the Furness area for the first time this year. The West Cumbria launch took place at LEVELS in Whitehaven, where participants and their families, mentors and organisers had chance to get to know each other and hear about previous success stories.

Business ideas this year include furniture reupholstering, buying and selling vintage sports memorabilia, software development, and gutter maintenance.

Aiden Gill, 15, of Dearham, has been selected to take part with his idea of creating a new fragrance. He said: “I’m most looking forward to trying new things. I’ve done some research into making a fragrance and this programme seems like a really good opportunity to give it a go.”

Chloe Pennington took part in Positive Enterprise in 2024 to develop her business, Chloes Chateau. She sells original art and gifts, transforming her own brightly coloured, hand-drawn artwork showing scenes from West Cumbria and beyond into prints, mugs and other giftware.

Chloe gave her advice to this year’s participants: “Take every opportunity; you don’t know where it will lead. If it’s not working for you – pivot. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The experience itself is worth much more than the money.”

The programme is funded by Sellafield Ltd, through the Transforming West Cumbria programme, Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd, the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund, and a private donor.

Stuart McCourt, Social Impact Manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We always look forward to the launch of the new Positive Enterprise cohorts each year. Meeting the new participants and seeing the passion behind their ideas was fantastic. The success of previous beneficiaries proves the programme’s impact – helping young entrepreneurs get started and giving them the tools to build sustainable, growing businesses.”

The programme is delivered by CforLP. Project Lead Rhianna Smith said: “At the very start of this year’s Positive Enterprise programme, we’re already seeing a diverse group of young people bringing forward a broad and creative range of business ideas that reflect their different experiences, interests and ambitions. Positive Enterprise doesn’t just focus on the business outcomes, the real impact is long-term – supporting participants to build confidence, resilience and essential skills that shape their futures.

“Now in its fourth year, the programme continues to support alumni beyond delivery, helping them apply what they’ve learned as they move into education, employment or self-employment. It’s a privilege to be part of another year supporting young people as they take their first steps on that journey.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Positive Enterprise has a fantastic track record of delivering practical support and advice to young people starting out in business. There are so many success stories from the first three years of the programme – not only in terms of the number of businesses still going from strength to strength, but the confidence and life skills it has given those taking part.

“Positive Enterprise really does have a transformational effect on the lives of the young people taking part, and we are very grateful to the funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”

For more information visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/positive-enterprise/

A group of kind-hearted Brownies from near Carlisle have raised thousands of pounds to help vulnerable older people stay warm in winter – and they aren’t finished yet!

Since 2013, 1st Wetheral Brownies have supported Cumbria Community Foundation’s annual Winter Warmth Appeal, which gives out vital grants to older people to keep them warm and well through the colder months.

The Brownies have held a sponsored sleepout every winter at chilly spots across Cumbria, including Naworth Castle, Netherby Hall, Wetheral Priory Gatehouse and even in tents, on the shores of Windermere.

So far they have raised more than £12,000 – and this week they will be digging out their thermals and doing it all again.

Twenty Brownies and Young Leaders from 1st Wetheral will be joined by 10 Brownies and Guides from Hayton to spend the night in a tipi near Brampton. This year’s theme is a Native American Adventure, and the girls have been making dream catchers and totem poles in preparation.

Their leader Janice Brown, AKA Tawny Owl, explained: “We have been learning about Native American culture, in preparation for our sponsored sleepout this week. The girls have made dream catchers and lanterns, and we’ve been practising our campfire songs and tracking skills, which we will try out in the woods.

She explained why the Brownies support the Winter Warmth Appeal each year, which last winter gave out more than £270,000 in grants, benefitting 1,570 vulnerable older people across the county.

“Sleeping out in the cold gives the Brownies a real understanding of what life must be like for older people who can’t afford to heat their homes in winter. So while we always have a lot of fun, the girls know the serious reason for the campaign and do their best to raise as much in sponsorship as possible. They love that the money helps older people in need right here in Cumbria.”

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, will be visiting the Brownies at their camp to thank them for their incredible fundraising efforts. He said: “We have been running the Winter Warmth Appeal since 2010 and have raised more than £3m since then. I can honestly say there have been no more dedicated fundraisers in that time than our Brownie friends from Wetheral, and their wonderful volunteer leaders and helpers.

“Unfortunately, the need for the appeal is as great as ever. Every winter, as many as 500 older people in Cumbria die because they cannot afford to heat their homes and eat properly.

“Donations and fundraising by kind-hearted Cumbrians such as the Brownies mean older people won’t have to make the impossible choice of whether to heat their homes or put food on the table.”

The Winter Warmth Appeal is open for donations until March.

How to donate

Donate online: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2025
Donate by phone: Call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Donate by post: 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.

Thanks to Special Event Tipis, Shake, Waffle and Roll, Darren Morgan of Talkin Adventures and Border Group Ltd for supporting the Brownies’ sleepout.

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.