Two community projects, led by young people in West Cumbria, have received funding to benefit the communities where they live.

The #CanDo Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, provides grants of up to £5,000 to inspire youth social action, such as volunteering, fundraising, mentoring and campaigning.

Together We CIC and Wigton Youth Station run activities and workshops that encourage local young people to become more involved in their community and provide opportunities to gain new skills and experience different activities.

Together We received £5,000 to support its trial project called Discovery College. Teenagers from two Copeland secondary schools will be recruited to develop and design course materials to support young people’s mental health. The charity already runs the successful Recovery College, which supports people’s recovery from mental health difficulties through learning and education.

Samantha Joughin, Managing Director, Together We CIC, said: “Over the next year, we intend to develop an array of mental and physical health courses, which will be targeted at young people aged between 11-18. The ‘North Cumbria Discovery College’ will be an extension of the North Cumbria Recovery College, which currently delivers courses to 18+ all over North Cumbria.

“Recovery colleges give people with mental health problems a chance to access education and training designed to help them on the road to recovery. The aim is to learn new and build existing skills with the ultimate intention of teaching those participating how to better manage their physical and mental wellbeing.

“The funding provided by the #Cando Fund supports us to co-create and produce course materials directly with young people who have lived experience of mental health issues.”

Wigton Youth Station (WYS) received £3,545 to deliver a peer mentoring scheme which will provide an opportunity for a small group of young men to become peer mentors. The scheme will provide younger members with positive male role models and mentors as they grow and develop over the next couple of years.

Angela Bicknell, Centre Manager, said: “This grant will enable a small, dedicated group of young men who have been with us for four years or more, support and shape the behaviour of our younger members. They have taken ownership over this project and want to be a role model for others by leading by example. This is a legacy they will leave as they move on to college, work or an apprenticeship.”

Decisions on which projects receive funding are made by a Youth Advisory Panel made up of people aged between 16 and 25 from across West Cumbria, putting young people at the heart of the process.

Lauren Woodham, 17 who is a member of the #CanDo Youth Advisory Panel, said: “Being on the #CanDo Youth Panel is such an empowering position to have. It’s great to know that the decisions we make have a positive effect on young people in our local area!”

Funded by Sellafield Ltd, with match funding from Thomas Graham & Sons and local donors, #CanDo is part of Transforming West Cumbria, a multi-year social investment programme developed by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Stuart McCourt, Sellafield Ltd Education, Community and Development Lead, said:” Through our Six – Social Impact Multiplied programme, we want to support our local communities to thrive. The #Cando Fund enables this by empowering young people to lead change within their communities on the issues which are important to them.”

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Young people have so much energy, enthusiasm and passion for the world they live in and the causes they support, and by taking action on the issues that matter to them, they can leave a legacy for local people and places, while developing valuable personal skills that can really appeal to local businesses and employers, improving their life opportunities and prospects.”

The deadline for applications for the next round of #CanDo grants is Friday 27th May.

For more information or to apply visit, www.cumbriafoundation.org/transforming-west-cumbria/cando or call Annalee Holliday on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org

Communities across South Cumbria will benefit to the tune of £50,000 this year thanks to the generosity of local family-owned business, Lakeland.

Charitable and not-for-profit organisations that improve the health and wellbeing of local people, and projects that protect the environment, can apply for a share of the funding provided by the kitchen and homeware retailer.

The creation of the myLakeland Fund, in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, allows Lakeland to expand its reach into local communities and show its gratitude and ongoing support for the Cumbrian community where the business was founded more than 50 years ago.

The experts in cooking, baking, cleaning and the home, Lakeland created the fund to give grants to charitable organisations that improve the health and wellbeing of local people and projects that protect the environment.

Priority will be given to community-led projects in or around Windermere, Kendal and South Lakeland, those that support young people, and organisations that have minimal opportunity for raising funds or are helping to address new or emerging needs.

A total of £50,000 is available from the fund and grants will normally be in the region of £5,000 to £15,000.

Fran Wilkinson, Head of Loyalty at Lakeland, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the myLakeland fund in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation. Whilst Lakeland is now a national retailer, we were founded here in the heart of the Lake District, where our Head Office, Flagship Store and Distribution Centre remain to this day, and it’s important to us that we give back to the local community that has supported us. With the help of our myLakeland members, we’ve been able to commit £50,000 of support to local charities and not-for-profit organisations right here in South Lakeland and we’re looking forward to seeing the funds being distributed to those in need.”

Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested more than £56 million into local communities.

Sarah Thompson, Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “Lakeland have been supporters of our work for many years and we are delighted that they have decided to set up a fund allowing us to help the company distribute their charitable giving to community projects. They share our values and passion for strengthening communities in Cumbria.

“This new partnership and additional funding is a great boost and means we can continue to support local community groups and initiatives that make a big difference to the lives of those in genuine need.”

To apply for funding, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/mylakeland-community-fund  contact Sarah Thompson via sarah@cumbriafoundation.org or on 01900 825760 to check eligibility.

Almost £250,000 is being made available for community organisations in north Cumbria to support people with severe mental illness.

Third sector groups are being encouraged to apply for grant funding to help people with severe mental illness gain better access services and support. The money from the NHS has been made available to support people to improve and stay well in the community.

The NHS Community Mental Health Transformation Programme was set up by NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to improve the health needs of adults with severe mental illness (SMI) in north Cumbria.

Almost a quarter of a million pounds is being made available and the funding is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation in three separate funds.

The Healthier Lifestyles Fund will specifically support interventions that target health risks such as smoking, obesity, and frailty, and focused on meeting both the physical and psychological needs of people.

The Positive Changes Fund will help people who often face challenges to access services easily. It will support groups such as LGBTQ+, refugees, veterans, ethnically diverse people and the gypsy, roma, traveller community engage with statutory and community mental health services and to develop community support plans.

A third fund targeting those with eating disorders is in development.

Cumbria Community Foundation will host the fund from the Community Mental Health Transformation Project to provide grants to the third sector, in order to help people with SMI live well in their communities. Organisations applying on their own can apply for up to £25,000 and partnership bids can apply for up to £75,000. The closing date for applications is 6th May 2022.

Peter Rooney, Chief Operating Officer at NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We know that the third sector in North Cumbria already provides valuable support for people with serious mental illness and supports them to connect with formal services. These new grants will help organisations to support people to access a range of health services and improvements in their wellbeing.

“We have been working with Cumbria Community Foundation in this way for a while and we know the impact these grants can have on people living here in north Cumbria.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The grant supports our key aim to tackle health inequalities and create healthier communities through place-based partnerships that can make a genuine difference to people across our region.

“As a Community Foundation, we are delighted to ensure this funding reaches where it is most needed. It will help tackle health inequalities, improve people’s mental health and wellbeing, and offer specialist support to people.”

Applicants interested in applying should contact Sarah Thompson, Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation sarah@cumbriafoundation.org or visit www.cumbriafoundation.org for more information.

Further funds are being planned.

Cumbria Community Foundation has announced eight grants totalling £42,000 to voluntary and community organisations in Cumbria from the Arts Council England’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund.

The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund will ensure that thousands of people from communities all across England will have the opportunity to take part in exciting creative events – all in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee. From puppetry and story creation, through to making crowns, carnival and art trails, there will be a huge range of exciting activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in.

Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the Let’s Create Jubilee Fund has been administered by UK Community Foundations on behalf of Arts Council England. The programme is designed to help voluntary and community organisations develop creative and cultural events to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

Cumbria Community Foundation is one of 44 community foundations awarding grants across the country on behalf of the Arts Council.

Young people from the South Whitehaven Youth Partnership will work with community members, the local church and Rosehill Theatre to create a free cultural festival, which will bring the communities of Kells, Woodhouse and Greenbank together on Thursday 2nd June.

Jacqueline Cardy, Development Worker said: “I am really looking forward to the Jubilee celebration event, young people are working hard to ensure it offers a variety of fun activities. Our partnership with Rosehill Theatre will offer cultural experience right on the doorstep for those living in Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank and we will be asking local groups to come along and showcase their talents.”

Kirkby Lonsdale & Lune Valley CIC is planning a full weekend of events between Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th June. There will be music and dance performances in Market Square, including a new dance commission, free dance workshops at St Mary’s Church and a showing of Ludus Dance’s Miss Baines for members of the local charity Community Cupboard.

Jayne Davies, Project Manager and Freelance Creative Practitioner said: “Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed innumerable changes including dramatic shifts in music and dance styles; from 50s rock and roll, through 70s disco all the way to today’s TikTok dance challenges. We want to celebrate every decade of her reign and give our community a chance to come together and create. After two years of lockdown, it’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and celebrate, Dancing Through The Decades has something for everyone.”

In Maryport, Ewanrigg’s Jubilation Celebration is a free family fun day where local residents can come together and celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee Year. Ragged Edge Productions are working with local community groups to develop an interactive audio story trail which will be available for local residents to enjoy on the day. Other free activities include giant inflatables, children’s activities, and a cream tea. The event takes place on the field next to Ewanrigg Community Centre on Wednesday 1 June from 1pm – 5pm. The event is delivered by Ewanrigg & Netherton Tenants & Residents’ Association, Ewanrigg Local Trust and Home Group.

Sharon Barnes, Chair of Ewanrigg Local Trust and ENTRA, said: “Our band of willing volunteers are already ‘putting the flags out’ and encouraging everyone to join in and celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. We’ll be running activity sessions in the run up to the big day. The funding will enable us to provide activities for free, which means everyone has the chance to participate. We have all really missed being able to meet socially during lockdown and this is a fantastic opportunity for us all to get out of our houses and enjoy an outdoor day of fun – together!”

Stanwix Community Association in Carlisle is running a series of community workshops to create artwork that will be displayed as an outside gallery within Stanwix to celebrate the Queens Platinum jubilee.

Pamela McCall, Booking Manager at Stanwix Community Association, said: ‘We are working with a local artist to create exciting artwork with local children and families in the run up to the Jubilee that will be exhibited within our local community. We are really looking forward to getting started on this exciting project to celebrate this historic occasion.”

CANDOFM community radio station, Barrow BID and Barra Culture, and local business will be hosting the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Barrow Town Centre on Saturday 4th June.

Jonny Williams, Manager of the Station, said: “A live stage with tribute and local performers representing popular music from all the decades of the Queen’s reign will provide a musical backdrop alongside choirs, a magician, caricaturist and street entertainers. There will also be lots of opportunities to gets hands on with creative activities such as a pop-up choir, drumming workshops, face painting, tie-dye activity, and much more.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England said “The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund is a wonderful example of our ambition to give everyone the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts, culture and creativity – made possible thanks to National Lottery players. This June, we’ll see communities across England coming together to celebrate a historic milestone for this country. I’m excited to see these projects brought to life in villages, towns and cities across the country as our wonderfully creative communities celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Andy Beeforth, CEO of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a unique opportunity for people to get together and celebrate in their communities. We are proud to have connected Arts Council England with local organisations whose imaginative and exciting projects and collaborations with professional artists will bring communities together to enjoy marking this milestone moment in our history.”

HM Queen Elizabeth II is the first monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, having overtaken Queen Victoria as the longest reigning monarch in 2015.  Her reign has been marked by a commitment to public service, reflected by her extensive programme of engagements at home and abroad, and support for over 600 cultural organisations, charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.

For more information about events in your area please visit https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/

Post: Learning & Evaluation Officer

We are one of the county’s leading grant makers, providing much needed financial support to local community groups and initiatives that make a big difference to the lives of those in genuine need. Our aim is to change people’s lives for the better through donations from individuals, companies, charitable trusts and statutory organisations.

If you’re passionate about purpose, then now is a good time to join us. We’re seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with strong knowledge and experience of a range of analytical and evaluation techniques. This role will deepen our knowledge of Cumbria’s social and community issues and help us understand our impact for the benefit of everyone

Download the job description and application form. 

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Jenny Benson on 01900 825760.

Closing date is 9am Monday 16th May 2022

Interviews will take place on Friday 27th May 2022. A pre-interview task will be forwarded to those called for interview for completion in advance.

High Sheriff of Cumbria, David Beeby, welcomed people from around the county to an award ceremony recognising their tireless efforts to enhance and enrich the places where they live.

Individuals, community and voluntary-led groups, who often go unrecognised for their outstanding efforts, came together on Monday 21st March to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition and awards from the High Sheriff.

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

Representatives from 15 organisations have been invited to attend the ceremony at Rose Castle in recognition of their service. The High Sheriff will hand out certificates and issue three recipients with the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield.

Ending his shrieval year with a celebration, David said: “It has been a real privilege to visit well over one hundred organisations across Cumbria and to meet so many staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. All of them are making a real difference to so many people and to their communities.

“It was lovely to be together in person in the magical surroundings of Rose Castle to celebrate the achievements of some of these wonderful organisations.”

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “There are an extraordinary number of voluntary and non-profit organisations working at the heart of our communities, and this is an opportunity for some of them to receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

The High Sheriff is one of the oldest Crown Offices, dating back to before the Battle of Hastings. As the Sheriff’s powers increased, they were considered to be a threat and in 1540 Henry VIII created Lord Lieutenants to take over the military duties. To this day, both the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff are appointed by the Sovereign with the High Sheriff retaining an historical relationship with law and order and taking an active part in supporting and promoting voluntary organisations.

List of winners:

Shield:

The Community Chef Project

Youthability Youth Services

Cumbria Rape & Sexual Violence Partnership

Certificate:

1st Wigton Baden-Powell Scouts

Dalton Community Association

The Bee Team

Millom Network Centre Ltd

Distington Club for Young People

Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

Maryport and Solway Sea Cadets

West Cumbria Refugee Support Network

Carlisle Key

Alston Landscape Art Town Initiative

Citizens in Policing

Carlisle court staff

Youth organisations across Cumbria are celebrating after being awarded almost half a million pounds to encourage more people into the youth work sector and improve access to services for young people across the county.

The funding from the Better Tomorrows programme has been invested in an accredited youth work training scheme and universal youth work services, especially in deprived and isolated areas of the county.

Better Tomorrows, a three-year programme, is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. The grants provide accredited training to volunteers and youth workers as well as funding community organisations just setting up or providing new youth work opportunities for local people.

Nine organisations received funding to provide more youth work sessions, and all play a crucial role helping many young people to achieve their full potential.

Spearheaded by David Beeby, High Sheriff of Cumbria 2021-22 and Cumbria Community Foundation Chairman, Better Tomorrows has now raised more than £1 million and works in partnership with many local funders and supporters, including Francis C Scott Charitable Trust, the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cumbria and the Four Acre Trust.

Cumbria Youth Alliance is managing the accredited youth work training to increase the number of qualified youth workers across the county, ensuring more young people become confident, resilient and optimistic for the future.

Becky Wolstenholme, CEO of Cumbria Youth Alliance, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be a partner organisation with the Better Tomorrows programme. It is important especially after coming out of the pandemic and with the increased complexities of young people, that adults and volunteers in local communities are provided with the skills and training to support young people.”

Women’s Community Matters in Barrow received just under £44,000 to employ a full-time youth worker over three years. Rebecca Robson, Senior Officer, said: “We are over the moon with this grant. It will mean we can train and employ an additional youth worker to support young people in our area. The youth worker has been chosen by the young people they support and is a fabulous addition to the team.”

Longtown Memorial Hall and Community Centre Youth Club received £21,828 to increase the number of youth work sessions being delivered. Nigel Williamson, Manager, said: “This three-year grant gives us a chance to plan longer term. The great advantage of our sessions is that it allows young people to come together in a familiar setting in their own community, which is not the same as going to school. The training provides a great opportunity to learn and invest in our young people.”

Shackles Off Youth Project, based in Millom, received £27,028. Rachel Thomson, Youth Work manager, said: “This funding will help us deliver high quality youth work and the extra youth worker will mean more young people will have access to our sessions.”

Keswick Youth Centre Services (KYCS) received £24,991 to employ employ a rural youth worker to support junior members through the transition from primary school to the much larger Keswick School.

Phill Roberts, Chair of KYCS, said: “ The Better Tomorrows Fund has provided an opportunity for us to employ the first rural youth worker in Keswick in many years.

“The trustees are very pleased to welcome Rachel Philips to our team as our first employed Youth Worker. Rachel has been one of our volunteer Youth Workers for some time and her commitment and passion for working with our young members and her volunteer colleagues is clear for all to see.”

Other youth groups to receive funding include Aspatria Dreamscheme, CandoFM Community Radio and Multicultural Cumbria.

David Beeby said: “I set this programme up with the clear objective of giving more young people in Cumbria access to quality youth work. To see the Better Tomorrows programme really getting underway with funding of youth work training over the next three years and also youth work salaries to a number of settings around the county is just fantastic. This couldn’t be done without the generosity of many organisations and individuals in supporting this exciting and much needed investment in our young people. Thank you to everyone who has donated. The reality is that the more money we get the more we can support so if any organisation or individual would like to help, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Better Tomorrows is being evaluated by the University of Cumbria to evidence the impact of the training and subsequent support to young people.

For more information or to donate, visit: www.cumbriafoundation.org/better-tomorrows or email David on hscumbria21@btinternet.com

To apply to the Better Tomorrows Fund, contact Annalee Holliday at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org

Cumbrians are being invited to donate to a support fund for refugees arriving in the county after fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Money donated to the Welcome Fund will be available to community groups supporting refugees and refugees coming to Cumbria from Ukraine to ensure they get the support they need to adapt to their new life in Cumbria.

As the county prepares for its first arrivals from Ukraine, many locals are keen to support them but may be unsure how.

One way to make an effective difference is to contribute to the Welcome Fund, says Cumbria Community Foundation, which distributes grants in support of people in need.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said: “We want to make people aware that the Welcome Fund exists as an established means of supporting refugees in the county.

“We know that as Ukrainians settle in Cumbria, they are going to need a lot of support and the communities and groups offering them homes will need to access funds to help them.

“We are getting donors and supporters asking what they can do to help people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, and we are receiving information about the emerging need to ensure we are can adequately support them here in Cumbria.”

The Welcome Fund supports all refugees in Cumbria, not just those coming from Ukraine. It is open to donations from the public and proceeds from fundraising events, as well as from the Foundation’s regular donors.

More than 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded the country on February 24. Many have escaped artillery bombardment with just a few belongings, and most are women and children, and men and women over the age of 60.

More than 150,000 people in the UK have offered accommodation to Ukrainian refugees under the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. But once they are settled in a room, they will need more help.

The Welcome Fund ensures that support is co-ordinated so that it provides the maximum benefit possible, said Andy.

Past examples of help given in Cumbria include providing essential items for refugees and asylum seekers and support with community integration as well as training in welcoming people.

“The Foundation already supports the work of refugee support groups in Cumbria and will be working with them and other partners to assess the needs of people and families as they arrive in the county,” said Andy.

He added: “We understand that many Cumbrian families are facing their own challenges as the cost of living increases and that not everyone is in a position to help.

“Cumbria Community Foundation exists for all the people in Cumbria and has other funds to help people facing issues, such as those struggling to heat their homes.”

Retired Carlisle firefighter Andy Bezuszko, 65, who has family in Ukraine, says the refugees will need help to adjust when they reach Cumbria.

“Getting a room is just the start of it,” he said. “I think many of them will arrive with just a bag. Although many I imagine will speak English, or basic English, they will need help with language so they can make connections with the local community. Depending on where they stay, they will need help with transport.”

He added: “The generosity of local people has been amazing, so many people have already donated money and goods to Ukraine.  The generosity of British people is never in doubt, and I think we will keep needing it now.”

Andy’s late father came to Cumbria as a displaced person aged 22 after the Second World War. “My father never saw his parents again. But he had many happy years here,” he said.

Money can be donated to the Welcome Fund here: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/welcome-fund 

You can download the Welcome Fund fundraising guide here.

“Someone Like Me” is an exciting three-year project designed to enable people with disabilities to fulfil their potential as volunteers, harnessing the unique contribution that they can bring to outdoor adventure activities.

This exciting project by Cumbria based charity, Bendrigg Trust, has been generously supported with a £10,000 grant from Cumbria Community Foundation through a number of their Trust funds including Holehird Trust.

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants, Programmes & Communications Officer Cumbria Community Foundation said:“Bendrigg Trust do a wonderful job helping people with disabilities reach their full potential. Like many organisations in the voluntary sector, Bendrigg Trust is playing an important role helping people connect in their local community. We are very thankful to our fundholders for their generosity in funding this new initiative that we believe can play a big part in making life better for people with disabilities in our area.”

Traditionally, Bendrigg has drawn on the skills and commitment of the local Cumbrian community to offer an exemplary and inclusive approach to volunteering. However, there remains in society today a lack of recognition for the contribution that people with disabilities can bring to volunteering, as noted by the Olympic/Paralympic movement: “people with disabilities are often the recipients of volunteer services but are rarely considered as a potential volunteer resource”.

The “Someone like Me Project” aims to support 40 people each year who have disabilities/additional support needs to participate as volunteers at Bendrigg, in turn enabling 3,000+ others to access the charity’s services. Volunteers will be involved in a wide range of activities from delivery of Bendrigg’s accessible activity breaks; grounds maintenance/environmental projects; marketing/fundraising; office administration; to catering/hospitality roles.

Nick Liley, Bendrigg Principal said:”We are immensely grateful to Cumbria Community Foundation for its invaluable support for Bendrigg Trust’s pioneering volunteering programme.  The work of the Foundation and the generosity of the Trusts involved (in particular, The Roselands Trust, The Edmond Castle Educational Trust, The Catherine Alexander Grassroots Fund and The Holehird Trust Fund) are truly inspiring and offer our new project, “Someone like Me”, strong foundations from which to grow.  The project will provide opportunities for many more people with disabilities in our local communities to volunteer in the great outdoors which is tremendous news.  Our sincere thanks to all involved in supporting this important venture.”

If you’d like to apply to volunteer at Bendrigg Trust can do so on their website here: https://www.bendrigg.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ where there is also more information about the volunteering opportunities available.