Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) is inviting tenders from suitably qualified organisations to design and develop a new website, creating a modern and engaging platform that reflects its work and impact across the county.

As an independent, award-winning funder, CCF connects people who want to give with local communities in need. It manages more than 140 grant making funds and has awarded over £70 million to support thousands of groups and individuals across Cumbria.

The new website will play a vital role in showcasing this work, acting as a key window into the Foundation for donors, fundholders, charities and communities. It will highlight the impact of funding, demonstrate local need, and make it easy for people to take action – whether that’s making a donation, applying for funding or finding out more.

CCF is looking to work with a digital partner to create a site that is accessible, engaging and easy to navigate, with clear user journeys and strong storytelling about the difference funding makes across Cumbria.

Proposals are invited from organisations with experience of delivering similar projects, and should outline a clear and collaborative approach to design, development and delivery, along with ongoing support and maintenance.

Development of the new website is planned for autumn/winter 2026.

For more information about the opportunity, read the CCF Website Development Tender Brief.

For further details or to submit a proposal, email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

Closing date for applications: 10am, Monday 27 July 2026.

A community allotment, a village hub, and help for young people bereaved by suicide are among projects supported by a life-changing fund in its first year.

The Matson Ground Fund was founded by Alex and Samantha Scott in 2025 and is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. It aims to strengthen communities by supporting them to respond to local need. It funds projects that bring people together to address shared challenges, encourage social action and improve local spaces.

Hesket Newmarket Community Shop received a grant of £10,000 from the fund to create a community hub. Local people took ownership of the shop in early 2026 and wanted to establish a welcoming space for people to meet, to combat loneliness and rural isolation.

A storeroom at the side of the building has been turned into a welcoming space with tables, chairs and a coffee machine.

Simon Hewitt, Chair of the Hesket Newmarket Community Shop management committee, said the aim was that, as well as being a social space, the hub would host training sessions, such as IT coaching sessions, drop-in sessions for healthcare professionals, and fun nights for young people.

He said: “The hub will form a key strand in our aims to combat rural isolation and loneliness within our community, and it will also act as a safe place of refuge in times of power outages and flooding, something the area is prone to.”

The Matson Ground Fund also gave £4,674 to Windermere Park For All towards the installation of a concrete bowl skate park. The project to replace the existing outdated skate park was initiated by local parents and park users who wanted to improve the facility for children and the wider community.

Ben Berry, Chair of the Windermere Park For All committee, said: “This project is about much more than ramps and concrete. It is about giving young people a place that feels like theirs, where they can be active, creative and part of the community.”

Vision

Distington Community Trust has led a project to transform a piece of wasteland in the middle of the village into a lively community allotment.

Their vision was to create “a community hub for residents to meet in a central place, to strengthen social skills, encourage physical activity, promote creativity, combat loneliness and bring the community together as a whole.”

The first plots were allocated in June last year and all 22 were soon full, with several people on the waiting list. Local people and businesses have given their time and materials to the project, and locals have held fundraisers to buy equipment.

Trust secretary Joy Jones said: “It’s been overwhelming, the response from the village. I’ve lived in the village for 19 years and would never have met all of these people if it wasn’t for the allotments.”

Hugh Cronie, 76, explained how having an allotment plot has helped him. “It’s got me out the house. If I wasn’t here, I’d be sitting at home. It gets me some fresh air.

“We’re a big happy family. Everybody’s enjoying it here.”

The Matson Ground Fund awarded Distington Community Trust £3,000 to pay for a community horticultural worker to provide expert guidance in establishing and maintaining the community garden.

Urgent need

The Fund aims to respond quickly and flexibly to emerging and urgent need. This month, it awarded £25,000 over two years to Every Life Matters, a charity that campaigns for action against suicide. The funding will go towards suicide bereavement support for children and young people in Cumberland.

Chris Wood, Chief Executive of Every Life Matters, explained the need for the project: “Our records show that in Cumbria approximately 100 children annually lose a parent or step-parent to suicide, with more losing extended family members, and some friends. This type of traumatic bereavement can have a profound impact on young people’s mental/physical health.”

No Rainbows Without Rain is a Workington-based charity supporting people across Cumbria facing poverty and hardship. It provides food, clothing and household essentials for families and individuals in need, and Christmas dinners and presents for hundreds of people each year.

The Matson Ground Fund awarded the charity £5,000 towards the running costs of their Workington base, which acts as a charity shop, furniture warehouse, foodbank and community hub.

Alex and Samantha Scott said: “The need across Cumbria varies from community to community, but there are clearly some common themes, such as isolation, poverty and poor mental health.

“Community groups and charitable organisations throughout the county do incredible work to tackle some of these issues, and we are delighted to be able to support some of them through the Matson Ground Fund. We have been incredibly impressed with all of the projects we have been to visit.

“We take real joy from being able to give, and choosing Cumbria Community Foundation to manage our giving means we have a trusted partner to guide our philanthropy.”

Generosity

Sarah Thompson, Grants and Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “After just one year, the Matson Ground Fund is already making a huge difference to communities across Cumbria. The generosity of Samantha and Alex means we can fund vital projects led by local people that strengthen communities and bring about meaningful change.

“We are really grateful that they trust us to deliver this essential work.”

The Matson Ground Fund will distribute £100,000 in grants each year for 10 years, creating a total investment of £1 million into community driven charitable activities across the county.

Find out how to apply to the fund.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6million 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 and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

An exciting funding programme for community projects in Barrow, led by local residents, is back for a second year.

 In total, £85,000 of grant funding is available to support community projects and help those in need in the town.

The funding, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation on behalf of Team Barrow, has been provided by the UK Government and Team Barrow’s Delivery Board through a grant from the Social Impact Fund, which aims to make Barrow a better place to live, work, study, visit, and invest in.

Workshops

Residents keen to be involved are asked to bring their local knowledge and ideas to three community panel workshops this summer. Members of the panel will decide what kinds of projects the money should support and who should be able to apply.

The programme ran for the first time last year, when panel members chose the name the People Helping People Fund. Groups supported by the fund were invited to a celebration event at The Bridge in Barrow on Thursday, 14 May.

Projects supported last year include Woodland Wellbeing at Leslands, a social enterprise based on farmland on the outskirts of Barrow. Small groups of adults meet there once a week to grow produce, upcycle furniture, and take part in other activities such as arts and crafts, with the aim of boosting emotional, physical, and mental health.

Founder Elaine Carter said: “I wanted to do something that really made a difference, taking into account what people said they needed and wanted. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and sustainable community space where individuals can develop confidence, resilience, and transferable skills to lead fulfilling, independent lives. We’re all really passionate about it.”

Group participant Debbie had not left the house for two years before going along to her first Woodland Wellbeing session. Now, her confidence and wellbeing has improved so much, she has been made a director. She said: “It’s a real honour, something I’m quite proud of. Elaine is kind, compassionate… she knows how to treat people as equals. I love it here.”

Matt Ryder received a grant from the People Helping People Fund to organise guided short walks and activities designed to build skills, confidence and social connections for minority groups in Barrow.

After the first walk, with members of the Furness Multicultural Community Forum and Furness Refugees Society, he said: “Despite a few muddy detours, and plenty of laughter along the way, the day was filled with joy, connection, and discovery. Watching people explore new places, build friendships, and simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors was truly inspiring.

“Moments like these remind us how powerful community can be – bringing people together, creating belonging, and sharing experiences that uplift us all.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The People Helping People Fund was a huge success, and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to run this programme again, thanks to funding from Team Barrow’s Social Impact Fund.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life to get involved in shaping how funding is distributed across Barrow. Whether you bring lived experience, professional insight, or simply a passion for supporting your community, your voice matters. It’s a chance to learn, share ideas, meet new people and build connections, while making a real difference to local lives.”

Partnership

Nat Wealleans-Turner, Community and Social Impact Lead at Team Barrow said: “Team Barrow recognises and values the strength, passion, and expertise within our local communities. We believe it’s critical to involve local people from all backgrounds in shaping and guiding our work, as we deliver The Plan for Barrow – making Barrow a healthy, happy, and thriving place to live, work, and visit.

“We are delighted to grow our strategic partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation over the next four years drawing on their extensive experience in grant making, and to see the positive impact their collaboration with Cumbria Development Education Centre has on the continued development of this exciting participatory element of our Social Impact Fund.

“Year One of the People Helping People Fund has been hugely successful, with local people making decisions about how the fund operates and how funding is allocated making a real, and lasting difference in their communities.”

Barrow residents can apply now to join this year’s community panel.

The workshop dates are as follows, at Piel View House in Barrow Park on Abbey Road:

• Monday 29 June, 10am to 2pm
• Monday 6 July, 10am to 2pm
• Monday 13 July, 10am to 2pm

Food will be provided and those who attend all three workshops will receive a voucher of their choice as a thank you for their time and input.

There will be an online information session about becoming a panel member on Thursday 4 June at 1pm. If you would like to attend, contact Laura Goad at Cumbria Development Education Centre on 015394 31602 or email laura@cdec.org.uk for joining details.

To apply to become a panel member, register your interest here.

Nine community projects across Cumbria have received a financial boost totalling more than £14,000 from a charitable fund set up by a local engineering firm.

The Shepley Group Fund was established in 2009 by Whitehaven-based Shepley Engineers Limited to give grants to small, volunteer-led or community groups helping people facing disadvantage.

The fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, has awarded more than £150,000 in grants since then. In the last year, grants totalling £14,155 have been given to community groups and charities.

Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor received £2,000 towards the salary costs for a part-time Project Manager and Volunteer Coordinator to manage the West Cumbria Baby Bank project which provides post-natal safety and wellbeing to babies and parents.

This project aims to reduce the impacts of childhood poverty in west Cumbria by supporting vulnerable babies with a safe place to sleep, warm clothes and the essentials for early development.

Faye Eldon, Chief Executive of the Howgill Family Centre, said: “We are so thankful for the funding we have received from Cumbria Community Foundation. This funding will allow us to continue and expand our West Cumbria Baby Bank project this year.

“With the funding, we are able to provide the service which supports and improves post-natal safety and wellbeing of the baby and mother, as well as providing dignity and hope at this vulnerable time of their lives. The project provides baby clothing, moses baskets, cots, toiletries and essential baby equipment via referrals from midwives, health visitors, social services and other support agencies. Thank you so much.”

Healthy Hopes Cumbria was awarded £2,000 towards the cost of running weekly wellbeing groups in Carlisle and Wigton and employment charity Goodlives received £1,000 towards the cost of running services to support learners into work.

Other projects supported by the Shepley Group Fund included Proud and Diverse Cumbria, awarded £2,000 towards rent for the Colours Hub in Whitehaven, and Safe Families and Home for Good, who received £2,000 towards the salary of a Family Support Manager.

Engineering Development Trust received £1,405 to deliver Industrial Cadets Bronze Projects in two Cumbria schools to inspire young people into STEM careers and Cumbria Scout Council received £1,000 to buy two bell boats for Scouts to use at the Bassenthwaite Centre.

Ryan Christie, Group Operations Support Manager at the Shepley Group, said: “Being a Cumbrian based business, we are delighted that we can support the communities in which we operate by awarding this funding. We have held our fund with Cumbria Community Foundation since 2009 and we are incredibly proud that we have been able to help so many local charities since then and see the impact it has provided.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Shepley Group Fund makes a real difference to communities across Cumbria, funding vital projects which support those who need it most. We are really grateful that they trust us to deliver this essential work.”

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6million 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 and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

Charities and organisations in Barrow have received a £400,000 funding boost to help people facing health challenges into work.

Barrow Rising: Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) was set up to enable clear pathways for people facing health related barriers towards gaining or sustaining meaningful employment.

Led by Westmorland and Furness Council and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund will help people who are disabled or have long-term health conditions, those with caring responsibilities, or others experiencing disadvantage.

In total, seven projects have received funding. They are:

• Citizens Advice Barrow – £98,330 to fund a partnership with St Mary’s Hospice, Mind in Furness and Carers Support, delivering workplace and community-based support for adults experiencing health-related barriers to employment
• A Stitch Different – £48,101 to extend the Furness Sleep Helpline pilot
• Cowran Care – £48,200 to work with 25 young people facing barriers into employment
• Cumbria Addictions, Advice & Solutions (CADAS) – £49,639 to support people affected by substance abuse to remain in employment, with a focus on the construction and hospitality industries
• Barrow Forward – £50,000 to deliver one-to-one exercise and wellness interventions for individuals facing health-related barriers to employment
• Inspira – £49,466 to fund a project adviser to support NEET young adults
• Vision Support Barrow & District – £49,000 to support working-age people with Vision Impairment (VI) to build tenacity and overcome barriers to employment

Debbie Twinney, Director of A Stitch Different, said: “We are delighted to receive additional funding for the Furness Sleep Helpline and associated work. This will enable us to expand delivery to include one-to-one support, small groups and targeted workshops.

“We know that sleeplessness has a major impact on health and wellbeing, so this funding has the potential to make a real difference to many people who are currently struggling. We are incredibly grateful for the Fund’s confidence in our work and look forward to delivering meaningful, lasting impact.

Partnership

Barrow Rising: Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) sits under Team Barrow: a unique public-private partnership that brings together the skills, funding, and capabilities of the Government, Westmorland and Furness Council, BAE Systems, businesses and the wider community.

Clare Paling, Public Health Project Officer at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We know there are people in Barrow who want to get back into the workforce, but who face barriers and challenges which prevent them from being able to. The idea of this fund is to place money in the hands of local organisations who can help these people through targeted interventions and programmes.

“We decided to create this grant funding programme in recognition of the important contribution the voluntary and community sector make in supporting people in Barrow. We are delighted to work with Cumbria Community Foundation to deliver this funding, which we believe will be life-changing for many people currently struggling to access employment.”

Sarah Thompson, Grants and Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We were very impressed by the breadth and scope of applications we received and are delighted to be able to fund so many excellent projects.

“Evidence shows that having access to work can improve mental and physical health, so we look forward to hearing some of the success stories made possible by this funding.”

Read more about the projects funded.

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.