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Schools at the forefront of the nation’s ‘Food for Life’ scheme

Around 1,000 children have been learning about the importance of local produce thanks to a grant of £11,840 from the Westmorland Family Community Fund.

The Soil Association’s Food for Life School Award programme benefited four primary schools, close to Tebay Services in the Eden Valley: Orton Primary School, Kirkby Stephen Primary School, Crosby Ravensworth Primary School and Beaconside Primary School.

The programme links to the curriculum and encourages a better understanding of growing, cooking and learning to love good food. Its aim is to engage children, parents, staff and the wider community to create a powerful voice for long-term change.

Schools work to a bronze, silver or gold standard, evidencing their achievements against agreed criteria. Activities have included a Farmers Market at Rheged, sausage making masterclasses and design a plate competition.

The Food for Life programme project has been a great success with each school taking part in all the activities on offer. The pupils enjoyed the programme and their appreciation of where food comes from and the importance of good food.

Ian Nutt, Head of Development at The Soil Association, said: “The project has been a great success with each school taking part in all the activities on offer while working towards their Bronze award. It has been wonderful to see how much the pupils enjoyed the programme and their appreciation of where food comes from and the importance of good food.”

Westmorland Family Community Fund have continued to support this project for a further three years with the introduction of a fifth school: Tebay Primary School.

Funding available for groups in Brampton

Applications are being encouraged from groups and organisations in around the parish of Brampton.

The William Milburn Charitable Trust, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, offers grants between £500 and £5,000 for projects addressing local needs and creating opportunities that make a real difference to people in need and the wider community. Larger grants may be considered depending on the activity.

Priority is given to projects working in rural communities and supporting disadvantaged children and young people.

Raft building

Carlisle Carers provides a range of services to support and enhance the lives of unpaid carers of all ages throughout North Cumbria.

Some young carers in and around Brampton can only get support during term time as many out of school clubs take place in Carlisle. This often leaves them feeling isolated and alone. Carlisle Carers received £800 to take a group of young carers on summer trip to Talkin Tarn for some much needed respite time.

Let the race begin

Kay McGregor, Operations Manager, said: “It is so important for young carers to have time to themselves as they will have spent the summer holidays caring for a family, and not being able to get out and about like their friends.

“Social isolation during school holidays can be a big issue and this kind of activity goes a long way to combatting this and helping young people experience some freedom and pleasure. It was also challenging, with some of them achieving things they had never experienced before and being part of a team.

“We could never have offered this opportunity to our young carers without the generous donation from the William Milburn Trust and we are very grateful for the support.”

Ellen Clements, Grants & Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “We are proud to manage funds like the William Milburn Charitable Trust as they are vital in supporting some of our most rural communities. It gives people a real opportunity to improve the places where they live.”

The closing date for applications is 5th October 2018 to be reviewed by the panel on 6th November 2018. To apply visit our Grants page or for more information contact Ellen Clements on 01900 825760 or email ellen@cumbriafoundation.org.