An emergency fund set up to provide financial support to charitable organisations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is now closed to new applications.

The Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund was set up in March by Cumbria Community Foundation to respond to the challenges faced by many people and families across the county.

Since then, £2.36 million has been distributed to almost 200 organisations and community groups across the county. Grants have been awarded to support vital services like foodbanks, delivery of food and care packages to vulnerable people, telephone and online services offering friendship, support to help reduce isolation, emotional, mental health and financial hardship, and support to access benefits and debt advice to name but a few.

Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “It is with regret that we announce the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund is now closed to new applications. This is because all available funds have been spent.

“Thank you to all our donors who have made grants through the fund possible. The people and communities of Cumbria have responded magnificently to the challenges of the pandemic. It has been a privilege to support hundreds of groups and thousands of volunteers across the county. The fund remains open to new donations and any additional funds donated will be targeted at organisations supporting those facing hardship caused by the pandemic.”

Cumbria Community Foundation manages around 100 grant making funds on behalf of individuals, families, and businesses, awarding on average £2 million a year to a wide range of organisations. These remain open to new applications as normal.

If groups require further financial assistance to continue supporting vulnerable people, we are encouraging them to contact us and apply using our general application process,” said Jenny.

“We know some organisations are concerned that funders will only award grants that are responding to the pandemic. If funds are limited, then priority may be given to projects that are addressing current issues and have the greatest positive impact on our communities, however, we will continue to award other kinds of grants in line with the wishes and interests of our fundholders.”

For more information about the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund or to donate, click here.

Charitable projects in parts of Eden and South Lakeland are being encouraged to apply for funding.

The Holehird Trust Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, offers grants for voluntary and community organisations which benefit residents in the former county of Westmorland.

Since 2005, the fund has supported almost 500 projects, awarding £600,000 to help support activities for local communities. The maximum grant is usually around £2,000, with the average being £1,250.

The Morland Festival of Light, organised by The Studio Morland CIC, takes place in February next year over four nights. The project recently received £1,000 to create a light art trail around the gardens of Morland House, with local residents being encouraged to create their own light art window display in their homes to help illuminate the whole village.

Kate Brundrett, Director of The Studio Morland, said: “We are delighted with the funds raised so far to make this festival happen. With the light trail, fantastic art installations, sound interventions and community art works, we think it will bring a much-needed reason to celebrate as we come out of the darkness of winter with the addition of the COVID restrictions, giving us all a boost and hope in our community spirit. We hope it will bring delight to everyone’s faces and that it might become the start of an annual Festival of Light for Morland, which would be a lovely heart-warming event to look forward to each year.”

The Coronavirus pandemic has greatly accelerated a need for a community building in the heart of Stainton, near Kendal, which is the only parish in South Lakeland without a community building.

Stainton Chapel, a 17th Century chapel is being turned into a community centre, now known as the Stainton Institute, thanks to a committed group of local residents. The charity recently received £3,500 towards the final phase of the renovation project.

Geoff Wilson, Chairman, said: “We are extremely grateful to receive funding through Cumbria Community Foundation from the Holehird Trust Fund.

“The chapel needs to be restored, both for the community and for prosperity. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a community centre, not just for now but for future generations to enjoy. The grant will be used to complete the internal and external painting and preservation treatment work.”

Ellen Clements, Senior Grant Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “We know some of the challenges that rural communities are facing as they recover from lockdown and the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

“Over the last 15 years, we have made grants to support community transport, older people’s groups, health and disability groups, community volunteers, sports sessions, homelessness, mental health, and family wellbeing, to name a few.

“The Holehird Trust Fund can address what is really important to local people and we’re delighted to administer this funding on behalf of Cumbria County Council.”

If you are a voluntary or community group in Cumbria, supporting residents in the former county of Westmorland, there is still time to apply for a grant before the next deadline. Priority will be given to projects which support one of the following: elderly people, disabled people or children and young people up to the age of 18.

Applications for funding must be received by 10th February 2021 for a decision on 10^th March 2021. For more information on the Holehird Trust Fund please contact:

Ellen Clements on 01900 825760 or email ellen@cumbriafoundation.org.

Charitable groups in West Cumbria are set to benefit from free organisational development support and advice, and access to funding to deliver long-term benefits.

Cumbria Community Foundation, in partnership with Sellafield Ltd, has designed and launched Bedrock, a new programme, which focuses on building the resilience, capabilities and financial sustainability of charities and community organisations in West Cumbria.

1. Bedrock Awards – tailored package of business consultancy and funding, delivered over two stages, designed to develop, and implement improved ways of working for a small number of charitable organisations in West Cumbria
2. Bedrock Basics – advice and support aimed at strengthening and building capacity of the community sector in West Cumbria, delivered by Cumbria CVS

Bedrock forms part of the initial three-year Transforming West Cumbria social investment programme. Funded through Sellafield Ltd’s social impact multiplied programme, it focuses on promoting thriving communities by supporting sustainable activities that create self-reliance and independence.

Unlike a traditional grant, which would support “business as usual” or a new project, the Bedrock Awards will help community groups to plan for sustainability, development, and growth via a thorough analysis of opportunities for improvement.

Successful applicants will be offered a two-stage programme of tailored business support, together with funding awards, to enable participation and implementation. The Bedrock Awards are intended to deliver long-term benefit to each awardee, resulting in an increased ability to help a greater number of people more effectively and a more resilient organisation. Organisations interested in applying for a Bedrock Award should read the Bedrock Award criteria and contact Cumbria Community Foundation for an initial conversation, before submitting an Expression of Interest.

Cumbria CVS will deliver the Bedrock Basics element of the programme supporting community organisations in West Cumbria to develop and improve their governance, trustee recruitment and training, business planning, funding and volunteer recruitment processes. There will also be support for project monitoring and evaluation, digital skills, impact reporting, along with the opportunity to attend training and networking events. Organisations interested in taking part in the Bedrock Basics programme should contact Cumbria CVS for further information.

In addition, Cumbria Exchange will support organisations participating in the Bedrock programme to recruit skills-based volunteers.

Gary McKeating, Head of Community & Development at Sellafield Ltd said: “The Transforming West Cumbria programme is a new way of working for us. Based on the facts that were revealed in the West Cumbria Opportunities and Challenges report, together with the Foundation, we have developed a detailed suite of projects that incorporate working with well-established and knowledgeable delivery partners so we can address and change entrenched issues together.

Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “There is a strong sense of community spirit in West Cumbria that is underpinned by an active and diverse Third Sector. However, we know that this is a difficult time for many community groups as the demand for their services increase, whilst funding levels fall. This is a situation that has been made all the more challenging by the current coronavirus crisis. Vulnerable people need their support now more than ever. It is vital that community organisations are supported to become more resilient and financially sustainable.

“The Bedrock programme will significantly invest in community organisations. Critically this support will enable them to deliver services, more efficiently and effectively to more people in need, helping West Cumbria’s communities become stronger, more resilient and thrive.”

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

Bridget Johns, District Manager – West at Cumbria CVS, said: “Cumbria CVS is delighted to be part of this partnership as the potential impact this programme can make is huge. Front line charities and community groups have gone above and beyond during the pandemic, adapting their services, and supporting more people without having the time to reflect about what they need to be sustainable and more efficient. Bedrock will allow them to do just that.”

The deadline for Bedrock Award expressions of interest is 8th January 2021. For more information, click here, and contact Gary Higgs, Grants & Donor Services Officer on 01900 825760 or by email gary@cumbriafoundation.org

For more information about how to participate in Bedrock Basics, contact Bridget Johns at Cumbria CVS on 01768 800350 or by email: BridgetJ@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Cumbria Community Foundation, which created the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund to help people in need during the pandemic, has distributed more than £2m in just eight months.

The Fund was set up in March by Cumbria Community Foundation to respond to the challenges faced by many people and families across the county.

Since then, more than 330 applications have been received with 185 organisations and community groups sharing £2,129,583.

Grants have been awarded to support community organisations providing vital services like foodbanks, delivery of food and care packages to vulnerable people, telephone and online services offering friendship and support to help reduce isolation, emotional, mental health and domestic violence support and financial hardship, support to access benefits and debt advice to name but a few.

The Community Foundation team have worked hard to assess an overwhelming level of applications ensuring vital support reaches those most in need as quickly as possible. Figures reveal that the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund received almost the same number of applications as the charity received in the whole of the previous year. Initially, applications were reviewed weekly but for the past six months they have been considered fortnightly.

Last week, more than half a million pounds was awarded to 29 organisations.

West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support received £14,824 to continue offer counselling support to victims of domestic violence. Victoria Pike, Project Manager, said: While many victims and survivors of domestic abuse will rely on their family and friends, they also need a strong provision of formal services, from specialist refuges to counsellors. Early intervention or lack of early support can enable or prohibit a person’s ability to break away from abuse. If they do decide to talk, whether they have left an abusive relationship or just contemplating it, it is important to have someone to talk to, to discuss the various options and help them make informed choices.

“The grant will enable us to increase counselling hours and employ new counsellors for the next six months, allowing us to support more people throughout COVID-19 and reduce our waiting list. Thanks again for your continued support and allowing us to change the lives of victims in West Cumbria suffering from domestic and sexual abuse.”

Carers Support Cumbria, a consortium that brings together the four carers organisations across the county, received £34,184 to roll out a Carer-Connect, a digital platform allowing carers to interact and access support, advice, and information online.

Chief Operating Officer of Carer-Connect, Debi Marsden, explains why the timing of receipt of this fund is so vital: “The grant will enable Carers-Connect to further its reach into the whole of Cumbria rather than just the South Lakes area. This platform will really support carers to connect with one another regardless of their geographical location.

“COVID-19 has really highlighted the issue of acute social isolation and the importance of support and conversations for all unpaid Carers. This is why Carer-Connect is needed right now. Carer-Connect is predominantly a social space with professional services and support built in. This safe and moderated forum is for Carers of all ages, with groups for Young Carers, Adult and Parent Carers living throughout Cumbria”

Staff and volunteers at Mind in Furness can now work remotely, offering a better service to people suffering with their mental health, after it received £9,694 to upgrade the IT equipment.

Karen Dobson, Chief Officer, said: “Whilst we were able to adapt quickly to working from home at the  start of the pandemic and use funding from Mind to purchase laptops and phones for our staff team, we recently started to experience issued with our IT. Our server was in fact unable to manage the amount of work going through it- it was old and nearing its end of life but the increase in our reliance on IT  to communicate with our clients and each other –over email, social media, zoom placed additional pressures on the system.  The funding from Cumbria Community Foundation will allow us to update our server and in doing so we improve the access to IT that is so crucial right now for our team. This means we can continue to support people remotely and digitally and can remain connected to each other and to our client group. We anticipate a further increase in our workloads with the impact of covid on mental health and this award ensures we are well placed to manage further demand.”

The Community Chef Project, based in St Herbert’s Church in Carlisle, received £3,300 to feed the homeless and the community over the winter months. Reverend Alun Jones said: “The grant will enable us to provide a hot meal every morning and evening for the homeless of Carlisle. The Community Chef Project is led by chef, Michael Cullen, and a small team of volunteers.”

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The emotional, physical and financial impacts of the pandemic have been incredibly severe, and many lives have been turned upside down. Sadly, there are even more people in Cumbria experiencing extreme hardship, isolation, loneliness, and anxiety.

“The generosity of our supporters is humbling. Sadly, this year has contained much grief and anxiety for people. However, we’re encouraged by the way people and groups have responded to help. Groups have come together to urgently deliver essential and critical services to those most in need. Small interventions can literally prevent a family becoming homeless and we are grateful to every group and individual that has helped.

“It’s clear that the tough times are far from over and our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by this global health crisis.”

The Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund has received hundreds of donations from local people and businesses, the National Emergencies Trust, and the NHS.

There is now limited funding available in the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund, which will be targeted at supporting those most vulnerable. Community groups requiring financial support should apply no later than 8^th December 2020.

For further information, call 01900 825760, email grants@cumbriafoundation.org or visit www.cumbriafoundation.org

Generous Cumbrians are being asked to help local vulnerable older people keep warm this winter.

Most winters, 300 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.

The Winter Warmth Appeal, run by Cumbria Community Foundation, makes sure that vulnerable people who may have to choose between heating and eating, can stay warm and well through the cold weather.

Last year, 1,166 Cumbrians were helped to keep warm, after Cumbrians donated over £200,000 to the appeal.

And this year, any donations made between Monday 16^th November and midday Monday 14^th December will be doubled with match funding to double the impact

66 year old Jean from South Lakeland says a winter warmth grant improved her life and health.

“I couldn’t believe it when I received the money last year,” says Jean. “It was absolutely wonderful, it helped me such a lot. It was such a relief.”

Jean had to leave her job at Asda because of ill-health but wasn’t able to draw her pension for seven months.

“I was really struggling. Money just stopped coming in and I didn’t know which way to turn,” says Jean.

“I was using very, very little heating because I was worried about the money. It was getting seriously cold in the flat.

“I used to go to bed at about 7.30pm and put the electric blanket on for one hour and then turn it off and just stay in bed until the morning, because it was too cold to sit up.

“I have Reynard’s disease which is bad circulation, and my legs could be so painful with the cold they would go purple. I used to dread it if there was going to be ice or snow because it would be so cold.

“I was just worried to death about the money a lot of the time.”

Jean 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 in need.

She received £150 and says it allowed her to put two heaters on in her flat.

“It meant I was comfortable, and honestly it was amazing. I even stayed up and watched TV,” said Jean.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the people who donated to the Winter Warmth Appeal. It made a huge difference to me.”

David, 71 is from Workington and has a heart condition. He also received a Winter Warmth grant and said: “The money was very welcome. Without it, I can either eat or put the gas on. My pension is very low. It went up £2.50 last year, but the rent and council tax went up by more. It gave me the confidence to put the heating on. Because when you are on low income you haven’t got much spare cash.”

Mr and Mrs Carter, from Barrow are both in their 70’s. Mrs Carter said: “My husband has vascular problems and is always cold so we have the heating on from the moment he gets up to the time he goes to bed. He has been waiting two and a half years for an operation and it has been cancelled because of the pandemic. If we didn’t receive the grant, we would have to limit the heating to try and save some money. It has made a lot of difference.”

Penrith resident, Frank is 75 and is grateful for the grant over winter: “It has made all the difference in the world. It means I can keep warm and have a decent Christmas dinner. My friend who is in a wheelchair told me about the fund when we were talking about how we would get by.”

One in eight households in Cumbria are said to be living in fuel poverty, 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.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This money is crucial to help older people stay well and safe during the cold weather, and in some cases, it saves lives.

“More than 32,000 older Cumbrians live alone, many in poorly insulated buildings. Problems with isolation and health are made worse if people can’t afford to stay warm in their homes.

“We know how generous Cumbrians are – the Winter Warmth Appeal has raised £1m over the last 10 years.

“We are asking Cumbrians to help again so that we can keep vulnerable people in our county safe this winter. Anyone who donates during our match funding month will have the amount automatically doubled.”

WCF Ltd, the John Laing Charitable Trust, the Roselands Trust, the Johnson Fund, Brian and Ann Clark Fund and the Hadfield Trust have pledged £50,000 which will be used to match donations from the public.

To donate:

Online: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/give-to-the-winter-warmth-fund/ 

Cheque payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ (write Winter Warmth on the back) and post to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.

Phone call 01900 820825 Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm.

A charitable fund set up to support those struggling to cope in north Cumbria, has awarded its first grants.

The £180,000 Psychological Support Fund was created by the NHS and Cumbria County Council, and is held by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Bids which demonstrate a collaborative approach, and tackle the impact of anxiety, isolation, and bereavement have been reviewed and a total of £79,700 awarded.

They are:

Together We CIC in west Cumbria has been awarded £25,000 to increase the number of people struggling with their mental wellbeing who can be supported in Carlisle.

Mencap Carlisle has been awarded £15,000 to support a wellbeing and nature project.

iCan Health and Fitness CIC in Carlisle has been awarded £15,000 to expand and support people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Cumbria Youth Alliance has been awarded £14,700 around tackling gaming addiction in young people.

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland has been awarded £10,000 to offer more bereavement support and counselling.

Together We CIC – aims to empower people to take control over their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The Together We Talk project provides 1 to 1 psychological and mental health interventions for all ages from 11 upwards.

Director Sam Joughin said: “The funding allows the project to increase capacity by targeting a further 80 people struggling with their mental health. It is very much needed to meet the increased pressure placed on the service during this uncertain and difficult time for many people.”

People with learning disability and/or autism have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and the regulations that came with it. Many never really came out of the first lockdown as their usual activities, like being able to attend day services, were not always available to them.

Sheila Gregory, Director at Carlisle Mencap, said: “These restrictions and the fear created by the virus have had detrimental effects on their mental health. We fear it will take people a very long time to recover.

“This is why this grant, which takes us into a period of recovery, is so very welcome. We know that being in the outdoors and close to nature is a great healer, so we delighted to working with Cumbria Wildlife Trust on this project.”

Julia Clifford, Director at iCan Health & Fitness said: “Our services are facing increasing demand due to COVID-19 and our mission is to encourage and empower as many people in our community as possible. Thanks to this funding, we will be able to offer new and exciting amenities that will help so many, through such tough times. Leaders with lived experience are crucial to the ongoing societal change we so desperately need and with this money, we aim to support them to become life changing heroes in their own communities.”

Cumbria Youth Alliance will be working with young people around online gaming addiction. Sophie Birkett, Finance, Contracts and Compliance Officer for Cumbria Youth Alliance, said: “Due to COVID-19 many young people have turned to their screens as a coping mechanism and while this is ok in moderation having an addiction to online gaming can have a detrimental effect on young people’s mental health.

“We firmly believe this is a gap that lacks the support needed. With this funding, we can help and support young people with understanding the effects of having a gaming addiction, offering other coping mechanisms, improving mental health, and helping them to support their peers.” 

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland will use the funding to provide bereavement support through its Family Support Team.

Alison Manson, Counsellor and Family Support Service Lead, said: “This magnificent commitment will now allow us to expand the service and offer further support to many more individuals. This will be of huge benefit, particularly at this potentially crucial isolating time for vulnerable people, their families and carers.

“I would like to thank the Psychological Support Fund for making a difference to local bereaved individuals within our community.”

The considerable impact of Covid-19, and the subsequent lockdown, has been significant on people’s lives – physically, emotionally and economically.

The fund can be accessed by third sector organisations in north Cumbria supporting people with anxiety and isolation and other mental health issues. It is also for organisations supporting those who have been bereaved.

For more information or to apply for up to £25,000, call 01900 825760 or visit www.cumbriafoundation.org

There is also support for anyone aged 16 and over facing increased anxiety and other mental health challenges via Togetherall, an online service offering online peer-peer support, access to an anonymous community and lots of information, as well as courses and resources covering a range of mental health and wellbeing topics. The service can be accessed online from anywhere, at any time. All people need to do is register with their postcode at: www.togetherall.com/

The online service Kooth is available for young people aged 11-18 in Cumbria https://www.kooth.com/