A West Cumbrian business is backing a fundraising campaign aimed at tackling the region’s growing mental health crisis.

Global AI-powered digital transformation leader Atos, which has a base in Whitehaven, is the first business to pledge support for the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge.

West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership (WCMHP) was launched in 2021 as part of the Transforming West Cumbria social investment programme, funded by Sellafield Ltd through its Social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Since then, more than 20 charitable organisations have been funded to deliver accessible, low-level mental health services that prevent mental ill health and promote emotional wellbeing. Over 6,500 adults and 2,200 children and young people have already benefited from this support.

Now, the Community Foundation is running a match funding challenge, giving other businesses, community fundraisers and individuals the opportunity to step up and help sustain these essential services.

Sellafield Ltd has pledged a match funding pot of £200,000 to support future mental health service delivery. For every pound donated to the appeal, Sellafield Ltd will match it £1 for £1, offering businesses, groups and individuals the opportunity to make double the difference.

Atos is the first business to rise to the challenge, donating £4,000 to the appeal.

Atos Client Executive Partner to Sellafield, Leigh Seaman, said: “Atos are really proud to be the first business supporter of the Match Funding Challenge, as we recognise the huge impact mental health has in the workplace and the wider community.

“It is an honour to be able to support charities who are doing so much to help people with mental health challenges in West Cumbria. With a large local team, we can be sure that their vital work in some way touches our colleagues, alongside thousands of others across the region.”

Voluntary sector organisations are at the heart of delivering mental health services in West Cumbria, and their work is vital to building community resilience and reducing stigma. Cumbria Community Foundation oversees the WCMHP, while Groundwork North East & Cumbria lead on the adult and youth mental health service delivery and coordinate bringing wider mental health providers together.

Organisations funded to deliver services include Always Another Way, Citizens Advice Allerdale, Citizens Advice Copeland, Cumbria Youth Alliance, Mind in Furness, Together We and the Windmill Trust.

Support for those struggling comes in many forms, from one-to-one counselling and physical activities such as walking groups, to tailored sessions for those recovering from abuse and addiction.

Carlianne’s story

West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership funds support for care experienced young people through Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA).

Carlianne, now 21, was in the care system for eight years. Working with Claire Price, In Care and Leaving Care Project Manager at CYA, has given her the confidence to move into her own flat and undertake work experience placements.

“I didn’t want to really speak to Claire at first,” Carlianne said. “But now she has brought the confidence out in me.

“They’ve also helped me with my ups and downs. I was going through a hard time through loss – I lost someone really close to me. Not just meeting me once a week but messaging me every day, when I’ve not wanted to get out of bed.”

Claire Price said: “A lot of care experienced young people have massive trust issues. I would be very, very surprised if I met a young person that’s been in the care system that said to me, ‘I don’t have any issues with my mental health’.

“They lack confidence in themselves and our job is to boost that confidence, build their self-esteem and give them belief that they can do whatever they want.”

How to help

There are several ways you can support the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge:
• Donate online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/wcmh-match-funding-challenge
• Make a donation by telephone by calling 01900 825760. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Send a cheque, payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN. Please write ‘West Cumbria Mental Health’ on the back of the cheque.
• Organise a fundraising event – see our Fundraising Guide for inspiration.

Transforming West Cumbria, led by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, has been honoured as Social Value Initiative of the Year at the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards 2025.

The awards, which were hosted at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 25 November following the iED Annual Conference, Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities, celebrate achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.

This year saw a record-breaking number of entries across seven categories, and shortlisted nominations were assessed by an expert judging panel in September.

The Social Value Initiative of the Year award, which this year was sponsored by The Growth Company, recognises projects, teams or individuals which have championed and made a significant contribution to social value creation, developing best practice in their field and making positive impacts in their communities.

The partners’ submission detailed how Transforming West Cumbria, a £6.5 million place-based five-year social investment programme co-created by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, has addressed the root causes of disadvantage across West Cumbria and generated exceptional social value. Success is not only measured in numbers but in lives changed, futures secured, and communities strengthened.

iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards honouring achievements across the public and private sectors, said: “Our judges praised Transforming West Cumbria as a benchmark for place-based social investment. Co-created by Sellafield Ltd and Cumbria Community Foundation, the programme exemplifies strategic vision, deep collaboration, and measurable impact. With £19.9 million in social value generated, it addresses disadvantage through innovative, thematic delivery, empowers communities across generations, and serves as a replicable model of inclusive growth. This benchmark initiative in social value demonstrates how strategic design, inclusive delivery, and measurable outcomes can transform lives and communities.”

Tracey West, Head of Social Impact, Sellafield Ltd, commented: “We are honoured that the Transforming West Cumbria programme has been recognised nationally by the Institute of Economic Development in the ‘Social Value Initiative of the Year’ award category. Co-created with Cumbria Community Foundation, we know that the programme has had wide-ranging, lasting impact on local communities since it was launched in 2020, as confirmed by the independent mid-programme evaluation. The programme has directly supported hundreds of local organisations and thousands of individuals and families, achieving significant outcomes in mental health support, financial wellbeing, early years development and many, many more areas. We are grateful for the support of all our delivery partners who have helped make Transforming West Cumbria such a success.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, Cumbria Community Foundation, shared: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the iED’s Social Value Initiative of the Year award for the Transforming West Cumbria programme. Thanks to Sellafield Ltd’s significant investment we have been able to co-create and deliver the programme with a range of voluntary, community and social enterprise partners. Our collaborative approach has ensured that Transforming West Cumbria has remained responsive to community’s needs, whilst bringing about real and lasting change. Importantly this prestigious award recognises the work and passions of everyone involved, from those delivering key services, skilled volunteers, expert mentors to match funders and steering group members.”

iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock commented: “When we first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, our ambition was clear: to recognise excellence – individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in economic development across the UK. Every year since, the quality, innovation and commitment displayed has been extraordinary, and this year is no exception.

“Shortlisting the finalists was no easy task for our judges. My congratulations go to all those who were shortlisted, to each of our winners, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. Their work showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of economic development in action – precisely what these awards exist to celebrate. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, along with new colleagues, to share in this special evening.”

Youth workers, youth projects and young volunteers from across Cumbria were celebrated at a new awards ceremony this week.

The Better Tomorrows Awards 2025 were created to shine a spotlight on those making a real difference to the lives of young people through youth work.

Awards were handed out to the Youth Worker of the Year, Youth Project of the Year, and Young Volunteer of the Year as part of the annual Better Tomorrows Youth Work Celebration Event at Carlisle Youth Zone

Better Tomorrows was launched by Cumbria Community Foundation in 2021 with the aim of substantially increasing the number of young people able to access quality youth work across Cumbria and increasing the number of trained youth workers.

So far, £2.5 million has been raised from more than 50 funders, enabling youth work for over 8,000 young people through 61 trained workers, 46 new jobs, 116 volunteers, and 22,230 hours of provision.

The event on 12 November brought together youth workers, young people, funders, and community organisations to celebrate the progress to date and hear about future plans.

Awards were handed out to winners chosen by a panel of young people from a longlist of nominations by members of the public. Each winner also received £500 toward their youth project or group.

Fourteen-year-old Evie Owen was named Young Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to Wigton Wombles, run by North Allerdale Development Trust. Evie has been volunteering for five years with the group, helping to run litter picks, craft sessions and other community projects.

She said: “I help the little ones if they’re struggling. To be nominated for Young Volunteer of the Year makes me feel really good. It was a big surprise to win. I just like helping the community.”

The award was sponsored by Mott MacDonald. Marc Goodwin, Senior Project Manager and Social Value Delivery Lead based in Cumbria, said: “We are passionate about the contribution being made to improve the lives of people in our communities by such purpose-driven young people. Such young people embody Mott MacDonald’s values because they too appreciate that every action and decision we take is connected to improving lives and delivering value to society. Those nominated inspire us by their insights, wisdom and compassion that many take a lifetime to master.”

Lindsey Atkinson, Community Engagement Producer at Tullie in Carlisle, was named Youth Worker of the Year. She said: “I work hard to reach out, break down barriers and always work on others’ terms. Collaboration is at the heart of it all and I love helping people to turn their amazing ideas into real experiences.

“I was really surprised to be nominated for this award. I’ll let the young people decide what to spend the prize money on – maybe a trip or a big party.”

The award was sponsored by Nuclear Waste Services. Samantha McKenzie, Principal Community Engagement Manager, said: “Nuclear Waste Services is proud to sponsor the Youth Worker of the Year category at this year’s Better Tomorrows Awards. We deeply value the dedication and impact of youth workers, whose tireless efforts are instrumental to the success of the programme and the positive change it brings to young people’s lives. Their role in helping young people realise their full potential is truly vital.

“It’s been a privilege to support Better Tomorrows since its inception in 2021 and have greatly enjoyed witnessing its growth and continued success.”

Shackles Off, based in Seascale, was named Youth Project of the Year. Operations Manager Joanne Pears said: “It’s so nice for the team to be recognised in this way. The whole reason we exist is for the young people so we’ll let them decide how to spend the £500.”

The award was sponsored by Dodd & Co. Partner Alison Johnston said: “Huge congratulations to all the inspiring winners. We were delighted to sponsor the Youth Project of the Year category, as supporting the new generation is something we truly value at Dodd & Co – it’s all about celebrating their incredible achievements and empowering young people to reach their full potential.”

Keynote speaker Andy Lloyd, Head of Quality and Standards at the National Youth Agency, shared valuable insights into national youth strategy development and celebrated the unparalleled impact of Better Tomorrows – pioneering a professional pathway that is redefining youth work and opening doors to meaningful careers with young people.

He said: “What’s happening here in Cumbria with youth work training is amazing, but that’s not the picture across the country. Nationally, two-thirds of the sector don’t have a recognised youth work qualification. Youth work as a profession is often overlooked and misunderstood.”

David Beeby, former Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and founder of the Better Tomorrows programme, said: “It’s so important to recognise the value of youth work. The feedback we have had from the newly trained youth workers, the young people they support and the organisations they work in tells us that Better Tomorrows is making a huge difference across the county.

“These awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible work happening across our communities – both paid and voluntary – to support and inspire young people.

“Congratulations to all of the winners, to those shortlisted and to everyone nominated – every one of you is a winner, as far as I’m concerned.”

As well as funding to pay for accredited youth work training, which is managed by Cumbria Youth Alliance, Better Tomorrows also offers multi-year grants of up to £75,000 to community organisations that set up or provide new youth work opportunities for local people.

More than 50 funders have contributed to the programme, including Cumbria Community Foundation, Francis Scott Trust, Four Acre Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, many local businesses and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

For more information about Better Tomorrows, and how to support it, contact Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.

As winter approaches and temperatures plummet, older people across Cumbria are sharing their fears of having to make an impossible choice: heat their homes or put food on the table.

Every winter, as many as 500 older people in Cumbria die because they cannot afford to heat their homes and eat properly.

Cumbria Community Foundation is calling on people to support its annual Winter Warmth Appeal, which has raised £3m since it was first launched in 2010.

Donate here

Money donated to the appeal is given out in grants to older people most in need, enabling them to stay warm without worrying about the cost.

Last year more than £270,000 was awarded in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefitting 1,570 vulnerable older people across the county.

“The cold affects my breathing”

John, 85, of Penrith, received a grant from the fund last year. He said: “The cold affects my breathing, and that’s when I start to get angina pains. My flat gets so cold, but I’ll sit here with three jumpers on and a blanket because I daren’t put the heating on.

“Last year I got a grant and it meant I knew I could put the heating on once it got really cold. It’s been a godsend, it really has. I’d like to say thank you very much, and ask everyone to donate if they can.”

Pat, 80, of Barrow, has received a grant for the past five years. She said: “I feel very fortunate to have received the grant.

“I have a health condition that means I need to stay warm. I need warmth to stay healthy, like many people of my age do. I’m very, very grateful to everybody that gives to the appeal.”

Christine, 72, of Carlisle, also received a grant last year. She explained what a difference the money made to her: “I have gas central heating but my bills have gone up so much, I worry about turning it on. I’m the coldest person on Earth! The warmest place is in bed, but you shouldn’t have to live like that.

“The grant makes a great difference. I can’t stress how much it helps to know you’ve got that money coming. It’s a lot of money to me. It’s a great help.”

“Less frightened to put your heating on”

Sheila, 70, of Workington, said: “It just makes you feel less frightened to put your heating on instead of putting on three dressing gowns. I have got emphysema and the dry air doesn’t help my breathing. So I like to heat the house through a few times a day rather than have it on all the time. The grant also made me more able to have hot meals.”

Cumbria Community Foundation is running a match funding challenge until Friday 19 December which means all donations to the appeal are matched £1 for £1. This is thanks to the generosity of match funding champions Allan Stobarts Lubricants & Fuels, Hadfield Trust, Harvey Family Fund, John Laing Charitable Trust, Johnson Fund, Sellafield Ltd, SP Electricity North West, Roseland Trust, WCF Ltd, Westmorland & Furness Council and private donors.

Karen Hunter, Customer Inclusion Manager at SP Electricity North West, said: “We’re proud to once again support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal, following the success of last year’s partnership.

“At SP Electricity North West, customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always seeking out meaningful partnerships that make a real difference in our communities.

“As a funding champion, we’ll be doubling donations £1 for £1 over a six-week period starting 10 November, up to a total of £20,000. We hope this inspires both new and returning donors to get involved, knowing their generosity will go twice as far.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We know this winter is going to be incredibly hard for many older vulnerable members of our community who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

“We’d like to say an enormous thank you to all of our match funding champions whose generosity means that anyone donating to our appeal before 19 December will make double the difference.

“We are proud to have helped thousands of older people since the appeal began in 2010, but the need has not gone away. Please donate to the appeal if you can to ensure older people don’t have to choose between heating and eating this winter.”

How to donate

Donate online at:
https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2025

To donate by phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Please make cheques payable to Cumbria Community Foundation, writing ‘Winter Warmth Fund’ on the back, and send to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN.

We’re calling on people to help us tackle West Cumbria’s growing mental health crisis by pledging support to fund vital community-based services.

The West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership (WCMHP) programme was launched in 2021 as part of the Transforming West Cumbria social investment programme, funded by Sellafield Ltd and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Since the WCMHP programme began, more than 20 charitable organisations have been funded by Sellafield Ltd, through the Social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme, to deliver accessible, low-level mental health services that prevent mental ill health and promote emotional wellbeing. Over 6,500 adults and 2,200 children and young people have already benefited from this support.

Now, with the launch of a match funding challenge, other businesses, community fundraisers and individuals have the opportunity to step up and help sustain these essential services.

Sellafield Ltd has generously pledged a match funding pot of £200,000 to support future mental health service delivery. For every pound donated to the appeal, Sellafield Ltd will match it £1 for £1, offering businesses, groups and individuals the opportunity to make double the difference.

The Foundation, with a proven track record of running successful match funding campaigns such as the Winter Warmth Appeal, will lead this initiative.

Targeted support in local communities

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We hear stories week in week out about the way organisations on the ground, funded through the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership, are helping people to cope in very difficult circumstances. The statistics speak for themselves: hospital admissions for mental health conditions and self-harm are far higher than the national average, and the suicide rate is the second highest in England.

“Through the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership, young people and adults get the help they need, accessing targeted support in their local communities.

“These vital services are not provided by the NHS and can only be delivered thanks to local fundraising. That’s why we are calling on West Cumbrian businesses, groups and individuals to support this appeal.”

Tracey West, Head of Social Impact for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Sellafield has been proud to fund the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership since its launch in 2021, demonstrating our commitment to fostering resilience and wellbeing in our communities.

“With the support of Sellafield’s Social impact, multiplied programme, and the dedication of Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF), we have established a range of innovative mental health initiatives to improve lives and strengthen the fabric of West Cumbria.

“Now we are calling on businesses across West Cumbria to demonstrate their commitment to addressing one of our region’s highest priority needs – mental health and wellbeing support. By backing the match funding challenge, organisations can make a real and lasting difference to local people in need of support. This is more than a one-off initiative; we’re working to build a sustainable partnership that delivers long-term impact, and we need others to join us in securing the future of this vital project.”

The first business to pledge support for the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge is global AI-powered digital transformation leader Atos, which has a base in Whitehaven. Atos Client Executive Partner to Sellafield, Leigh Seaman, said: “Atos are really proud to be the first business supporter of the Match Funding Challenge, as we recognise the huge impact mental health has in the workplace and the wider community.

“It is an honour to be able to support charities who are doing so much to help people with mental health challenges in West Cumbria. With a large local team, we can be sure that their vital work in some way touches our colleagues, alongside thousands of others across the region.”

Voluntary sector organisations are at the heart of delivering mental health services in West Cumbria, and their work is vital to building community resilience and reducing stigma.

Organisations funded to deliver services through West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership include Always Another Way, Citizens Advice Allerdale, Citizens Advice Copeland, Cumbria Youth Alliance, Mind in Furness, Together We and the Windmill Trust.

Support for those struggling comes in many forms, from one-to-one counselling and physical activities such as walking groups, to tailored sessions for those recovering from abuse and addiction.

Ways to donate

There are several ways you can support the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge:
• Donate online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/wcmh-match-funding-challenge
• Make a donation by telephone by calling 01900 825760. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Send a cheque, payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN. Please write ‘West Cumbria Mental Health’ on the back of the cheque.
• Organise a fundraising event – see our Fundraising Guide for inspiration.

Chris’s story

Chris Young, of Cleator Moor, received counselling from Together We to address mental health problems he has faced throughout his life as a result of sexual abuse as a child.

He said: “I’ve had a lot of issues within relationships, I’ve done a lot of soul searching and I came back to the fact that there was something that I hadn’t really addressed which was my childhood sexual abuse.

“There’s a huge importance in speaking to people. Sometimes you don’t even necessarily need answers or solutions.

“The counselling sessions allowed me to unload and to speak about things which I haven’t spoken about in detail before, just to try and move on past them.”

A new fund inspired by the inventor of one of Cumbria’s most iconic brands has been created to help those in need.

The Sarah Nelson Fund, named after the woman behind the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread® brand, will be managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. It will give out grants of up to £5,000 to local not-for-profit organisations and groups.

The fund will prioritise projects that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; improve education for children and adults; encourage creative and sustainable business ideas; or tackle food poverty. These four themes reflect the life of Sarah Nelson, who overcame poverty through resilience, creativity, and community spirit.

“As making a material difference to our fellow citizens’ lives in the county is part of the philanthropic ethos of Grasmere Gingerbread®, we are thrilled that Cumbria Community Foundation will now actively manage our annual charitable donation,” said Andrew Hunter, co-owner of the historic 171-year-old business.

“We cannot think of a better way to honour Sarah Nelson’s wonderful legacy and we hope that our contribution will help to sustain projects in areas close to our hearts in the months and years to come.”

Sarah Thompson, Grants & Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Grasmere Gingerbread® have chosen to create a fund with the Community Foundation. We have been the trusted philanthropic partner of businesses across Cumbria for more than 25 years and have a deep understanding of the county’s needs. We look forward to receiving applications from groups supporting people in these four priority areas, and will make sure this money makes the biggest difference possible.”

The fund is open to charitable organisations, not individuals. Grants will normally be £5,000 or less over one year.

For more information, contact Sarah Thompson on 01900 820821 or email sarah@cumbriafoundation.org.

Apply to the Sarah Nelson Fund here

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £7million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through more than 100 grant making funds set up by generous businesses, individuals and families.

To find out more about setting up a fund and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

Cumbria Community Foundation welcomes the news that our Chief Executive, Andy Beeforth OBE, has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the county.

Andy, who has led the Foundation since it was set up in 1999, has been named one of six new Deputy Lieutenants by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alex Scott.

We are delighted that our Chief Executive Andy Beeforth has been named a Deputy Lieutenant for Cumbria. He is a powerful advocate for the charities and community organisations that underpin the life of our communities and the importance of local philanthropy.

Andy Beeforth said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to be one of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Deputies. I very much consider this to be recognition of the importance and value of the work done by everyone involved in the Foundation over the past 26 years. I’m fortunate to be part of a team that can help connect the Lieutenancy to the work of thousands of funded groups.”

During Andy’s time at the Foundation, its grant making has grown to more than £6 million a year, with endowed assets standing at over £32 million.

A leading Cumbrian charity has paid tribute to its Chair who has stood down after almost a decade in the role.

David Beeby stepped down as Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation this week after serving a maximum nine-year term on the board of trustees.

David chaired the award-winning grant making organisation through a period of growth and also of great uncertainty in the charity sector, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.

During David’s time as Chair, the Foundation’s grant making grew from £2 million per year to more than £6 million per year, and the Foundation’s endowed assets grew from £15 million to over £32 million. David has been at the heart of this, supporting the board and executive team and as a fund holder and advocate for philanthropy.

The highlight, amongst many contributions, was the creation of the Better Tomorrows Fund. Inspired by the difficulties facing young people after the pandemic, David worked with staff from the Foundation, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Francis Scott Trust to develop the Fund and raise money. This is used to make grants to pay for professional youth work training and funding for employment of new youth workers. Since its launch, the scheme has trained more than 50 accredited youth workers, funded over 50 new youth work roles, and helped more than 5,000 young people across Cumbria.

Cumbria Community Foundation Chief Executive Andy Beeforth said: “We are all extremely grateful to David for his passion, wisdom, commitment and generosity in the role of Chair.

“David saw firsthand that young people in our communities were facing unprecedented challenges and set out to do something about it, creating the life-changing Better Tomorrows programme. He has also helped dozens of projects supporting children and young people across the county through grants from his own family fund which he very generously set up with the community foundation.

“In addition, he has been a business mentor for the Foundation’s Positive Enterprise programme which supports young entrepreneurs, and devoted much time to meeting groups throughout the county to better understand the vital role they play in our communities.

“We would like to thank David for all he has done as Chair of the Community Foundation, and all the good work he will continue to do through Better Tomorrows and the Beeby Family Fund, addressing the ongoing need in our communities.”

David Beeby said: “Cumbria Community Foundation really helps to connect people who care with causes that matter in so many wonderful and inspirational ways. It has been a joy to be a part of that journey over the last nine years.

“I would like to express a heartfelt personal thanks to all of our wonderful donors, large and small, to our fantastic staff and volunteers who ensure the funds are put to good work and to the thousands of inspiring people who work and volunteer in the wide range of charitable organisations that help so many people and undoubtedly help to make Cumbria a better place. It has been a real privilege to meet so many wonderful people across Cumbria.”

A new Chair was formally appointed at the Community Foundation’s board meeting on Tuesday – Myles Thompson, of Great Salkeld, near Penrith. Myles is a former Chartered accountant and audit partner with KPMG, a trustee of the Lake District Calvert Trust and member of Carlisle Cathedral finance committee.

Myles said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation. The Foundation is a wonderful organisation that does so much to support the communities across Cumbria. I am looking forward to finding out more about the great organisations that the Foundation supports and to meet our many supporters across the county.

“I would like to thank David Beeby for his dedication to the Foundation over the last nine years. He has left it in great shape to meet our strategic priorities set out in our 2023 to 2028 strategy.”

A new fund aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation among older people in South Cumbria is open now for applications.

The Age Friendly Activities Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, is offering grants of up to £5,000 to support new and existing initiatives that help remove barriers to participation and encourage more people aged 50 and over in South Lakeland to get involved in social activities.

The fund is part of Age Friendly South Lakeland, which aims to foster inclusive, age-friendly environments where older people can stay active, engaged, and socially connected.

Katie Gatt, Age Friendly Coordinator for South Lakeland, said: “We know that social isolation is a really significant issue among older people in South Lakeland. This funding will make a huge difference, supporting projects that reduce this isolation, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and help older people feel more connected and valued in their communities.”

The fund supports projects for over-50s within the former South Lakeland district area that reduce loneliness and social isolation, encourage physical activity and healthy ageing, and foster intergenerational inclusion. Promoting digital inclusion and confidence among older people is also a priority.

Priority will be given to:
• small, grassroots and volunteer-led organisations
• community-led initiatives that demonstrate strong local engagement
• projects that reach older people in rural, deprived, or underserved areas
• proposals with potential for lasting impact or sustainability

Find out more at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/age-friendly-activities-fund/. For further details, email grants@cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Read more about Age Friendly South Lakeland at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/programmes/age-friendly-south-lakeland/.