Three West Cumbrian charities have received a share of over a quarter of a million pounds to continue to play a vital role in supporting local communities.

The money was awarded from the Bedrock Awards programme, part of Transforming West Cumbria, which was developed by Cumbria Community Foundation and funded by Sellafield Ltd, to build the resilience, capabilities and financial sustainability of charities and community organisations in West Cumbria.

Successful applicants completed a two-stage programme of tailored business support, which has been delivered via the Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership (CSEP) and its partner Social Enterprise Acumen CIC (SEA). SEA has worked with the beneficiaries and bespoke strategies have been created. This has enabled the release of funding to help them plan-ahead and provide opportunities to invest in their business development. The funding is intended to deliver long-term benefit to each organisation, resulting in an increased ability to help a greater number of people more effectively and a more resilient organisation.

Kate Welch of SEA said “It’s a real pleasure working with CSEP and the Foundation to help build the capacity and resilience of the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in west Cumbria. The organisations we are working with play vital roles in supporting some of the areas most vulnerable people, and the Bedrock Awards will really help these organisations strengthen their offer.”

Age UK West Cumbria, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Together We CIC received the good news last week.

Jane Mindar, Chief Executive at Age UK West Cumbria said: “We are delighted to have received £89,000 to launch our CommuniTEA service, which is a response to the lack of low-level support for older people in the region. A key focus of our charity is to enable older people to remain independent and enjoy the best quality of life possible – and we believe that CommuniTEA supported by this grant will enable us to fulfil this charitable aim and help transform the lives of older people in West Cumbria.”

Providing free one-to-one and small group psychological interventions as well as family support services in West Cumbria, Together We CIC received £80,815.

Janine Ward, Managing Director, said: “This funding will further strengthen our business base and build our self-efficacy. It will enable us to recruit two new posts; a much-needed business manager to help us manage contracts and grants and to generate commercial income, alongside improving our fundraising strategy. In addition, a volunteer manager will enable us to manage the many volunteers we rely on to run our services and develop this much-needed pathway to encourage clients to become volunteers.

“We’ll also streamline our website into a user accessible format, making it easier for clients to refer and get the support and help they need.”

Cumbria Youth Alliance, which provides support to hundreds of youth organisations and helps young people to reach their full potential, received £85,000 to build the quality and capacity of West Cumbria’s youth sector.

Becky Wolstenholme, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted that this funding will provide investment for the future and will certainly make a difference to the lives of many young people. The funding will be used to improve our staffing structure and the implementation of becoming a registered training centre.”

Bedrock Awards is delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation, in partnership with Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership and Social Enterprise Acumen.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director or Programmes & Partnerships at the Foundation, said: “Bedrock Awards is a unique programme which helps Third Sector organisations in West Cumbria to plan for sustainability, development and growth via a deep analysis of opportunities for improvement. We are delighted that three organisations supported to date have progressed to Stage Two.”

Support is also available to community groups in West Cumbria via Bedrock Basics, delivered by Cumbria CVS. It offers training and development opportunities on an individual and group basis and to date has benefited more than 100 organisations. For more information, contact Bridget Johns on 01768 800350 or Gordon Henry gordon.henry@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Community organisations and partnerships within the parishes Bridekirk, Blindcrake, Gilcrux, and Plumbland are being encouraged to apply for grant funding.

The Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, established by RES, is held and administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, a charitable body with grant making expertise, that processes grant application and supports a local Advisory Panel to make decisions on grant awards.

Over the last seven years, community causes near to the Tallentire Wind Farm have received a share of more than £370,000 in grants.

Grants, which range from £450 to £60,000, have supported a wide range of costs and activities, such as equipment, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities.

The Advisory Panel is also looking to recruit new members and the Foundation is encouraging people who live in the local area to be part of the decision-making process.

The role of the panel is to advise on grant applications, and it usually meets at twice a year. Training will be provided and members will have the opportunity to meet funded groups.

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “The fund provides a valuable, long term, sustainable and reliable source of income for local communities.

“We like to involve as many local people as possible when making grants, ensuring our awards reflect the local needs of each community. This is a great opportunity for people to become involved with our grant process.

“If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the simple application form, here and return it by 28^th February 2022 to annalee@cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760 if you have any queries.”

Applications for grant funding must be received by 25^th February 2022. For more information on the Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund or to apply online, please visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/tallentire-wind-farm-community-benefit-fund/ or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org

Community projects near to the Hellrigg Wind Farm have received a share of £18,000.

The Windfarm, operated by RWE Renewables has been helping to transform its local communities through the Hellrigg Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund for over 10 years. The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and supports community-related, environmental and educational activities run by volunteer-led and community groups that benefit the parishes of Silloth-on-Solway, Holme St Cuthbert’s, Holme Low, and Holme Abbey.

Silloth-on-Solway Town Council received £5,000 for Silloth Green’s Changing Place project, which will provide accessible toilets for the local community and visitors.

Cllr. Carol Doran, Chair of the Accessibility Committee said: “This is brilliant news for Silloth and shows how important this facility is, offering those with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy with confidence the town and indeed the Green. The Accessibility Committee is delighted to know that they are supported in this endeavour by Cumbria Community Foundation.”

Changing Places are more than a standard accessible toilet, they offer additional specialist equipment that meets the needs of people with profound and complex disabilities who cannot use the toilet independently. A Changing Places toilet can give new-found freedom as hose with disabilities can stay away from home longer, knowing that they can visit a safe, hygienic bathroom.

Holme Low Parish Projects Group received £10,000 to support the renovation of the old waiting room at Causewayhead Cemetery. There have been complaints from members of the public about the poor condition of the building, which has been allowed to fall into disrepair in recent years and about the lack of any toilet facilities and adequate water supply. The project will restore the former waiting room building, provide accessible toilet facilities and a water supply for people putting flowers on the graves of their loved ones.

Duncan Findlay, Project Group Chairman, said: “On behalf of the project group I would like to thank Hellrigg Wind Farm for the support. Details about the project can be seen on our website www.holmelow-pc.org.uk.”

Two further projects also received a financial boost. Silloth Youth Club received £3,000 to provide activities for its young members and Holme St Cuthbert Community Group received £300 to make improvements to Newtown pond.

All applications are reviewed by an advisory panel made up of local people.

Wendy Jameson, said: “As an Advisory Panel member since 2012, I can honestly say these grants have made a big difference to a lot of groups in the local area and to their projects, from the very small to the more substantial, which have brought real benefits to our local community, at a grassroots level. When funding can be difficult to secure, Cumbria Community Foundation have helped to make the process much less daunting and I would encourage groups to come forward and apply.”

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “Since 2012, more than £180,000 has benefited communities in the local area, supporting over 60 projects. These include maintaining and upgrading village halls, improving access to facilities, providing vital funds to cover running costs for community groups, supporting projects that add value to public services and much more.”

For more information or to apply for a grant, please click here or call Annalee Holliday on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org 

A new partnership designed to revolutionise mental health provision in west Cumbria has been launched.

The West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership is part of a £1.8m investment by Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SIX) programme.

It will operate under the Transforming West Cumbria programme, led by Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF.)

The announcement coincides with Blue Monday (17th January), thought to be the most depressing day of the year, to highlight the importance of communication and community in combatting mental health concerns.

The partnership aims to create a co-ordinated and collaborative approach to community mental health provision in Allerdale and Copeland.

It was launched in response to the closure of Mind West Cumbria in 2019.

That left a void in community support for people experiencing mental health issues.

Sellafield stepped in to support a short-term solution, funding one-to-one and group support services.

Working with the Foundation, the focus soon switched to creating a long-term sustainable model and the new partnership was born.

It built on work already started by the Foundation to encourage mental health providers to work together while identifying and addressing gaps in provision.

As well as providing much-needed funding, the partnership will support community organisations to improve their resilience, capability, and financial sustainability.

The partnership has launched a website https://wcmhp.org.uk/ which provides details of mental health and wellbeing support available in west Cumbria and allows users to choose the right provider for them.

Four initial programmes have been established by the partnership, each led by a strategic partner.

They are:

Adult mental health, led by Groundwork NE & Cumbria

Delivery partners:
• Together We
• iCan
• Healthy Hopes
• Always Another Way
• Mental Health North West
• Mind in Furness
• Cumbria Youth Alliance.

Services include: talking therapies; counselling; fitness and exercise support; drop-in support groups; alternative and complementary therapies and coping strategies; walking for wellness; and fun activity sessions.

Youth mental health, led by Cumbria Youth Alliance

Delivery partners:
• Together We
• Spiral
• CADAS
• Always Another Way
• iCan Health and Fitness

Services include: talk support; bullying support; body image, gaming, gambling, and addiction support, support for LGBTQ community, health and fitness.

Financial wellbeing, led by Citizens Advice

Delivery partners:
• Copeland Citizens Advice
• Allerdale Citizens Advice

Services include: crisis response; and general financial advice and support.

Recovery College, led by Together We

Delivery partners:
• Mental Health North West
• Happy Mums
• iCan Health & Fitness
• Blue Jam
• Always Another Way
• Every Life Matters
• Home to Work
• Multicultural Cumbria
• Outreach Cumbria
• Newton Rigg College

Services include: courses and workshops to help people develop coping strategies and mental health symptom management. For more information, visit: https://ncrecoverycollege.org/

The partnership is also funding a suicide prevention project via Every Life Matters

Gary McKeating, head of community and development for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Poor mental health is an issue that can affect all of us. Ensuring high quality services are available for our workforce and our community is incredibly important to us.

“We’re fortunate to have such a diverse range of community-based support available in west Cumbria but provision was patchy and in need of co-ordination following the closure of Mind West Cumbria.

“That’s what the partnership is all about: building a strong platform so organisations can collaborate, develop their skills, and thrive in the long term.

“This will be a game-changer for mental health provision in west Cumbria.”

Annalee Holliday, senior grants, programmes, and communications officer for CCF, said: “The closure of Mind West Cumbria highlighted the fragility of organisations delivering such critical services.

“We were pleased to work with Sellafield to address this through the development of the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership.

“The launch couldn’t be more timely as demand for support in west Cumbria continues to grow and statutory mental health services are stretched to capacity.”

Tamsin Beattie, West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership lead for Groundwork NE & Cumbria, said: “We’re delighted to be leading the adult mental health programme. The funding will allow us to deliver far more high quality support services to people in west Cumbria than we have ever had in the past.

“We’re aiming to support a minimum of 2,000 people over the three-year programme, although we expect we’ll be able to support many more.

“Together we’re determined to make a positive difference to the lives of as many people as we can.”

When Storm Arwen hit Cumbria on 25th November, more than 118,000 homes were left without power. Hundreds were still without power a week later.

Over the course of the week, teams from various multi-agency organisations and volunteers, have been working around the clock to check on residents’ safety and welfare and provide advice and support where required.

For many residents, they relied on family, friends and neighbours and it brought home how important a warm home is.

As well as funding food, travel and hotel expenses for those who have been without power the longest, network provider Electricity North West has committed to compensating customers who’ve been without power.

Payments to customers following storms are set nationally by energy regulator Ofgem, depending on the severity of the incident. Storm Arwen is classed as a ‘category 2’ storm in the North West, meaning customers are eligible for payments of £70 if they have been without power for 48 hours, plus a further £70 for each additional 12-hour period that they are off supply, up to a maximum of £700.

Cumbria Community Foundation, which runs the annual Winter Warmth Appeal, has been approached by people who want to donate their compensation to those who struggle to keep warm.

Over the last five years, an average of 300 people have died in Cumbria from cold-related illnesses, the majority over 60, because they cannot afford to keep their heating on.

David, from Ulverston who recently donated, said: “I was without power for over three days. We have an Aga so could keep warm in one room. It made me realise how important being able to heat a home is and many older Cumbrians are deprived of this. I’m fortunate to afford my energy bills and want to donate my compensation to someone who really needs it.”

The appeal works in partnership with Age UK across the county and Copeland Age & Advice Service to award the grants of up to £250 to help keep vulnerable older people warm and well over the colder months.

It was set up in 2010 for people who receive the government Winter Fuel Payment to recycle it if they don’t need it. In that time, more than £1.2m has been raised. Last year, thanks to people’s warm generosity donating £200,000, more than 1,500 Cumbrians were helped to pay fuel bills.

Jan Wright, a partner at HD Solicitors in Kendal, whose home in Crook was one of the households affected by the power cuts, said: “I think this is a great idea. Clearly those who need the compensation payments which are being offered should take them, but if your losses are less than that which you can claim, I would strongly urge you to make the claim to Electricity North West and then donate the money to the Winter Warmth Appeal, which will then be redirected to people who really need it.”

Customers should contact StormArwen@ENWL.co.uk for any questions relating to the storm, compensation, or damage to electrical appliances.

Cumbria Community Foundation Chief Executive, Andy Beeforth, said: “Each year we hear heartbreaking stories of older people having to scrape by to afford so-called luxuries we take for granted, such as waking up to a warm house.

“If anyone who receives compensation really does feel they can spare some or all of it, we can recycle that money and help someone who will be dreading the cold weather and deciding to either huddle in one warm room or go without a hot meal. It really is as stark as that.”

To donate online, click here.

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ (write Winter Warmth on the back) and post to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN. Donations can also be made over the phone by calling 01900 825760 Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Older people living in fuel poverty are relieved at being able to have their heating on in the colder weather after receiving a Winter Warmth grant.

The grants of up to £250 come from Cumbria Community Foundation’s annual fundraising appeal, set up in response to the average 300 cold-related deaths each year in the county among older people who are unable to heat their homes properly.

So far this year the appeal has raised more than £135,000 thanks to donations which were matched by WCF Ltd, the John Laing Charitable Trust, Roselands Trust, The Johnson Fund, Brian and Ann Clark Fund, the Harvey Family Fund and a private donor.

The Foundation is still asking for much needed donations. Last year, the appeal raised over £200,000 and helped more than 1,500 Cumbrians pay fuel bills.

The Community Foundation works with partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service (CAAS), who distribute the grants as well as provide advice and guidance to people in fuel poverty.

One of the biggest problems facing many older adults, especially those living on their own, is not staying warm enough in their homes. When temperatures fall below 8°C, older people can be vulnerable and susceptible to an increased risk of becoming ill and developing pneumonia and in extreme, serious cases of low temperatures – hypothermia.

Lesley Amor, Finance Director and Customer Support Officer at CAAS, said: “Every day we receive calls from older people who may be living on their own and who are in desperate need for help and support.

“Many of our clients need financial support and we are delighted to be working with Cumbria Community Foundation to be able to offer the one-off grants to older people. These are extremely helpful and make a real difference to a person’s daily life and wellbeing over the cold winter.”

One beneficiary is 102-year-old veteran, Thomas Hodgson, from West Cumbria.

Thomas fought for his country during World War II and he is still full of determination, hoping to be the oldest person to do a parachute jump at the age of 103 next year, after already completing one on his 100th birthday. Thomas joined the territorial army in 1937 and was assigned to the fifth battalion border regiment. He joined the Royal Engineers in 1940 at the age of 20 as he worked on the railways as a fireman. When the army asked for parachuting volunteers, he literally jumped at the chance and joined the 7th Parachute Battalion.

For many older people, the past two years have been very difficult with the added onset of the COVID pandemic and not being able to have family and friends around them.

Thomas remains positive and the team from CAAS are there when he needs help and advice. He is very thankful to have the support of a Winter Warmth grant to help him keep warm during the winter months.

Thomas said: “I have recently had an operation in hospital, and I am awaiting more appointments.

“I am always very happy to see the team at CAAS; they are very helpful and support me to remain safe and independent.”

When asked about the Winter Warmth grants he said: “It’s grand. I extra funding is very helpful and I must thank the people who look after me with the grant.”

Liz from Windermere was supported last year, and she found out that she could apply to the Winter Warmth Fund from Age UK, which works in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, making sure the money reaches those most in need.

The 80-year-old said: “It really made a difference, especially with being on benefits. I didn’t feel frightened of putting the heating on and I could put the radiators on in all rooms rather than just my lounge.”

Talking about the appeal, the Foundation’s Chief Executive, Andy Beeforth, said: “More than 120,000 Cumbrians receive the governments Winter Fuel Payment and to many it’s a lifeline but for those that don’t need it, we can pass the money on to someone who is finding winter difficult.”

“Our Winter Warmth Appeal is even more important this year with the rise in fuel prices. It allows us to help, support and make physical, noticeable and actual positive differences to many older people, their wellbeing and daily lives during the cold and lonely winter months.”

David, from Liverpool who visits the county regularly and who recently donated, said: “Those of us who get a warm welcome when we visit Cumbria should, if we can afford it, help residents of the county who may struggle to keep warm in winter.”

To donate online, visit https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/winter-warmth-appeal

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ (write Winter Warmth on the back) and post to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN. Donations can also be made over the phone by calling 01900 825760 Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Money from the NHS has been made available to support patients leaving hospital through its partnership with local charities.

The NHS Hospital Discharge Support Fund was set up by the NHS in north Cumbria and is held by Cumbria Community Foundation. It will provide financial support of up to £300,000 to the charitable and community sector to help people regain and maintain their independence at home and in the community once they are discharged from hospital.

Age UK West Cumbria, in partnership with Age UK Carlisle & Eden, has been awarded £176,942 to meet the current short-term need of patients leaving hospital with no support from family or friends.

The Well@Home project will provide four weeks of support, including transport, daily welfare calls, home checks, prescription collections, food, and basic supplies.

Jane Mindar, Chief Executive at Age UK West Cumbria, said: “By working together, we will be able to make a real difference to around 700 people between now and the end of March – by getting them home and safely settled into their homes rather than spending more time in hospital which can be quite distressing for people especially in the run up to Christmas. Additionally we can play a larger part in helping the already stretched NHS reduce its burden and free up beds for those who most need them. NHS staff have proven to be complete heroes during the pandemic, and it will be an honour to help them in a small way during winter to carry on saving lives and helping even more people.”

Further funding is available and grants of up to £30,000 will be considered (in exceptional circumstances a higher amount might be considered), which must be fully spent by March 31st next year. The funding aims to support voluntary and community sector interventions which promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the widest sense and for all ages.

Funding should achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• increased number of patients supported to return home
• improved discharge experience from NHS and other community based clinical services
• patients supported report a more informed knowledge of the discharge process and support available to them
• people able to regain and remain independent in their home and community
• reduce the number of delayed discharges
• decreased readmission rates as patient and/or carer receive additional non-clinical support
• third sector capacity increased to deliver and sustain low-level community-based support

Peter Rooney, Chief Operating Officer for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Making sure patients leave hospital in a well-supported and timely way as soon as their medical treatment is complete is vital for lots of reasons. We don’t want patients in hospital longer than they need to be, we need to ensure those in hospital are those who have the most acute need, and people should be back in their own familiar surroundings as soon as they are well enough.

“This is fantastic opportunity to strengthen those really valuable relationships between our health and care services and our third sector partners. Working together will really help both our people and our services here in north Cumbria.”

Sarah Farragher, Home First and System Flow Coordinator, said: “We are delighted about this opportunity to work closely with partners to support people to return home from hospital, and enable people to live their most independent lives.  We really want to encourage our third sector groups to think about new and innovative bids to this fund so we can support more people across north Cumbria.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “As a Community Foundation, we are delighted to be able to support this funding to reach where it is most needed. By supporting valuable NHS and community projects, the fund will ease some of the strain on the NHS.

To find out more about the Fund or to apply, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/nhs-hospital-discharge-support-fund or call 01900 825760.

Cumbrian residents are being encouraged to take a less consumerist approach this Black Friday, with the countywide MyCumbria discount card now donating a proportion of each sale to the Cumbria Community Foundation.

The event, an American import of the last shopping day after the Thanksgiving holiday, has become more and more commercialised in recent years, however recent events have highlighted to many the importance of creating memories with friends and family rather than buying the latest items. Alongside the donation to the Foundation, a MyCumbria card is far from a single-use item, rather opening up experiences right across the county for a full year.

Cumbria Tourism Managing Director Gill Haigh says “One thing we’ve all discovered over the course of the pandemic is the importance of spending time with friends and family, especially those we’ve been unable to see due to recent travel restrictions. Memories last so much longer and with a MyCumbria card you’re not just giving a loved one a one off present, you’re gifting them 12 months of adventure.

“I’m also delighted a percentage of every card sold will go straight to our Strategic Partners the Cumbria Community Foundation. This charity does so much for the people of Cumbria, supporting youth groups, carers, the arts, environmental schemes, homelessness and more right across the county. After everything Cumbria’s been through recently we all know someone in need of a little extra support and the Foundation is doing a fantastic job at a very difficult time.”

Cumbria Community Foundation’s Chief Executive Andy Beeforth says: “Being a Strategic Partner with Cumbria Tourism is the right thing for the Community Foundation to do. Tourism is a vital part of the Cumbrian economy supporting jobs and the leisure, arts and cultural sectors of the county.  We’re stronger together and I look forward to working in partnership with Cumbria Tourism in support of the people of Cumbria. One important example is the opportunity to make use of the proceeds from the MyCumbria Card. The funds raised by the MyCumbria Card will help the Foundation help charities throughout the county. The MyCumbria card is an important way in which we can all help support local communities here in our county.”

Whatever interests your loved ones, a MyCumbria card can help inspire them to explore their doorstep in 2022 and make memories with friends and family. With discounts on a huge range of experiences, from indulgent afternoon teas at top-quality establishments (including Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside (25% off) to family days out at favourites such as Lowther Castle (two for one admission), Holker Hall (two for one admission) and the South Lakes Safari Zoo (50% off both day admission and annual passes), they’ll be able to enjoy low-cost days out across Cumbria. Also, with many looking to get outdoors again there are many ways to save, including 10% off all activities with Graythwaite Adventure and 10% off at The Forge, Staveley-based outdoor brand Inov-8’s brand new store.

MyCumbria cards are available to anyone who lives or works in the county at the special price of just £15 on ‘Charity Friday’ (26^th November 2021). To use this offer please use the discount code charityfriday when purchasing (does not apply to renewals). Gift options are also available.

View the full list of current offers and buy your card at www.mycumbriacard.co.uk.