Cumbria Community Foundation gave away more money in grants per capita than any other community foundation in the UK in 2022/23, according to a recent national survey of grant makers, thanks to incredible support from local people and businesses.

In the year 2022/23, the Foundation distributed the equivalent of £11.53 for every person in Cumbria to good causes, charitable organisations and individuals. This is higher than any of the other 46 community foundations across the country, according to UKGrantmaking, the definitive annual publication on grant funding in the UK.

In total, Cumbria Community Foundation made grants of £5.8 million in 2022/23.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The findings of this report underline what we have always known – that Cumbrians really are some of the most generous, community-minded people in the country.

“I am incredibly proud that we have been identified as giving out more money per capita than any other community foundation in the UK. That is only possible because local people, businesses and organisations are so kind-hearted, and have confidence in the Community Foundation and choose to channel their charitable giving through us.

“People who want to give to those less fortunate than themselves trust that the Foundation knows where money is most needed. And it really is very much needed now, more than any time in our 25-year history.”

Founding supporter Sellafield Ltd gave an initial donation of £1 million to the Foundation’s endowment funds 25 years ago and continues to be a key supporter today. In 2023/24, more than £1.75 million was awarded in grants funded by the company, through Transforming West Cumbria, part of its social impact programme Social impact multiplied (SiX), which aims to address the causes of inequality in the area’s most vulnerable communities.

Hundreds of projects, organisations and individuals are supported by the Foundation each year, in an effort to tackle issues ranging from child poverty and unemployment to rural isolation and loneliness.

The annual Winter Warmth Appeal raises money to help older people in Cumbria who are in danger of becoming ill or even dying because of the cold, while the Better Tomorrows programme seeks to address the gap in youth work provision.

Often grant making reflects the area of expertise of the fund holder: the Fibrus Community Fund, established by broadband provider Fibrus, aims to address digital poverty and provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable.

Andy Beeforth said: “The diverse organisations and projects we fund help to drive change and create lasting impact. The range of activities is simply incredible, and I am so proud of everyone involved in helping us to deliver this funding to frontline organisations.”

The Foundation helps individuals, families and businesses manage their charitable giving and philanthropy. As well as creating their own fund to support a particular charitable cause or community, people can also donate to an existing fund, such as the Cumbria Fund which helps those in need around the county.

Others choose to support the Foundation by becoming a member, such as architecture firm Day Cummins.

Jane Clingan, Director and Practice Manager, said: “We have supported the amazing work of Cumbria Community Foundation from inception so that local people can meet the challenges they face and achieve their potential.”

If you’d like to learn more about how the Community Foundation can support your charitable giving and make a real difference to local lives, please get in touch at enquiries@cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760.

Communities or charities interested in applying for funding are encouraged to visit www.cumbriafoundation.org, where they can find guidance on submitting an application.

Projects to improve the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in West Cumbria have been set out for the next two years.

Family Wellbeing is one strand of the Transforming West Cumbria (TWC) programme, aimed at improving the lives of West Cumbrians, and has already made a positive difference to thousands of people since it was launched three years ago.

Funded through the Sellafield Ltd Social impact multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation, Transforming West Cumbria was created in response to a study commissioned by Sellafield Ltd in 2019. This highlighted persistent social problems including 3,900 children living in poverty, one-in-seven households with an income below £10,000 a year and more children in care than in any other part of the county.

Initial funding of £600,000 was awarded in September 2020 for projects tackling issues ranging from domestic and sexual abuse and addiction to emotional resilience and improved speech and language. A report published in November last year highlighted some of the achievements of the first three years, with 1,456 families and 2,709 children supported by the projects.

Now a further £200,000 has been awarded across five organisations to continue some of this work.

Cumbria Addictions: Advice and Solutions (CADAS) has been awarded funding to continue its family support service, which aims to reduce the number of children taken into care and improve life chances.

Families affected by parental substance abuse are taught emotional resilience techniques and how to use talking therapy and other strategies to change their behaviour.

One service user explained the difference the project had made: “I now have different ways to manage how I’m feeling and I’m able to be a mother to my child. You’ve helped me to make sure I keep going in this way and don’t take a step backwards. I thought I’d struggle more than I have; but I think that’s the difference you all make; I wasn’t on my own and you helped more than I could have imagined.”

Angie Milfull, West Cumbria Family Support Team Leader, said: “CADAS West Cumbria Family Support Service has brought transformational change both to CADAS and the communities of West Cumbria. This funding has enabled us to respond to what our clients were telling us and to help shape CADAS into a better service.

“Our experiences growing with this pilot have only strengthened our belief in the project and our long-term plans to embed our family support service within the wider organisation, throughout the county.”

Howgill Family Centre has received funding to continue its programme to improve speech and language skills in children up to the age of four.

Parental engagement has been identified as crucial in aiding children’s early communication development, so the project will continue to work with families through local nurseries and group sessions.

Faye Eldon, Chief Executive of Howgill Family Centre, said: “The funding has allowed us to work with hundreds of parents who have attended our communication groups. This funding is vital to support parents in the understanding of the importance of early language and how this can impact positively on their child’s future learning journey. Parents share stories, songs and have fun with their children, while meeting new people and this would not be possible without the funding we receive. Thank you!”

Safety Net supports the recovery of those affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse across Cumbria, offering advice, support, counselling and therapy to adults, children and young people affected by abuse and trauma.

Helen Davies, Senior Children and Young Person Therapist, said: “The Family Wellbeing project, funded by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, ensures we can continue to provide much needed services to children and families in West Cumbria. The funding enables us to employ two part-time Children and Young People’s Practitioners/Play Therapists, who work with whole families who have experienced abuse, including sexual violence, child sexual abuse, exploitation, rape, online abuse, and domestic violence.

“Experiencing such abuse at a young age can have a profoundly detrimental effect on the physical and mental wellbeing of a young person. Being part of this project means we can work collaboratively with partners to help children and families to recover, with the aim of improving their lives over the long term.”

Together We has been awarded funding to deliver psychological interventions to parents and family units with children aged five to 17 through its Together We Talk programme.

Managing Director Sam Joughin said: “We are pleased to receive this vital funding to continue and extend our family interventions work. Over the past four years Together We Talk has seen a vast demand for psychological support for children, young people and families. The need grows every year and with this funding we can continue our aims to empower families to better manage their physical and mental wellbeing.”

West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support, which operates as The Freedom Project, was awarded funding to continue its McKenzie Friend project, giving legal support to victims of domestic violence.

Vicky Pike, Charity Manager of The Freedom Project, said: “We are over the moon to be able to continue with the McKenzie Friend project. We know through the number of families that have benefited from this project already, that there is a huge need for the service, especially considering our McKenzie Friend is the only one in West Cumbria.

“The complexities of the family court can be extremely distressing and overwhelming, so the McKenzie Friend helps navigate this, and allows the family to have a reliable ally that offers essential support, guidance and expertise to those embroiled in legal battles.

“The funding is going to allow us to continue this service for the next two years; but also train another member of staff to help the current McKenzie Friend manage workload and allow us to reach more families that need us. The long-term aim of the project is for us to become a training provider to volunteers and other organisations to ensure a good network of McKenzie Friends to support families across Cumbria.”

Tracey West, Senior Social Impact Manager at Sellafield, said: “Working with the delivery organisations has been such an encouraging journey, when you hear the life experiences from those that our funding has impacted it drives us to develop more projects like Family Wellbeing.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Transforming West Cumbria, through the Family Wellbeing programme, is making a significant difference in tackling some key challenges in our area.

“All of these projects have brought improvements to those with the greatest need. This additional funding from Sellafield Ltd will ensure more good work can be done to create thriving communities and a better future for families in West Cumbria.”

Earlier this year, Sellafield Ltd also created a Family Support Fund as part of the Social impact multiplied (SiX) programme, offering grants of up to £1,000 towards the cost of essentials for West Cumbrian families in financial hardship.

The fund was administered by Cumbria Community Foundation and delivered by five local organisations – Always Another Way, CADAS, Howgill Family Centre, Together We and West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support.

Grants have been awarded to more than 380 families, including around 800 children. Of the families supported, 60% had a child aged five or under.

Lyn Cavaghan, Executive Officer at Always Another Way, said: “Always Another Way were inundated with requests for this funding and very quickly allocated the monies to families in need, demonstrating that this additional financial support was very much needed in our community. Always Another Way were very happy to be able to help so many families.”

For more information about Family Wellbeing and the wider Transforming West Cumbria programme, visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/transforming-west-cumbria/

A statement from Cumbria Community Foundation Chief Executive Andy Beeforth OBE:

The events of the last two weeks have caused great sadness and fear, from the horror of the child murders in Southport to the waves of violence and looting across the country stirred up by racism, misinformation and hatred.

We at the Foundation stand in support of everyone affected and we will be there as a friend and ally. These are worrying times for us all.

So, what does this mean for Cumbria? As I type, we have fortunately escaped any obvious attacks or violence on our streets, although anyone from a black or ethnically diverse background must be living in fear and trepidation.

This is wrong.

Every right-minded person should be speaking out and offering solidarity and friendship to those under attack. Just because we haven’t seen violent disorder on our streets doesn’t mean racism and the hatred that has underpinned this violence doesn’t exist here. I’ve been encouraged by strong messages of condemnation from politicians and people stepping up from across communities to repair damage to mosques and businesses. We also have a network of refugee, multicultural and anti-racist organisations that exist to support people of diverse backgrounds.

We have too many people in our communities whose views have been shaped by a combination of misinformation while living in towns with little or no hope for them or their children. It is too easy to blame others and target refugees and asylum seekers. Jo Cox, the murdered Labour MP said we have more in common than which divides us. We need to build on our common humanity and stop blaming ‘others’ for our troubles.

I’m proud of my colleagues at the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside who launched the Southport Stronger Together Appeal to support the families and wider community affected by the murderous attack. It is appeals like this and neighbours standing together in support of each other, irrespective of skin colour, faith and no faith that build stronger communities.

We’re also aware that many people here in Cumbria feel as though they want to make a difference but are unsure how. A donation to the Cumbria Fund right now can be restricted to support organisations working with compassion to strengthen and connect our diverse communities. Contact the team on 01900 825760 or email enquiries@cumbriafoundation.org for more information.

The achievements of nine young West Cumbrians who set up their own businesses have been celebrated at an event in Whitehaven.

The entrepreneurs, aged between 15 and 25, all took part in the Positive Enterprise programme, an initiative from Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CfLP) to help young people go into business.

The nine were each given a £1,000 grant at the start of this year, and have received mentoring from an experienced businessperson, and skills and leadership development opportunities from CforLP.

At a celebration event at Whitehaven Civic Hall, the young people each gave a presentation about their business, explaining where their idea had come from, and talking through the successes and challenges they had faced.

Chloe Pennington, 16, from Whitehaven, was awarded an extra £1,000 on the night by judges who were impressed by the presentation she gave about her business, Chloe’s Chateau. Chloe creates and sells original art and gifts, transforming her own brightly coloured, hand-drawn artwork showing scenes from West Cumbria and beyond into prints, mugs and other giftware.

She said: “I started selling on Etsy in October 2020 and then expanded to local shops and craft fairs. With the Positive Enterprise grant, I decided to invest in printers and mugs, and scale up my business. This has all been while doing my GCSEs so it has been a bit full on in my house but all good fun!

“I really want to sell further afield. My dream is to go from the seven stockists I currently have in Cumbria, to the whole of the UK, and then the world.

“Being on the programme with so many brilliant young participants, that have now become friends, is a privilege that I am so very grateful for and one that any young person would benefit hugely from.

“It’s endorsed my belief that if you want something badly enough, with a lot of hard work and a little bit of help from your friends, it’s absolutely achievable.”

The judges chose Jackson Slack, of Silloth, as highly commended runner-up. His business – Football Fluidity – offers 1-2-1 football coaching at affordable prices.

Jackson said: “Football is my passion so with this business, I’m getting paid to do a job I love. I thought of the idea last year but the Positive Enterprise grant was the catalyst for the business. I wouldn’t have been able to afford everything I needed without it. Equipment, insurance, first aid kit, goals – everything adds up.

“It’s not just the money though, it’s the knowledge as well.”
Jackson’s mentor was Jenny Brumby, of Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership. “I feel really lucky to have had her,” he said. “She has helped me avoid obstacles, and get past any obstacles that I do encounter. It’s really nice having that experience, someone to guide you.”

David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation, presented certificates to all the participants and praised them for their efforts.
He told them: “You have all shown that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking here in West Cumbria. We know that mentoring makes a positive difference. Soak up that advice – it’s your business so make your own decisions, but also listen to the advice you’re given.”

The guest speakers were Glenn Anderson, of Proud and Diverse Cumbria, and James Batchelor, of Alertacall, who gave the young entrepreneurs this piece of guidance: “Nurture the ability to talk to people around you. Anybody you sit or stand next to, on a bus or a train, might be the person who can make your dreams come true.”

The businesses created range from animal accessories and sweets to self-care packages for people undergoing chemotherapy.

Ava Marshall, 15, of Whitehaven, set up Lightside Equestrian & Pet Products. She produces and sells horse fly rugs made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles; plus other pet accessories such as dog bandanas, treat bags, and boot covers.

Ava said: “I was selected for the Positive Enterprise programme back in January and it has truly been amazing. The help and support I’ve received has been lifechanging and the people I’ve met along the way have made a big difference to not only my business, but also to me.”

Sustainability was a key driver for several of the young entrepreneurs.

Scott Sharpe, 21, of Whitehaven, sells vintage clothing and upcycled items through his business White Horse Vintage. He was inspired to create his brand by his love for retro clothing, and a desire to reduce fast fashion.

And Aaron Groggins, 22, also from Whitehaven, launched Lakeland Life – market-style festival events promoting food, drink and sustainability.

“I’ve got a real passion for business, and the challenges you come across,” he said. “I could work all day and night!

“When I first signed up for the programme, I was quite nervous. I thought, ‘am I going to be able to do it?’ But I’ve had so much support. The mentoring has been absolutely exceptional. I can’t put into words how much help I’ve had.”

Haidee Trohear, 17, of Seascale, creates decorated glass bottles and drinking glasses through her business which she named Glaxto.

“I’d wanted to set up a business for a while and this inspired me to actually do it. The programme has been really helpful. I would have been lost without it. Both my mentor Harry, and also the other participants – some of them had already started their businesses, so I’ve been able to learn from them and that has been really helpful.”

Jasmine Riddick, 17 of Workington, set up Jasmine Grace: Made with Love to create self-care packages for people with anxiety and those going through chemotherapy. She explained: “I just want to bring a little positivity to someone who is going through a difficult journey.”

Meyrem Korkmaz, 17, of Maryport, established her business Sweet Stems to sell handmade bouquets of sweets at affordable prices.

Alfie Goodwin, 15, of Whitehaven, also sells sweets through his business Sugar Tongue. His mentor was Mark Cant, one of the brains behind the Cumbrian Tea brand. Mark said: “I was a Positive Enterprise mentor last year too and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s about giving something back and helping the next generation, and I learn a lot from the young people involved too.”

This was the Positive Enterprise programme’s second year. The three-year programme is funded by the Cumbria-based property developer Brian Scowcroft with match funding from Sellafield Ltd as part of its Transforming West Cumbria programme, Nuclear Waste Services, Well Whitehaven, Morgan Sindall and Kaefer.

Elizabeth Atkinson, of Kaefer, said: “We think it’s really important to support programmes like Positive Enterprise that help build confidence and the essential skills that we as an employer are looking for. It teaches problem solving, patience, communication – all the essential skills we look for are covered in the programme.”

The programme is delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance. Early Careers Project Lead Rhianna Smith said: “We’re blown away by the creativity and self-motivation of all the young entrepreneurs. With the invaluable support from their mentors and our practical workshops and programme of support, they’ve developed key employability and entrepreneurial skills such as negotiation, time management, and business knowledge.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch how these young people have formed a supportive peer network to learn together and bounce ideas off each other. Positive Enterprise is truly a springboard for these young people and their exciting business ideas.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Thank you to all of the donors who have funded this truly transformational programme, which will no doubt have a lasting effect on the young people involved throughout their careers.

“We look forward to recruiting the next group of young entrepreneurs in the autumn.”

For more information visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/transforming-west-cumbria/positive-enterprise/

A couple have left a lasting legacy of support to the young people of their West Cumbrian community.

Following the deaths of Edwin and Anita Mackay, part of the proceeds from the sale of their property in Seaton were gifted to Cumbria Community Foundation, for the creation of a new fund to benefit local young people.

The Edwin and Anita Mackay Memorial Fund will award grants of up to £500 to charitable groups to support project costs such as coaching or equipment for junior sports teams, drama workshops for under-18s, and the improvement of community facilities that benefit young people.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6 million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 100 grant making funds set up by generous individuals, families and businesses.

The Foundation helps individuals, families and businesses manage their charitable giving and philanthropy. As well as creating their own fund to support a particular charitable cause or community, people can also leave a gift to an existing fund, such as the Cumbria Fund which helps those in need around the county.

Caroline Adams, Development Manager for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are incredible grateful to Edwin and Anita Mackay, and all those who choose to give via Cumbria Community Foundation.

“Leaving a gift in your will is a wonderful way of allowing a family name to live on and supporting causes that are close to someone’s heart for many years to come.”

If you would like to know more about how you can leave a charitable legacy in your will for your local community or a cause you care about, and/or to commemorate a loved one, please contact Caroline Adams, Development Manager at Cumbria Community Foundation, on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

For further information on the type of projects eligible for funding from the Edwin and Anita Mackay Memorial Fund or how to apply, contact Tracy Cheesbrough, Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, on 01900 512395, email tracy@cumbriafoundation.org or visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/edwin-and-anita-mackay-memorial-fund/.

People who live, work and study in Carlisle and the surrounding rural towns and villages are being asked to take part in a major survey into life in the area.

Cumbria Community Foundation has commissioned a report – Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges – which will analyse the city’s social needs and community issues, highlighting work already being undertaken to address disadvantage and identifying opportunities to help communities thrive.

Over the next few months, people in Carlisle, Brampton, Dalston, Longtown and the surrounding rural areas are being asked to give their views to feed into the report.

The consultation process was launched with an online public meeting last week (Tues 9 July) where people had the chance to ask questions and find out more about the project.

An online survey is now live at www.cumbriafoundation.org/community-needs for people to give their views on what they like about Carlisle, what could be improved, and what changes they would like to see in Carlisle district in five years’ time.

The findings of the survey will feed into the report, which follows three similar reports produced by the Foundation since 2017: one looking at the whole county, and others focusing on West Cumbria and Furness.

A steering group made up of local people has been set up to ensure the report reflects the needs and priorities of the Carlisle area, chaired by Kevin Walsh, Vice Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation.

Kevin Walsh said: “The previous reports have proved to be key resources, both for bringing people together and securing investment to address areas of need in these communities.

“For the Carlisle report, we will be consulting widely, from youth groups and community organisations to businesses and individuals, to get the fullest picture possible.

“In order to ensure the report fully reflects the views of Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas, we would love as many people as possible to fill in the survey and share their thoughts.”

The report has been funded by Kingmoor Park, Sellafield Ltd, Riverside Housing and the previous local authorities of Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council. It will be used to inform and influence key decision makers, including local authorities, government, potential philanthropists/donors, funders, healthcare providers, businesses and third sector organisations.

The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete. Fill it in online at www.cumbriafoundation.org/community-needs. To request paper copies or for any queries, email: carlisleneeds@cumbriafoundation.org.

Staff from Cumbrian businesses have walked the equivalent of the distance from Cumbria to the South Pole and back, as part of a charity challenge in aid of local good causes.

More than 130 colleagues from 18 companies and organisations signed up for Cumbria Community Foundation’s Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge, clocking up an incredible 19,882 miles in six weeks.

Participants tackled the 171-mile virtual route from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay by walking, running and swimming all over the county and beyond, as well as on static exercise bikes and rowing machines in their homes, offices and gyms.

The challenge, organised by Cumbria Community Foundation to mark its 25th anniversary, raised more than £12,500. All the money raised will be distributed by the Foundation through grant making to a wide range of charities and community groups across the county.

Companies taking part included Armstrong Watson, Oxley Developments and Intro PR (see below for a full list). Beneficiaries of Cumbria Community Foundation also joined in, including the Centre for Leadership Performance, Phoenix Enterprise Centre and Calderwood House.

Participants had six weeks to complete the challenge but some powered through the miles in half that time.

A team from WCF was the first to finish, and the firm also took individual first place, with Deputy Managing Director Phil Murray completing the challenge in less than three weeks.

The team – known as WCF Warriors and made up of members of the firm’s senior leadership team, plus one family member – also raised the highest total, thanks to a match funding donation from the firm.

Managing Director Jo Ritzema said: “As long-standing supporters of Cumbria Community Foundation, we were delighted to support the charity in their silver anniversary year by doing something a bit different.

“Our senior leadership team already had its own group on Strava, so taking part in the Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge was the perfect fit for us.

“We have all thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge and have benefitted from both the physical and mental effort. By doing it as a team, we have been spurred on by the efforts of others, particularly on dull and rainy days, and there is no doubt there has been a healthy level of competition to top the leaderboard.

“Our colleagues at WCF have encouraged us with their kind words and donations and we are very grateful for the generosity of everyone who sponsored us. We are also grateful that WCF has match funded what we raised with its own contribution.”

The challenge was created to be as inclusive as possible for people of all abilities.

Heather Sewell, Communications Manager for Cumbria Tourism, took part with a team of her colleagues. She said: “As someone who was born with a complex heart condition, the strenuous uphill nature of the ‘real’ Coast to Coast route wouldn’t be suitable for me.

“This virtual version was still undoubtedly a big challenge, so I was thrilled to complete the 171-mile course within the six weeks. It’s been a great incentive for me to get out and about across the county, with all the physical and mental health benefits that brings.”

Caroline Adams, Development Manager for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the way so many people rose to the challenge and took part to support the work of the Foundation.

“We wanted to do something special to mark our 25th anniversary and this challenge has certainly given us many memorable moments, as well as raising very valuable funds for communities in need across the county.”

As well as organising the challenge, a team from Cumbria Community Foundation also took part.

Caroline added: “We have really enjoyed going for walks in our lunch break – despite the largely terrible weather – and even set up an exercise bike in one of our meeting rooms, so hopefully we will keep up our good habits now the challenge has finished.”

A celebration event was held last night (15.07.24) at North Lakes Hotel in Penrith to bring participants together to thank them and share stories of their efforts to complete the challenge.

Thanks to the following who kindly provided prizes and goody bags: Asda Workington; New Balance, Flimby; Cranstons; Grasmere Gingerbread and Wild & Fruitful.

To find out more ways to support Cumbria Community Foundation, visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org.

Teams taking part in the Virtual Coast to Coast challenge:

• Armstrong Watson
• Burnetts
• Calderwood House
• Centre for Leadership Performance
• Cumbria Community Foundation
• Cumbria Tourism
• Designworks
• Gleeson Homes
• HFT Gough & Co
• Intro PR
• Jacobs UK
• Napthens
• National Nuclear Laboratory (Radiochemistry)
• Nuclear Waste Services
• Oxley Developments
• Phoenix Enterprise Centre
• Thomas Graham
• WCF

Young people leaving care will benefit from mentoring, work experience placements and life skills development, thanks to a new three-year £315,000 programme created by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Delivered in partnership with Cumbria Youth Alliance, Inspira, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, the Brighter Futures programme will provide personalised support to 80 young adults aged between 18 and 25 over three years, designed to address the challenges faced by care-experienced young people as they transition into adulthood.

Cumbria Community Foundation secured funding from the national Care Leavers Programme managed by UK Community Foundations, a £3.6m match fund scheme funded by the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT), a shareholder of the UK’s biggest charities asset manager, CCLA. Match funding has been provided by a number of charitable trusts, companies and private donors, including BAE Systems and John Laing Charitable Trust.

The programme has been developed collaboratively with input from various stakeholders, including care-experienced young people themselves, and will be tailored to their individual aspirations, with the aim of enabling them to thrive in adulthood.

Cumbria has a higher proportion of care experienced young people than the rest of England and rates have continued to rise over the last few years due the impact of austerity, Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis on families.

The Brighter Futures programme has two phases:
• Firm Foundation – delivered by Cumbria Youth Alliance, the first phase will concentrate on building emotional resilience, social skills, and raising aspirations through personalised mentoring and skill-based activities.
• Flourish – delivered by Inspira, the second phase will focus on the transition to becoming work-ready by providing tailored work placements, training and employment opportunities, supported by mentors from the business community.

As well as supporting the young people themselves, the Brighter Futures programme will also provide training for employers to ensure they understand the complexities of working with those leaving the care system and make appropriate adjustments if required.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re really pleased to have secured this national funding and delighted at the response from local match funders, who are all passionate about helping young people who have left care make a positive transition into adulthood.

“It’s a sad reality that care leavers face a wide range of difficulties and challenges that most of their peers are fortunate enough not to experience. Gaps in support have been found when it comes to relationships and mentoring, education, employment and mental health, and that is why initiatives like Brighter Futures are so vital. We look forward to working with our partners and seeing the positive outcomes this new initiative will bring.”

The programme will support at least 80 young people aged 18 to 25 over three years.

Becky Wolstenholme, Chief Executive of Cumbria Youth Alliance, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Cumbria Community Foundation and other partners on the Brighter Futures programme. As the lead organisation in Cumbria representing young people and youth organisations, we understand the unique challenges faced by these young people, and we are committed to providing the support they need to succeed. This partnership will help bridge gaps in education, employment and personal development, ensuring that every care experienced young person has the opportunity to build a brighter future.”

Deborah Naylor, Area Operations Manager for Inspira, said: “Inspira is delighted to contribute to this significant project. This partnership goes beyond just offering assistance; it aims to empower young individuals to unlock their full potential. Through the collaboration with local organisations and employers, this holistic approach guarantees that young people with care experience not only gain the necessary practical skills needed for employment but also develop the confidence and resilience to pursue their career aspirations.

An integral part of the Brighter Futures project is the involvement of Cumbrian employers who can offer customised support, training, and work experience, to empower young individuals to overcome challenges and barriers to create a positive future. The project not only offers employers the chance to become mentors and role models, inspiring young individuals to strive for excellence, but also provides an invaluable opportunity to shape the future workforce, ensuring that tomorrow’s labour markets are well-equipped with skilled and confident professionals.

By participating in this project, employers can make a significant impact on the lives of young people, helping them develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed. Inspira, a leading organisation dedicated to enhancing employability skills, will be leading on this aspect of the project and encourage employers who are interested in making a difference to get in touch with Deborah Naylor for an initial discussion – email deborah.naylor@inspira.org.uk.

Cllr Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council and Executive Member for Children and Family Wellbeing and Housing, said: “Empowering our care-experienced young people through the Brighter Futures programme not only provides them with essential skills and training but also nurtures a sense of belonging, guidance, and hope for a brighter future.”

Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “It is wonderful to be working in partnership to create a programme which will make such a difference to the lives of young people with care experience.

“Transitioning into adulthood, developing life skills and making choices about the future can be challenging for anyone, but particularly for care leavers who may not have the guidance and support of relatives.

“I’m really pleased to see the Brighter Futures care leavers programme will help to ensure our young people develop the life skills and workplace experiences they need, providing them with strong foundations to reach their full potential in adulthood.”

BAE Systems Submarines Future Workforce Director Janet Garner said: “BAE Systems is delighted to be supporting the Brighter Futures programme, which helps to ensure that these care-experienced young people are given the opportunity to meet their full potential.

“This further demonstrates our commitment to support the local community, dismantle barriers to employment and optimise access to meaningful careers for our young people.”

Any businesses or individuals who would like to know more about making a financial contribution to the Brighter Futures programme should contact Annalee Holliday on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.