Author: Cumbria Community Foundation
Award for first Age Friendly premises in South Lakeland
A Cumbrian business has become the first to receive a new award in recognition of its efforts to be inclusive and welcoming to people of all ages.
Lakeland has received the first gold standard Age Friendly South Lakeland Premises Award for its flagship store in Windermere.
The award scheme was created by Age Friendly South Lakeland to celebrate businesses and organisations who have taken steps to make their premises more welcoming to older people, both in terms of the physical environment and behaviour of staff, and practices such as communication and recruitment.
Age friendly communities are a concept developed by the World Health Organisation to make it possible for people to continue to stay in their homes, participate in the activities that they enjoy, and contribute to their communities, for as long as possible.
Age Friendly South Lakeland was established in 2021, thanks to funding from an anonymous donor via Cumbria Community Foundation and the NHS Morecambe Bay Population Health Fund, with support from the Centre for Ageing Better.
Age Friendly Coordinator Katie Gatt and a steering group made up of local representatives put together a checklist which organisations must work towards in order to receive the premises award.
The checklist includes 40 points covering four areas:
• Physical Environment e.g. Is your flooring even and without obstacles? Is the lighting in your premises good? Could you offer a seat where an older person can sit for a few minutes without the obligation to spend money?
• Respect and Inclusion e.g. Do you have products with an age friendly focus? Are promotional materials representative of older people?
• Communication and Information e.g. Do you have large, clear fonts for signage, printed materials and website etc? Embrace realistic depictions of ageing in your communications.
• Age Friendly Recruitment e.g. Include short diversity statement in job adverts emphasizing age-inclusivity. Collect and analyse the age profile of the current workforce as well as job applicants to evaluate whether job ads are attracting candidates of all ages.
Businesses and organisations can be awarded bronze, silver or gold accreditation, depending on how many of the criteria they meet.
Lakeland, in Windermere, is the first recipient of the gold standard award.
Age Friendly Coordinator Katie Gatt said: “This checklist has been created to help organisations, businesses and community groups to identify how they can make their services more inclusive for people all ages. Hopefully it will encourage firms and organisations to think about what they could do differently to improve the experience older people have when visiting their premises.
“I was delighted to present the first gold standard award to Lakeland, Windermere. They really do go above and beyond to ensure people of all ages feel welcome.”
Katie, together with Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, presented a certificate and window sticker to display in store to Lakeland Chairman Sam Rayner and Julie Glandfield, General Manager of the Lakeland Café.
Ruth Fleming, Charitable Giving Lead for Lakeland, said: “It is an honour to not only be given this recognition and to be the first to receive it but also, to receive the gold standard. At Lakeland, we take pride in looking after our customers, be it with customer services, providing products we are confident in or simply providing a safe environment for visits. After all, we wouldn’t be Lakeland without our customers!”
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We were delighted to be able to help establish Age Friendly South Lakeland and it is fantastic to see real, practical steps being taken to improve lives for older people in the local area. Congratulations to Lakeland on receiving the first Age Friendly South Lakeland Premises Award – and gold at that! We hope many more businesses and organisations will follow their lead.”
A steering group oversees the work of Age Friendly South Lakeland and includes representation from Active Cumbria, Age UK South Lakeland, Carer Support South Lakes, Community Catalysts, Kendal ICC, Morecambe Bay CCG, South Lakes Dementia Community, and Westmorland and Furness Council.
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Chair of Westmorland and Furness Council’s South Lakeland Locality Board, said: “Westmorland and Furness Council are delighted to support this award scheme that recognises the contribution local businesses can make to our vision that Westmorland and Furness is ‘a great place to live, work and thrive’.”
For more information on how to apply for the Age Friendly South Lakeland Premises Award, please contact Katie Gatt via Katherine.gatt@gll.org or 07546 985705.
£1m awarded to good causes in Cumbria
Over £1 million has been awarded to a range of good causes across Cumbria, supporting projects promoting resilience against floods, early years communication skills, rural youth groups and many more.
A total of 130 grants worth £1,064,819 were given out to community organisations and individuals at three recent Cumbria Community Foundation grants committee panels.
The money came from funds set up by local people and businesses including Nuvia Ltd, Westmorland Ltd, and Thomas Graham & Sons.
Ninety-nine community groups received a total of £1,031,873 towards a wide range of projects across the county, and 31 individuals benefited from £32,946 towards the cost of overseas trips, equipment and course fees.
Howgill Family Centre received £56,590 from Cumberland Educational Foundation Fund, Nuvia Fund and Beverley Charitable Trust Fund to continue its programme to improve speech and language skills in children in West Cumbria up to the age of four.
Where children are slow to develop speech and language skills, they often go on to struggle with literacy and academic skills throughout their schooling.
Parental engagement has been identified as crucial in aiding children’s early communication development. Specialist project workers from Howgill Family Centre work with families in the Copeland area through nurseries and group sessions to support parents and teach them techniques for communicating with their babies and toddlers.
Faye Eldon, Chief Executive of Howgill Family Centre, said: “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!”
Tall Ships Youth Trust was awarded £3,000 by Cumbria Young People’s Fund to enable 10 disadvantaged young people from the Barrow area to take part in a ‘voyage of exploration’ sailing trip. The young people will take part in activities such as setting sails, helming, rope work, navigation, and domestic duties such as cooking and cleaning, to help them learn teamwork and communication skills.
One previous participant, Bethany, aged 21, explained the impact taking part had on her. “The voyage has been the highlight of my year by far. I’ve had a lot of hardship recently and it’s been great to get away from it all. I come from a background where I thought I’d never have an opportunity like this. After the voyage I’m feeling a lot more confident about life in general and I feel much happier than I did at the start of the week.”
Susan’s Farm at Houghton, near Carlisle, was awarded £30,000 from the Brian and Ann Clark Fund and Cumbria Fund to support the work of Education Manager Helen Ward.
Fiona Merritt, Chair of trustees at Susan’s Farm, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the financial support of Cumbria Community Foundation towards our Education Manager’s salary.
“Helen’s role is very broad ranging. She leads educational developments at the farm, and coordinates and leads many of the school visits each year, where over 2,000 local children come to learn what goes on at a farm and to engage with the great outdoors. Alongside this, she supports our programmes for young people who need a different environment to school to work in, and our care farming programme, as well as co-ordinating our volunteer network, organising work experience for local secondary schools and managing occupational placements.
“With Cumbria Community Foundation’s funding, Helen is able to put more time into making strong and effective links with local primary and secondary schools, develop programmes and visits that fit exactly with their requirements, build strong and effective relationships between the staff both at schools and on the farm, as well as with the young people themselves.”
Our Place Youth Club in Ambleside was awarded £12,000 from the Beeby Family Fund and Cumbria Young People’s Fund towards staff and activities costs.
Ian Parr, Lead Youth Worker for Our Place Youth Club, said: “The continuation of Our Place Youth Club (OPYC) is vital to Ambleside. OPYC is the only non-uniformed, open to all youth provision in the local area. It currently offers both a Junior Club (school years 5 and 6) and a Senior Club (year 7 and above) in term time at the Parish Centre. OPYC offers a designated safe, welcoming and non-judgmental place for young people just to be ‘young people’, a chance to let off steam, socialise with their peers and make new friends.
“A variety of positive activities take place each week, with qualified youth workers on hand to address any issues and concerns that may be troubling individuals, and informally educate the groups on topics such as staying safe. A trained sports coach also attends.
“All the above helps young people feel wanted and accepted, improves their mental and physical health and gives them a sense of worth in the community.”
Keswick Community Emergency Recovery Partnership (KCERP) was awarded £10,764 from CiFR Community Flood Resilience Fund towards equipment such as emergency generators and radios, as well as their project manager’s salary and publicity costs.
Claire Peat, KCERP Project Manager, said: “KCERP is incredibly grateful for the support from Cumbria Community Foundation, allowing our community organisation to be able to purchase equipment that will make a real difference in our efforts to help keep our vulnerable residents safe in emergency situations.
“As the storms increase in intensity, we have to prepare not only for floods, but also the possibility of losing power during a storm. This grant funding will allow us to get some community generators so that we can keep our emergency control room running until the utilities companies can reach us and repair lines. It means that we can keep the emergency radios working and maintain the internet connection to allow information to get through. It will also allow us to set up a community hub so that residents are not home alone without heating and light.
“We look forward to testing this out in a simulation exercise towards the end of this year to ensure we have the correct processes in place for the new equipment.”
Shap Swimming Pool received £3,500 from Thomas Graham Grassroots Fund, Cumbria Grassroots Fund and Westmorland Family Community Fund to pay for replacement pool filters in the pump room.
The pool is run by volunteers and the new filters will reduce the daily maintenance needed and free up volunteers to do other tasks. The filters will also reduce the volume of chemicals needed to maintain the required water quality standard for the pool.
Carlisle Vineyard Church received £3,000 from Castles & Coasts Housing Association Community Fund and Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Community First Fund towards the running costs of Give a Day Carlisle – a week of voluntary action which takes place in July every year.
The grant will enable Give A Day to provide coaching, networking and support for individuals, groups, organisations and businesses in and around Carlisle to initiate and complete projects within and for the community.
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are very grateful to the generosity of our fundholders which enables us to support so many fantastic causes and organisations across the county. Week in, week out, community groups and charities do incredible work to support those in need all over Cumbria and we are very pleased to have been able to give out more than £1 million in funding to support those efforts.”
For more information or to apply for funding visit, www.cumbriafoundation.org, call the grants team on 01900 820827 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.
Carlisle Opportunities and Challenges – have your say
Give your views – COMPLETE OUR SURVEY on life in Carlisle
People who live and work in Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas are being offered the chance to contribute to a major report about the city which will be published later this year.
Cumbria Community Foundation has commissioned the 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.
It 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. It will be 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.
“We are now turning our attentions to Carlisle, at the request of – and with the support of – local partners. This is a really exciting time for Carlisle, with projects such as the Southern Relief Road, the Carlisle Station Gateway project, Uncovering Roman Carlisle and the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, but we know the city also faces many issues.
“We hope this report will be a key resource and reference document for organisations and businesses in Carlisle, the wider county and beyond.”
Members of the public are invited to attend an online meeting on Tuesday 9 July to hear more about the project – book a place.
People can also give their views via this online survey.
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.
Coming soon: Carlisle Opportunities and Challenges Report
People who live and work in Carlisle and the surrounding area are being offered the chance to contribute to a major report about the city which will be published later this year.
Cumbria Community Foundation has commissioned the 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.
It 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. It will be chaired by Kevin Walsh, Vice Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation.
Members of the public will have the opportunity give their views and there will be an online meeting on Tuesday 9 July to hear more about the project.
Book a place online at https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/CarlisleOpportunitiesandChallengesLaunch2024.
‘Levelling up’ funding available in Cumberland
Funding is available for charitable community organisations and social enterprises, as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ programme, which aims to address geographical inequalities across the UK.
Cumbria Community Foundation is managing four UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UKSPF) and three Rural England Prosperity Funds (REPF) on behalf of Cumberland Council, with the aim of providing business support and encouraging local people into employment.
Grants of up to £25,000 are available for projects which promote volunteering and wellbeing activities, improve the digital skills of those furthest from the labour market, and create and support businesses with a social purpose.
A mix of revenue and capital grants are available through seven schemes:
• UKSPF E26 – Revenue funding to grow the local social economy (up to £15,000)
To create and support businesses with a social purpose.
• UKSPF E30 – Revenue funding for business support (up to £15,000)
To drive employment growth, particularly in areas of higher unemployment.
• UKSPF E35 – Revenue support for volunteer and wellbeing activities (up to £20,000)
Supporting people furthest from the labour market to overcome barriers to work by providing volunteering and enrichment activities to improve opportunities and promote wellbeing.
• UKSPF E36 – Revenue funding to support digital inclusion (up to £25,000)
To improve the digital skills of people furthest from the labour market.
• REPF 1.2 – Capital grant funding for growing the local social economy and supporting innovation (up to £20,000)
To support all stages of community business including start-ups.
• REPF 2.7 – Capital funding for rural circular economy projects (up to £15,000)
To boost the rural circular economy by reducing waste, promoting reuse and recycling, and fostering innovation and creativity.
• REPF 2.8 – Capital funding to support rural volunteering facilities (up to £13,500)
To enable the development of volunteering and social action projects.
REPF is focussed on rural areas and therefore excludes the Carlisle City area.
UKSPF 26, REPF 1.2 and REPF 2.7 are open to community-based organisations and social enterprises that are working with Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, who will help develop the investment case and funding application.
More than £450,000 has already been awarded to organisations in Cumbria in previous rounds of UKSPF and REPF funding via Cumbria Community Foundation. The aim of the funding is to spread a culture of enterprise, create local jobs and boost community cohesion by providing a range of support for new and existing businesses, alongside fostering a sense of local pride, and belonging.
Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s Director of Place Sustainable Growth and Transport, said: “We would like to thank partners for their support and look forward to seeing more businesses and organisations benefitting from these funding schemes.”
The funding can be used to cover project running costs, staff salaries, equipment costs and capital costs (REPF only).
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at the Foundation, said: “These funds have already helped many local people into employment – whether it’s their first job, returning to the world of work or gaining skills through volunteering.
“This latest round of funding offers another fantastic opportunity to inspire, encourage and nurture both new and existing entrepreneurs across Cumberland and I would urge people to apply.”
The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 24 June 2023. If funding is available after this first round of applications, a further funding round will be confirmed.
To find out more or to apply, visit: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-rural-england-prosperity-fund or https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-e26-rural-england-prosperity-fund-1-2-2-7/ or contact Cumbria Community Foundation on grants@cumbriafoundation.org or 01900 825760.
If you are a social enterprise that wants to apply, you can contact Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership for advice and assistance – email info@secumbria.org.uk.
Cumbrian businesses under starters orders for challenge
Dozens of businesses across Cumbria are ready to embark on an unusual fundraising campaign – the Virtual Coast to Coast Corporate Challenge.
Businesses across the county have signed up to take part in the challenge, organised by Cumbria Community Foundation, which begins on Monday 20 May to raise money for local good causes.
Instead of walking Alfred Wainwright’s famous route from St Bees Head to Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire, they will complete the 171 miles in their home, office or gym by walking, running, swimming, static exercise bike, rowing machine or any other form of exercise where you move to record mileage.
To show how it is done – and to encourage more businesses to take part – Foundation employees headed for the test track at M-Sport, Dovenby Hall, equipped with a rowing machine and exercise bike.
Dr Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at the
Foundation, said: “Doing the challenge virtually means everybody can take part.
“You don’t need to book a fortnight off work and battle with the elements from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay – you can clock up the miles in your lunchbreak, taking the dog for a walk, or even in front of the TV if you have an exercise bike or rowing machine.
“Having six weeks to complete the challenge makes it much more inclusive. You can take your time and fit it in around your everyday life.”
Cumbria Community Foundation staff are themselves attempting the challenge. They plan to walk together during their lunch break and after work.
Jackie Blacklock, development assistant, said: “Working for the Foundation, I get to hear about all the amazing projects and community groups that we fund and I thought this was a great way for me to give something back.”
Businesses participating include WCF, Armstrong Watson and the Centre for Leadership Performance in Cockermouth.
Rhianna Smith, project lead at the Centre for Leadership Performance, came to the launch event at M-Sport.
She said: “To be honest I’m not very prepared. But I walk my dog every day and she’ll be delighted she gets a few longer walks.
“It’s incredible the work that Cumbria Community Foundation does. It supports so many different people, so many different communities. We’re really delighted to support them.”
The Foundation embarked on the Challenge to mark its 25th anniversary. Entrants can sign up at any point but must complete the challenge by July 1.
All the money raised goes to its Cumbria Fund – which supports a wide range of charities and community groups – or to the participants’ corporate fund with the Foundation, if their company has one.
Andy Beeforth, the Foundation’s chief executive, said: “This is a brilliant way for businesses and our corporate supporters to raise money for local causes.
“We also hope it will be a fun way for companies and their staff to join together and give back to their community.”
Businesses can register online at: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/vc2c
Keep rowing! Only 171 miles to go
A team of women have taken their preparations for a charity challenge to Cockermouth high street – and say they are undaunted by the 171 mile Coast to Coast ordeal ahead of them.
Thankfully for Sarah Glass and her colleagues at the Centre for Leadership Performance they won’t have to haul their rowing machine along the route from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay.
They are among dozens of intrepid Cumbrian professionals gearing up to tackle a virtual version of the UK’s most iconic long-distance challenges.
Teams from businesses across the county are signing up for the 171-mile Virtual Coast to Coast Corporate Challenge in aid of local good causes. And there’s still time for more Cumbrian businesses to join up.
Those taking part won’t have to walk Alfred Wainwright’s famous route from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire.
Instead, they can complete the 171 miles in their home, office or gym by walking, running, swimming, static exercise bike, rowing machine or any other form of exercise where you move to record mileage.
The starting gun will be metaphorically fired on May 20 and the challenge must be completed by July 1.
Cumbria Community Foundation has launched the Challenge to mark its 25th anniversary and raise money for its Cumbria Fund.
Chief executive Andy Beeforth said: “This is a brilliant way for businesses and our corporate supporters to raise money for local causes.
“We also hope it will be a fun way for companies and their staff to join together and give back to their community.”
Organisations to have signed up already include the Centre for Leadership Performance in Cockermouth.
Its executive director, Sarah Glass, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate 25 years of the Cumbria Community Foundation, and the fantastic work they do, by taking part in the Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge.
“Over the years, we have been beneficiaries of some of their grants, enabling us to continue our work promoting lifelong learning and ensuring that better leadership equals better lives for the people of Cumbria.”
Businesses can register online at www.cumbriafoundation.org/vc2c.
Join Cumbria’s High Sheriff for cross bay walk challenge
The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Chris Holmes, is inviting people to join him as he takes on a Cross Bay Walk challenge.
The walk across Morecambe Bay on Saturday, 29 June will be led by the King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, who will help walkers navigate the ever-changing flats and channels as they take in the Bay’s scenery and wildlife.
Everyone signing up for the walk will be helping to raise money for the High Sheriff’s Fund, which supports community groups and organisations throughout Cumbria.
High Sheriff Chris Holmes said: “I know the Morecambe Bay Cross Bay Walk is on many people’s bucket lists so I hope a lot will sign up to join me on the day. It’s a challenge that can only safely be tackled under expert guidance, so I am delighted to have the King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, to lead our walk.
“It was a great honour to be appointed High Sheriff and I am keen to raise as much money as I can towards the High Sheriff’s Fund throughout my year in office, to support worthy causes across the county.”
The High Sheriff’s Fund is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, with aims including tackling youth crime, supporting vulnerable older people, improving the health and wellbeing of Cumbrian communities, and supporting other charitable groups selected by the High Sheriff.
At the end of their year in office in March, the High Sheriff chooses projects and groups to receive a grant. This year, 22 grants totalling £16,400 were awarded by the outgoing High Sheriff Samantha Scott, and three organisations also received the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield – Eden Rivers Trust, Wigton Theatre Club and 1st Wetheral Brownies.
All ticket proceeds from the cross bay walk will go to the High Sheriff’s Fund and walkers also have the option to collect sponsorship to further boost the total raised.
Places on the walk, which goes from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands, can be booked online at a cost of £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £2 for dogs.
The exact length of the route depends on conditions and tides on the day but is expected to be between five and nine miles.
Walkers must register in Arnside at 10.20am on 29 June, to set off walking at 11.20am.
Sign up to do the walk: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HighSheriffBayWalk
Anyone who would like to support the High Sheriff’s Fund but cannot attend on the day can make a donation via the fundraising page at
https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/morecambe-bay-walk.
£600,000 to benefit good causes across Cumbria
More than £600,000 has been awarded to a range of good causes in Cumbria, tackling issues including rural isolation, loneliness and climate change.
Over 100 grants totalling £603,195 were given out to community organisations and individuals at two recent Cumbria Community Foundation grants committee panels.
The money came from funds set up by local people and businesses including Westmorland Ltd, Fibrus and Thomas Graham & Sons.
93 community groups received a total of £578,626 towards a wide range of projects across the county, and 28 individuals benefited from £24,569 towards the cost of overseas trips, attending sporting competitions, and equipment and course fees.
Carlisle Subscription Bowling Club received £890 from Thomas Graham Grassroots Fund to pay for equipment and improved facilities, with the aim of attracting new members, to reduce social isolation and improve fitness, particularly among the over 55s.
Club Social Secretary David Whitfield said: “The grant funding will encourage and equip people of all ages to come and try bowling free of charge.
“Bowling is an activity with both physical and social benefits that we think will offer the opportunity of meeting people in a relaxed and social setting and hopefully developing a new shared interest in the sport – and if not in bowling, then at least have people think about other outdoor and social sporting activities which they can try and possibly develop an interest in, with the associated benefits to them as individuals.”
Clifton Community Council was awarded £4,300 from the ENWL Storm Arwen Community Resilience Fund towards the Clifton Info Pod Community Resilience Project.
The Info Pod is a former BT phone box which has been transformed into a community hub, housing a book swap and noticeboards. The funding will pay for the installation of a sustainably powered mobile phone charging point with battery storage system, a battery powered radio, and a community digital information hub with Wi-Fi access point and digital display screen for the sharing of crucial community information.
Becx Carter, of Clifton Community Council, said: “In the past three years alone, Clifton has suffered three major power outages for a number of hours during which the ability to charge mobile phones and access local radio would have been invaluable.
“Clifton, despite its relatively close proximity to Penrith, is a community ‘out on its own’ when bad weather emergencies happen. A sustainable powered mobile phone charging hub for use during these times is vital to ensure that people’s mobile phones can continue to be used for access to critical information, contacting emergency services and staying connected with family.”
A grant of £1,000 was awarded to 3rd Wigton Sea Scouts from Castles & Coasts Housing Association Community Fund towards the cost of setting up a Squirrel group – the youngest and newest section of the Scouts for those aged four to six.
Leader Lynne Wright said: “3rd Wigton Squirrels opened in early January this year and has been very successful, with an ever-increasing waiting list due to its popularity.
“We hope that as the little ones grow, they will progress to Beavers and then Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. They will learn about community and learn life skills along the way. They will make friends and very importantly have fun along their Scouting journey.
“We have strong community links and have done tree planting, litter picking and the like. They are all local children and we expect to see the benefits of having focused young people out in the community at large as they get older.”
South Lakeland Action on Climate Change (SLACC) was awarded £20,000 from the myLakeland Fund towards the development of new premises for its Waste into Wellbeing project.
The organisation currently runs Kendal Community Food Larder at Stricklandgate House and Kendal People’s Café at South Lakes Foyer. Their aim is to streamline its operation onto one site, building a professional catering kitchen to serve the café, process gluts of produce into pre-prepared meals and offer a dedicated training space for learners.
Stacy Hurley, Development Manager for Waste into Wellbeing, said: “We have been looking for a permanent base, which we’ve secured at the old United Reformed Church in Highgate, Kendal. The myLakeland grant will enable us to install a state-of-the-art catering kitchen. It will also house our community cooking project.”
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are grateful to the generosity of our fundholders to enable us to support these worthy organisations that are working hard during these difficult times to meet local needs.”
For more information or to apply for funding, call the grants team on 01900 820827 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.
Supporting care leavers in Cumbria
A new national programme of support for young care experienced adults has been launched throughout England. Managed by UK Community Foundations, the Care Leavers Programme has a primary focus of improving the life chances of care leavers through decentralised funding into regions around the country.
The £3.6 million match fund scheme will run over three years and is being funded by the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT), a shareholder of the UK’s biggest charities asset manager, CCLA.
There were 46,000 care leavers between 17 and 21 years old in England alone in 2022. Each year, young people leaving the care system immediately meet a range of challenges that their peers might not experience.
Deficiencies in transitional and practical support mean that care leavers are often less likely to get the help they need to make a fresh start as a young adult. Gaps in support have been found when it comes to relationships and mentoring, education, employment and mental health.
In the year ending March 2023, 71% of care experienced young people in Cumbria, aged between 17-18 were in education, employment, or training compared to the 66% national average. However, by the age of 19-21 there were higher rates of those not in education, employment, or training (42%), compared to the national figure (38%), showing a considerable drop in engagement between 18 and 21 years of age.
Cumbria Community Foundation is working closely with Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Inspira as part of their strategic approach to help care experienced young people transition into adulthood.
Brighter Futures
The Brighter Futures programme offers personalised support, which includes both one-to-one personal and professional work-based mentoring, bespoke life skills development and work-experience placements tailored to their aspirations. In addition, employers and training providers will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to support care experienced young people to thrive in a work-based environment.
Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool and Chair of LAMIT, said: “We are delighted to be working with both Cumbria Community Foundation and their partner local authorities Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council to deliver extra support to young people within the care system that badly need it. This fund of £275,000, which includes funding of £115,500 from CCLA over three years, will provide that little bit of extra support that is vital for care experienced young people.
“Nationally, our care system is creaking at the seams despite the best endeavours of dedicated professionals such as social workers and probation officers. We need to find innovative approaches for young people who have left care, in which society can wrap its arm around them in the same way that we as parents and grandparents wrap our arms around the young people in our own family.
“Over the next three years we hope to hold a series of events both nationally and here in Cumbria to learn from what has been achieved and challenge all partners and potential partners, such as the NHS and the criminal justice system, to work together in a more challenging and holistic way.”
Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Brighter Futures programme has been co-designed with a range of stakeholders and fully informed by the experiences of care experienced young people. It specifically addresses gaps in current provision, encourages collaboration, engages employers, and has the potential to positively influence national policy.”
Rosemary Macdonald BEM, Chief Executive at UK Community Foundations, said: “Inequalities for care leavers differ from region to region, and this true for those living in Cumbria. It is key that we harness the knowledge of local organisations to not just fund fantastic projects for young people leaving the care system, but to nurture those relationships and keep the momentum going to make real change happen.
“By supporting individual care leavers and supportive organisations in Cumbria, Cumbria Community Foundation will be able to use this programme as a way of uniting communities and authorities, to explore local solutions to local issues and use the learning to influence wider support.”
Councillor Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “Councils support thousands of young people who become care leavers every year, whether that is finding a home to live in or help into work. Alongside our communities, the LGA is delighted to be able to support this fantastic new initiative which can help to transform care leavers’ lives as they make the transition into adulthood.”