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.

The public is being invited to a free event that will discuss the outcomes of COP26 and how our county can “rise to the challenge” of reducing carbon emissions to net-zero.

‘Carbon Zero in Cumbria and the Lake District’ is hosted by Cumbria Community Foundation’s Cumbria Club as part of its Cumbria Voices campaign in partnership with Armstrong Watson.

The live stream event begins at 6pm on Tuesday 16th November and although in-person tickets are sold out, the public is still being encouraged to join the live stream.

Viewers and the audience at Rheged in Penrith will hear presentations from author Mike Berners-Lee, Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Richard Leafe, Simon Carr of University of Cumbria and Karen Mitchell of Cumbria Action for Sustainability.

The distinguished panellists will discuss the outcomes of COP26 and how as a county, we can all rise to the challenge of climate change.

Andy Beeforth, CEO of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re committed to supporting eco-friendly Cumbrian projects for the long term and through our grant making, we’re keen to work with local people and businesses who want to make a difference in reducing the carbon footprint in the county.”

The Cumbria Club is hosting the event with Cumbria Community Foundation, Armstrong Watson, Rheged and the University of Cumbria.

To register for the live stream, click here.

With the rise of fuel prices and the looming flu season, generous Cumbrians are being asked to help local vulnerable older people keep warm and well this winter.

To launch this year’s Winter Warmth Appeal, run by Cumbria Community Foundation, some of Cumbria’s most senior figures in business swapped a warm, comfortable bed for Honister Slate Mine to highlight the ongoing struggle many elderly Cumbrians face to keep warm every night. The annual appeal makes sure that older people who may have to choose between heating and eating, can stay warm and well throughout the colder months.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation spent a night shivering alongside David Beeby, the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Soo Redshaw, Business Coach and Charity Trustee, Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland, Richard Rankin, Chief Executive, H&H Group plc and Mark Cant, Co-Founder and Sales Director, The Cumbrian Tea and Cumbrian Coffee Co Ltd.

Cumbria Community Foundation is the leading independent grant-making charity in the county and its annual Winter Warmth Appeal has raised more than £1.3 million since 2010 in a bid to protect some of the most vulnerable members of communities.

Mark Cant, Co-Founder and Sales Director, The Cumbrian Tea and Cumbrian Coffee Co Ltd said: “Tonight I’m feeling a bit like a non-celebrity going into the jungle on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here with the Cumbrian business royalty, I’m honoured to have been invited to undertake such an important event with Cumbria Community Foundation for a very worthwhile cause. It is one of the hidden issues in this rural county which greatly affects the health and wellbeing of those who cannot heat their homes.”

One in ten households in Cumbria currently live in fuel poverty, meaning that they spend more than 10 percent of their income on fuel. In most winters, 300 older Cumbrians die because of problems associated with not being able to heat their homes or eat properly. In worse winters, the figure has risen to 500.

David Beeby, the High Sheriff of Cumbria said: “I am delighted to be a part of highlighting the need for the Winter Warmth Appeal. The origin of this appeal was a generous donor who wanted to redistribute his winter fuel payment to those in real need. Sadly this year the need will be greater than ever.  Like him there will be many of us who receive the payment and who are fortunate enough not to need it. If you are in that position why not donate it to the Winter Warmth Appeal and double the value.”

This year, any donation made between Monday 15th November and midday Monday 13th December will be doubled thanks to the Foundation’s generous match fund pledgers 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.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Fuel poverty has always been an issue and each year, the Foundation steps up and raises funds for the most vulnerable in our communities who need help and support during the cold winter months.

“This year will see fuel prices increase and we will unfortunately see more people having to choose whether to heat their homes or cook a hot meal. When your income is fixed, as is the case for many retired, older people, rises in energy bills can quickly become unaffordable, and the only choice left in the worst cases is to endure a cold home.

“We are pleading with those who can, to give generously to our Winter Warmth Appeal so we can make sure the funds reach people in need this winter.”

This year, any donation made between Monday 15^th November and midday Monday 13^th December will be doubled thanks to the Foundation’s generous match fund pledgers 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.

Last year, more than a thousand Cumbrians were helped to keep warm, after Cumbrians donated over £200,000 to the appeal.

Donations help people like Dorothy 83, from Carlisle. She said: “I am very grateful for the grant as it allowed me to heat my home when it was cold. It also made things easier for me as I was struggling financially, due to splitting up with my partner and I have multiple health problems. For people like me, this money makes a big difference to our standard of living.”

Joyce, 80 from Seascale, said: “I was so worried about heating costs with winter approaching as my health has been so poor and I was considering taking out a loan; I now feel so relieved to know that my heating costs are covered.”

Liz from Windermere 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.”

Hannah Kitching, Client Services Manager at Age UK South Lakeland, said: “For a high proportion of our clients, receiving the grant has made the vital difference between remaining warm and well at home during the winter months or being admitted to hospital, or worse. As many older people are only just managing to get by financially, the slightest rise in their outgoings pushes them in to fuel poverty, and many have to make the heartbreaking decision between eating or keeping warm. This is not sustainable and leads to a rise in preventable hospital admissions – a very vicious circle. If you find yourself in a more favourable position, we urge you to donate to the Winter Warmth Fund this year; the difference it makes is simply remarkable.”

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.

Charity Today –  Winter Warmth Appeal launches to support older people in Cumbria this winter

Cumbria’s High Sheriff, David Beeby, is encouraging people to think about a career in youth work by offering fully funded training and grants to support salary costs.

Better Tomorrows is a three-year programme which aims to substantially increase the number of young people having access to support from youth workers to help them reach their full potential.

The unique initiative provides accredited training via Cumbria Youth Alliance and offers grants of up to £25,000 to community organisations setting up or providing new youth work opportunities for local people. The Better Tomorrows Fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, is now open for applications.

David said: “Many young people have had their lives turned upside down by the pandemic and are facing unprecedented challenges caused by interrupted education, uncertainty about the future and anxiety exacerbated by increases in poverty and family ill health.

“High-quality youth work has a crucial role to play helping many young people to achieve their full potential. Through participation in youth work, young people gain confidence and competence, develop self-assurance, and have the opportunity to establish high expectations and aspirations for themselves.

“I am extremely grateful to all the organisations and individuals who have generously supported this programme. Together we can make a difference to the lives of more young people”

Better Tomorrows aims to invest £1 million over the next three years into quality youth work training and provision. Funding has been secured from individuals, businesses and funders, including Cumbria Community Foundation, Francis C Scott Charitable Trust, Four Acre Trust, LLWR, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, BAE Systems, CCL Secure, Carr’s Group, CGP Publications, Iggesund, James Walker, Lloyd Motors and Out of Eden.

“The programme has been designed to be scalable,” said David. “The more donations we receive, the more people we’ll be able to support, not just through accredited training, but also quality youth work provision.”

The training, Cumbria Youth Alliance, will lead to Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Youth Work and around 150 people are expected to access the learning, which will be delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face sessions. Participants will be supported during and after their training as well as in their youth work settings.

Becky Wolstenholme, CEO at Cumbria Youth Alliance, said: ‘We are delighted to be leading the training element of the Better Tomorrows programme. We will be working in partnership with organisations and people throughout Cumbria to build upon and ensure a long-term quality Youth Work provision to young people.”

For more information, visit: www.cya.org.uk or email Cath Corkill on cathcorkill@dzyp.co.uk

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

For more information on the Better Tomorrows Fund, click here.

On the run-up to World Mental Health Day this Sunday, Newcastle Hospitals Charity has provided £1.5 million to help people suffering from poor mental health across the North East and Cumbria.

The money came from the NHS Charities Together Community Partnerships Covid-19 Response grant programme on behalf of the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Integrated Care System (ICS).

Eight community partnership projects will be delivered over the next two years by a range of partners from within the NHS, community organisations and the charity sector.

The projects to receive funding are helping to tackle health inequalities, improve people’s mental health and wellbeing, and offer specialist support to people disproportionally affected by the direct and indirect impacts of Covid-19.

In Cumbria, Barnardo’s will deliver a youth-led mental health and wellbeing programme with a specific focus on self-harm and suicide prevention and the North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group will encourage more conversations about death and bereavement through the delivery of training courses in north Cumbria as part of its ‘Let’s Talk Bereavement’ project.

Welcoming the funding, Teri Bayliss, charity director at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “This will have a huge impact for the North East and North Cumbria, our charity and our project delivery partners.

“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 individuals and families across our region.

“The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for everyone and many people across the country have shown their support for the NHS and healthcare community through inspiring fundraising initiatives and donations.

“We’re all familiar with the grace and determination of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who proved an inspiration for many by raising millions for the NHS by walking laps of his garden.

“It is the kindness, generosity of spirit and collective effort of people of all ages and abilities that have made it possible for NHS Charities Together to fund vital health and wellbeing projects in communities across the country. For that, we are extremely grateful.”

Other projects to benefit include:

•  A Coping with Cancer North East outreach programme to support people across the region affected by a cancer diagnosis and their families.

•  Family Action to provide additional therapeutic support for young carers in County Durham.

•  Middlesbrough & Stockton Mind’s ‘Rooted in Nature’ project, which is designed to increase mental health and wellbeing support for people living in the most disadvantaged areas of Middlesbrough.

•  North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Child Health and Wellbeing Network is delivering four impactful programmes that will contribute significant positive outcomes for the region’s children and young people, including a Mental Health First Aid ‘Train the Trainer’ project.

•  Wearside Women in Need, a frontline therapeutic service in Middlesbrough and Wearside to address health inequalities for women.

•  Your Voice Counts, a project to develop a consistent and equitable model of support for people with learning disabilities and autism in the North Tyne and Gateshead Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) area.

Newcastle Hospitals Charity is leading the delivery of the grant programme and is working in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation and Cumbria Community Foundation.

Cumbria Community Foundation has become the first charity to be named as one of Cumbria Tourism’s official ‘Strategic Partners’.

As one of the UK’s most prominent Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), Cumbria Tourism’s core network of Strategic Partners draw together collective expertise from across the county to champion effective destination marketing to support businesses, visitors and local communities. 

Cumbria Community Foundation is a leading, accredited community foundation and provides philanthropic services to individuals, families and organisations – managing more than 100 grant making funds and awarding an average of around £3 million a year.

This new Strategic Partnership between the two organisations reflects the importance of the visitor economy to local people, supporting jobs and prosperity for the county as a whole. 

It also means that 10% of the proceeds generated by Cumbria Tourism’s MyCumbria residents’ cards will now be donated directly to Cumbria Community Foundation, to support local good causes. 

Jacqui Currie, Head of Development, said: “Cumbria Community Foundation is delighted to have become a strategic partner of Cumbria Tourism. Our organisations share common values as we work to build a bright, sustainable future for Cumbria’s communities. With one in four people in the county depending on visitor spending for their livelihood, tourism is embedded in our communities and our economy. 

“Many tourism businesses already work with the Foundation by becoming members and fundholders, the proceeds of which the Foundation gives out in grants to community groups that help vulnerable people in our county. Through our Strategic Partnership with Cumbria Tourism, we will be encouraging new supporters in the tourism sector to help us to address disadvantage in our county.”

Jim Walker, Chairman of Cumbria Tourism, adds, “The visitor economy is integral to our local communities and Cumbria Community Foundation is an outstanding example of an organisation giving back to the place where we live and work. It’s fitting that they become the first charity to be named as an official Strategic Partner and we look forward to working hand-in-hand with them over the coming year.”

Cumbria Community Foundation joins a core network of Strategic Partners, who are all highly respected and regarded across the county. The list includes: 

• United Utilities (Cumbria Tourism patron)
• Burnetts
• The Cumberland 
• Forestry England
• Grasmere Gingerbread
• Highways England
• Holidaycottages.co.uk
• Lake District Estates
• Lake District National Park
• Lamont Pridmore
• NFU Mutual
• Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire
• Thomson Hayton Winkley
• University of Cumbria
• Windermere Lake Cruises

Full details on Cumbria Tourism’s  MyCumbria Card.