Community groups and charitable organisations across Cumbria will benefit from a legacy gift of more than £1 million from a much-loved Carlisle charity leader.

Rachael Rodway, who died in April 2022, was the founder and chair of trustees of Carlisle Foodbank, as well as being trustee of several other charities and a well-respected solicitor.

She left a gift of more than £1 million in her will to Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF), the county’s leading grant making charity.

The money will boost the Cumbria Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation’s main fund for targeting need across the county, from poverty and poor health, to inequality, community cohesion and climate change.

Caroline Adams, Development Manager for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We were absolutely stunned and delighted to learn that Rachael Rodway had left this incredible gift in her will to Cumbria Community Foundation.

“As the driving force behind Carlisle Foodbank, Rachael understood the Cumbrian charity sector better than anyone. Therefore, we’re particularly pleased that she entrusted her money to us to make a difference in Cumbrian communities where it is most needed.

“The Cumbria Fund is our most flexible and powerful fund that we can direct to address the priority issues in our county.”

Carlisle Foodbank benefitted from a Cumbria Fund grant to expand its operations back in 2016, and more recently received further CCF funding towards salary costs for a part-time staff member to help run a new onsite community shop, café, and social hub.

The café opened last year and was named ‘Rachael’s’ in honour of its founder.

Steph Humes, Operations Director at Carlisle Foodbank, said: “We came up with lots of different suggestions for the name and then one of the volunteers said ‘why don’t we call the place Rachael’s?’ and everyone agreed it would be a lovely way to remember her. People who come in the café ask who Rachael was and we tell them all about her.

“She did a lot of work behind the scenes for this place. She was in here right up until the end, very much playing down her illness. She was just incredible, not just for this place but for the whole community.”

On Rachael’s decision to leave a gift in her will to Cumbria Community Foundation, Steph said: “It’s amazing. I’m not surprised at all that she would do something like that. She was a very giving and generous person behind the scenes. She didn’t like to be recognised for the work she did. She just did it and did it well.”

The executors of Rachael’s will said: “Rachael’s charitable work was done efficiently without any sense of her own importance. She was very conscious of her own good fortune and was determined to use her time to improve the lot of others. In addition, she had a robust sense of humour and a keen eye for beautiful things.”

As demand for support continues to grow, CCF is encouraging more people, businesses and organisations to get involved by donating, establishing a fund or leaving a gift in their will to help make a lasting difference to communities across the county.

Development Manager Caroline Adams explained: “You don’t need to give a million pounds to make a difference. That’s the power of the community foundation – however much you can afford to give will be put to best use tackling the most vital issues in our communities.”

To find out more about supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Caroline on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

An exciting new fund created by local people, for local people in Barrow to support community projects and help those in need is now open for applications.

Throughout July, more than 20 local residents who volunteered to join a community panel have been taking part in workshops to decide how they would like £85,000 of grant funding to be spent. They have created a fund which aims to bring people together, strengthen communities, create opportunities for local residents, and support community-led ideas that deliver lasting benefits.

This is the second year where residents have had the chance to drive the participatory element of the Barrow Social Impact Fund, provided by Team Barrow and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.

This year’s community panel has named the fund the Barrow Helping Barrow Fund, and decided that it will support projects in the town that do one of the following:
• Bring people together by reducing isolation and creating opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to connect.
• Make better use of community spaces by increasing access to local venues, facilities and green spaces, and encouraging activities that strengthen community participation.
• Create opportunities for young people aged 14 to 18 through activities designed with young people that build skills, confidence, aspirations and connections.
• Build stronger communities through volunteering by creating opportunities for local people to contribute, develop new skills and support community life.
• Encourage new ideas and community-led solutions that respond to local needs, support emerging groups, and deliver sustainable, long-term benefits.
• Support older people through practical assistance, social opportunities and meaningful activities that complement existing services.

Members of the community panel have also helped design the application process, with an emphasis on making it as accessible as possible.

Application forms are in easy-read format, and there will be several ‘meet the fund’ sessions in Barrow and online for anyone thinking of applying.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “It has been fantastic working with the community panel in Barrow, who have brought real-life experience and local insight to the table. Their involvement has ensured that funding decisions are shaped by the people who know the community best, helping to target support where it will have the greatest impact.

“Thank you so much to all of the volunteers who gave up their time to create the Barrow Helping Barrow Fund, and of course to Team Barrow’s Barrow Social Impact Fund for providing the funding.

“I encourage anyone thinking of applying to come along to one of the ‘meet the fund’ events where panel members – local residents who helped shaped the fund – will be available to answer questions and support with applications.”

Nat Wealleans-Turner, Community and Social Impact Lead for Team Barrow said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Barrow Helping Barrow Fund for a second consecutive year and to continue putting local people at the heart of decisions about how this funding is used.

“I’d like to thank all of the residents who generously volunteered their time, ideas and local knowledge to shape the fund and help decide where support is most needed. Their commitment has created a fund that reflects the priorities of the community and will help support a wide range of worthwhile local causes, strengthening communities, creating opportunities and delivering lasting benefits for people across Barrow.”

Members of the community panel said how much they had enjoyed and valued the opportunity to help create the new fund and make decisions about where funding should go locally.

One said: “I’m taking away the thought that there’s so much more I can do to help improve Barrow’s community.”

Another member added: “I have more to contribute than I thought. There are brilliant people in Barrow.”

The ‘meet the fund’ events will take place on:
• Monday 17 August 2026, 10am to 12noon, The Bridge, Barrow
• Friday, 4 September 2026, 1pm to 3pm, The Bridge, Barrow
• Tuesday 15 September 2026, 6pm to 7pm, online

Attendance is optional but encouraged for those seeking help with their application. For further information, email Siona Hartley, Cumbria Community Foundation Grants and Programmes Officer at siona@cumbriafoundation.org.

The fund is open to charitable, not-for-profit organisations based within 10 miles of Barrow with an annual income of less than £200,000 in their most recent financial year.

Grants will normally be for up to £10,000 over one year. Funding may be used for project running costs and equipment. Projects may be one-off events or ongoing but must show a lasting impact. They should be delivered within the Barrow boundary and have involved local people in the design of the project.

More details and the online application portal can be found at: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/barrow-helping-barrow-fund/

The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 21 September 2026.

The community panel will meet in October to decide which projects will be awarded funding. Grants will be expected to be spent by May 2027.

Farmers across Cumbria are being invited to register their interest in joining a new initiative aiming to strengthen collaboration and support the long-term future of farming in the county.

Cumbria Farmer Network, Cumbria Community Foundation, the Food Farming and Countryside Commission and the Cumbria Combined Authority have formed a partnership to bid for funding from the DEFRA Farmer Collaboration Fund (FCF).

This fund supports practical, farmer-led projects that help farmers and land managers work together to improve sustainability, productivity and resilience.

Cumbria already has a number of successful farm cluster groups where farmers share knowledge and coordinate their activities in support of their farms, the economy and the natural environment. The Cumbrian partnership wants to build on that success by working with existing groups and encouraging new ones to form to ensure the whole farming community can benefit.

Farmers interested in finding out more or registering their interest are encouraged to visit https://www.cumbriafarmercollaboration.org.uk/.

The partnership is seeking three years’ funding to strengthen existing farmer groups, create new ones and help participating farms develop stronger business plans for the future.

Veronica Waller, Senior Project Manager with Cumbria Farmer Network, said: “We know that farmers greatly benefit from working together in groups, so we are urging any farmers or groups interested in being part of the bid to contact us as soon as possible.

“We are gathering expressions of interest ahead of the fund opening for applications on 1 September.”

Cumbria Community Foundation has hit the incredible milestone of £75 million given out to grassroots good causes across the county.

Set up in 1999 to inspire local giving and help communities thrive, Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) raises and invests money to support the people, places and causes that make Cumbria stronger. Today, CCF manages more than 150 funds on behalf of businesses, individuals, families and trusts across the county, awarding vital grants that enable local people to meet the challenges they face.

Generosity

In 2025/26, CCF awarded £5.3 million through 706 grants, helping community groups and individuals across Cumbria. This included 458 grants to groups and 248 grants to individuals, with average awards of £8,232 and £1,012 respectively.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at CCF, said: “Reaching the £75 million milestone reflects the generosity of thousands of donors and the lasting impact of community organisations across the county. We’re proud that our experience and expertise mean we’re the trusted philanthropic partner for Cumbria.

“We target funding where it is needed most, creating the biggest impact in areas of greatest need, tackling poverty, health issues, inequality, community cohesion and climate change.

“We’re pleased with the impact our work continues to have but know that the need today is greater than ever.”

Sixteen new funds were set up with CCF in 2025/26, including several funded by notable Cumbrian businesses, including Grasmere Gingerbread, Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd and Westmorland, owners of Tebay Services and Rheged.

Other funds were established as a result of gifts left in wills by generous individuals, and others set up in memory of loved ones.

Organisations supported in 2025/26 included Artworks Art4All, a Barrow social enterprise on a mission to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in Furness. CCF awarded £3,351 towards the cost of equipment, materials and transport for the Men’s Make and Mend group, set up in 2024 at the request of local men dealing with anxiety, loneliness and other mental health issues.

One participant, Dale, has found support from the group after the death of two close family members. “Just coming to this group instead of sitting at home helps me get through that and gives me a routine,” he said. “Just getting out the house and interacting with people really helps me.”

Cumbria Community Foundation carried out a survey earlier this year, asking people who received grants in the past three years for their feedback. More than 90% of respondents agreed that the application process was easy to understand, with clear eligibility criteria. More than 80% said they received good communication from CCF at every stage of the application process.

Supportive

One applicant said: ““Everyone I have dealt with at Cumbria Community Foundation has been consistently supportive, professional and genuinely keen to help. The advice, responsiveness and constructive approach make a real difference, particularly for small, volunteer-led organisations who are doing their best to develop strong and realistic funding bids. Even where applications are not successful, the way feedback and support is offered feels encouraging and focused on helping organisations improve rather than simply saying no, and that is hugely appreciated.”

A new online portal has been introduced to make the application process simpler and more efficient for groups and individuals applying for funding.

As demand for support continues to grow, CCF is encouraging more people, businesses and organisations to get involved by donating, establishing a fund or leaving a gift in their will to help make a lasting difference to communities across the county.

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

Young Cumbrian entrepreneurs showed off their innovative business ideas, from AI virtual assistants to African food, at two celebration events this week.

Fifteen young people from Furness and West Cumbria aged 14 to 25 were selected to take part in the Positive Enterprise programme back in January.

The programme, developed and run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), helps young people go into business.

Participants were each given a £1,000 grant at the start of this year to launch or develop their own business. Their innovative ideas ranged from pet photography and a mobile make-up service, to fragrances capturing the smells of Cumbria and a gutter cleaning business.

They all received six months of mentoring from an experienced local businessperson, and skills and leadership development opportunities from CforLP.

Celebration events were held this week at the Carnegie Theatre in Workington and The Bridge in Barrow, where the young people gave a presentation about their business, explaining where their idea had come from, and talking through the successes and challenges they had faced.

Two from each area were chosen by the judges to receive a further cash injection into their business.

Impressing them most from the West Cumbria cohort was Maria Ferreira, 21, of Workington, who refurbishes and reupholsters furniture through her business Ferrocious Furniture. She received an additional £1,000 in funding which she plans to spend on running workshops to teach others how to upcycle and breathe new life into old items.

“I want to show people that you can find pieces in your home that you can give a new lease of life to, rather than just throwing them away,” she explained. “Sometimes it feels like there aren’t many career opportunities or creative outlets for people in places like Workington. I want to show people that you can do it if you try. This is something I want to do for the rest of my life as a business.”

Maria was mentored by Rachel Stewart, who has now volunteered her time and expertise on the programme for three years. “It has been great,” Rachel said. “My friend is an upholsterer, and my dad restores furniture, so Maria has been able to learn from them too. It has been a real team effort. I’m so proud of her.”

Runner-up was 20-year-old Holly Chamberlain of Cockermouth, who received an additional £500 towards her business Un Petit Rêve – a sewing and knitting pattern studio. Holly designs, makes and sells clothes, patterns, and knitted items, and runs workshops so others can do the same.

This is the fourth year of the Positive Enterprise programme, which was funded in West Cumbria this year by Sellafield Ltd, through the Transforming West Cumbria programme, Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd, the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund, and a private donor.

Stuart McCourt, Senior Social Impact Manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We were delighted to support Positive Enterprise for the fourth year running through our SiX social impact, multiplied programme. Very well done to all of the participants, it is really inspiring to see how they have taken an idea and developed that through into reality. It’s fantastic to hear about their progress on the programme and I’m excited to see them take their next steps.

“Whatever the future holds for them, I’m sure the skills that the participants have gained and the network they have built will help them enormously. Positive Enterprise is a real team effort between the participants, delivery partners, business mentors and funders and shows what can be achieved when we work together.”

Positive Enterprise ran for the first time in the Furness area this year, funded by the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund and individual donor Jan Ambler.

Travis Drake, 25, of Barrow, was chosen by the judges to receive an additional £1,000 grant towards his business Buzz Trackers – a device to help people find items they have mislaid, such as TV remote controls. He was mentored by James Batchelor.

Travis said: “The funding from Positive Enterprise really did help but the best thing has been the people I’ve met along the journey. James has been a great mentor throughout, helping me think outside the box and try new ideas.”

Runner-up for Furness was Rukky Jokoh, 18, with her Nigerian food business Rukky’s Naija Hub. She said: “The programme has helped me turn a passion into a sustainable business, bringing authentic Nigerian food to more people.”

The programme is delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance. Executive Director Catherine Eve said: “Positive Enterprise goes from strength to strength. The ideas, energy and creativity of the participants this year was next level and we are confident they all have very bright futures ahead of them.

“The programme has given these young people invaluable help from their mentors, practical workshops and a tailored programme of support, enabling them to develop key employability and entrepreneurial skills such as negotiation, time management, and business knowledge.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Thank you to all of the mentors who give up their time and 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.”

Applications for Positive Enterprise 2027 will open later this year but anyone keen to be involved as a participant or mentor can register their interest now by emailing grants@cumbriafoundation.org.

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

Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) is inviting tenders from suitably qualified organisations to design and develop a new website, creating a modern and engaging platform that reflects its work and impact across the county.

As an independent, award-winning funder, CCF connects people who want to give with local communities in need. It manages more than 140 grant making funds and has awarded over £70 million to support thousands of groups and individuals across Cumbria.

The new website will play a vital role in showcasing this work, acting as a key window into the Foundation for donors, fundholders, charities and communities. It will highlight the impact of funding, demonstrate local need, and make it easy for people to take action – whether that’s making a donation, applying for funding or finding out more.

CCF is looking to work with a digital partner to create a site that is accessible, engaging and easy to navigate, with clear user journeys and strong storytelling about the difference funding makes across Cumbria.

Proposals are invited from organisations with experience of delivering similar projects, and should outline a clear and collaborative approach to design, development and delivery, along with ongoing support and maintenance.

Development of the new website is planned for autumn/winter 2026.

For more information about the opportunity, read the CCF Website Development Tender Brief.

For further details or to submit a proposal, email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

Closing date for applications: 10am, Monday 27 July 2026.

A community allotment, a village hub, and help for young people bereaved by suicide are among projects supported by a life-changing fund in its first year.

The Matson Ground Fund was founded by Alex and Samantha Scott in 2025 and is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. It aims to strengthen communities by supporting them to respond to local need. It funds projects that bring people together to address shared challenges, encourage social action and improve local spaces.

Hesket Newmarket Community Shop received a grant of £10,000 from the fund to create a community hub. Local people took ownership of the shop in early 2026 and wanted to establish a welcoming space for people to meet, to combat loneliness and rural isolation.

A storeroom at the side of the building has been turned into a welcoming space with tables, chairs and a coffee machine.

Simon Hewitt, Chair of the Hesket Newmarket Community Shop management committee, said the aim was that, as well as being a social space, the hub would host training sessions, such as IT coaching sessions, drop-in sessions for healthcare professionals, and fun nights for young people.

He said: “The hub will form a key strand in our aims to combat rural isolation and loneliness within our community, and it will also act as a safe place of refuge in times of power outages and flooding, something the area is prone to.”

The Matson Ground Fund also gave £4,674 to Windermere Park For All towards the installation of a concrete bowl skate park. The project to replace the existing outdated skate park was initiated by local parents and park users who wanted to improve the facility for children and the wider community.

Ben Berry, Chair of the Windermere Park For All committee, said: “This project is about much more than ramps and concrete. It is about giving young people a place that feels like theirs, where they can be active, creative and part of the community.”

Vision

Distington Community Trust has led a project to transform a piece of wasteland in the middle of the village into a lively community allotment.

Their vision was to create “a community hub for residents to meet in a central place, to strengthen social skills, encourage physical activity, promote creativity, combat loneliness and bring the community together as a whole.”

The first plots were allocated in June last year and all 22 were soon full, with several people on the waiting list. Local people and businesses have given their time and materials to the project, and locals have held fundraisers to buy equipment.

Trust secretary Joy Jones said: “It’s been overwhelming, the response from the village. I’ve lived in the village for 19 years and would never have met all of these people if it wasn’t for the allotments.”

Hugh Cronie, 76, explained how having an allotment plot has helped him. “It’s got me out the house. If I wasn’t here, I’d be sitting at home. It gets me some fresh air.

“We’re a big happy family. Everybody’s enjoying it here.”

The Matson Ground Fund awarded Distington Community Trust £3,000 to pay for a community horticultural worker to provide expert guidance in establishing and maintaining the community garden.

Urgent need

The Fund aims to respond quickly and flexibly to emerging and urgent need. This month, it awarded £25,000 over two years to Every Life Matters, a charity that campaigns for action against suicide. The funding will go towards suicide bereavement support for children and young people in Cumberland.

Chris Wood, Chief Executive of Every Life Matters, explained the need for the project: “Our records show that in Cumbria approximately 100 children annually lose a parent or step-parent to suicide, with more losing extended family members, and some friends. This type of traumatic bereavement can have a profound impact on young people’s mental/physical health.”

No Rainbows Without Rain is a Workington-based charity supporting people across Cumbria facing poverty and hardship. It provides food, clothing and household essentials for families and individuals in need, and Christmas dinners and presents for hundreds of people each year.

The Matson Ground Fund awarded the charity £5,000 towards the running costs of their Workington base, which acts as a charity shop, furniture warehouse, foodbank and community hub.

Alex and Samantha Scott said: “The need across Cumbria varies from community to community, but there are clearly some common themes, such as isolation, poverty and poor mental health.

“Community groups and charitable organisations throughout the county do incredible work to tackle some of these issues, and we are delighted to be able to support some of them through the Matson Ground Fund. We have been incredibly impressed with all of the projects we have been to visit.

“We take real joy from being able to give, and choosing Cumbria Community Foundation to manage our giving means we have a trusted partner to guide our philanthropy.”

Generosity

Sarah Thompson, Grants and Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “After just one year, the Matson Ground Fund is already making a huge difference to communities across Cumbria. The generosity of Samantha and Alex means we can fund vital projects led by local people that strengthen communities and bring about meaningful change.

“We are really grateful that they trust us to deliver this essential work.”

The Matson Ground Fund will distribute £100,000 in grants each year for 10 years, creating a total investment of £1 million into community driven charitable activities across the county.

Find out how to apply to the fund.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 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.

An exciting funding programme for community projects in Barrow, led by local residents, is back for a second year.

 In total, £85,000 of grant funding is available to support community projects and help those in need in the town.

The funding, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation on behalf of Team Barrow, has been provided by the UK Government and Team Barrow’s Delivery Board through a grant from the Social Impact Fund, which aims to make Barrow a better place to live, work, study, visit, and invest in.

Workshops

Residents keen to be involved are asked to bring their local knowledge and ideas to three community panel workshops this summer. Members of the panel will decide what kinds of projects the money should support and who should be able to apply.

The programme ran for the first time last year, when panel members chose the name the People Helping People Fund. Groups supported by the fund were invited to a celebration event at The Bridge in Barrow on Thursday, 14 May.

Projects supported last year include Woodland Wellbeing at Leslands, a social enterprise based on farmland on the outskirts of Barrow. Small groups of adults meet there once a week to grow produce, upcycle furniture, and take part in other activities such as arts and crafts, with the aim of boosting emotional, physical, and mental health.

Founder Elaine Carter said: “I wanted to do something that really made a difference, taking into account what people said they needed and wanted. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and sustainable community space where individuals can develop confidence, resilience, and transferable skills to lead fulfilling, independent lives. We’re all really passionate about it.”

Group participant Debbie had not left the house for two years before going along to her first Woodland Wellbeing session. Now, her confidence and wellbeing has improved so much, she has been made a director. She said: “It’s a real honour, something I’m quite proud of. Elaine is kind, compassionate… she knows how to treat people as equals. I love it here.”

Matt Ryder received a grant from the People Helping People Fund to organise guided short walks and activities designed to build skills, confidence and social connections for minority groups in Barrow.

After the first walk, with members of the Furness Multicultural Community Forum and Furness Refugees Society, he said: “Despite a few muddy detours, and plenty of laughter along the way, the day was filled with joy, connection, and discovery. Watching people explore new places, build friendships, and simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors was truly inspiring.

“Moments like these remind us how powerful community can be – bringing people together, creating belonging, and sharing experiences that uplift us all.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The People Helping People Fund was a huge success, and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to run this programme again, thanks to funding from Team Barrow’s Social Impact Fund.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life to get involved in shaping how funding is distributed across Barrow. Whether you bring lived experience, professional insight, or simply a passion for supporting your community, your voice matters. It’s a chance to learn, share ideas, meet new people and build connections, while making a real difference to local lives.”

Partnership

Nat Wealleans-Turner, Community and Social Impact Lead at Team Barrow said: “Team Barrow recognises and values the strength, passion, and expertise within our local communities. We believe it’s critical to involve local people from all backgrounds in shaping and guiding our work, as we deliver The Plan for Barrow – making Barrow a healthy, happy, and thriving place to live, work, and visit.

“We are delighted to grow our strategic partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation over the next four years drawing on their extensive experience in grant making, and to see the positive impact their collaboration with Cumbria Development Education Centre has on the continued development of this exciting participatory element of our Social Impact Fund.

“Year One of the People Helping People Fund has been hugely successful, with local people making decisions about how the fund operates and how funding is allocated making a real, and lasting difference in their communities.”

Barrow residents can apply now to join this year’s community panel.

The workshop dates are as follows, at Piel View House in Barrow Park on Abbey Road:

• Monday 29 June, 10am to 2pm
• Monday 6 July, 10am to 2pm
• Monday 13 July, 10am to 2pm

Food will be provided and those who attend all three workshops will receive a voucher of their choice as a thank you for their time and input.

There will be an online information session about becoming a panel member on Thursday 4 June at 1pm. If you would like to attend, contact Laura Goad at Cumbria Development Education Centre on 015394 31602 or email laura@cdec.org.uk for joining details.

To apply to become a panel member, register your interest here.

Nine community projects across Cumbria have received a financial boost totalling more than £14,000 from a charitable fund set up by a local engineering firm.

The Shepley Group Fund was established in 2009 by Whitehaven-based Shepley Engineers Limited to give grants to small, volunteer-led or community groups helping people facing disadvantage.

The fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, has awarded more than £150,000 in grants since then. In the last year, grants totalling £14,155 have been given to community groups and charities.

Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor received £2,000 towards the salary costs for a part-time Project Manager and Volunteer Coordinator to manage the West Cumbria Baby Bank project which provides post-natal safety and wellbeing to babies and parents.

This project aims to reduce the impacts of childhood poverty in west Cumbria by supporting vulnerable babies with a safe place to sleep, warm clothes and the essentials for early development.

Faye Eldon, Chief Executive of the Howgill Family Centre, said: “We are so thankful for the funding we have received from Cumbria Community Foundation. This funding will allow us to continue and expand our West Cumbria Baby Bank project this year.

“With the funding, we are able to provide the service which supports and improves post-natal safety and wellbeing of the baby and mother, as well as providing dignity and hope at this vulnerable time of their lives. The project provides baby clothing, moses baskets, cots, toiletries and essential baby equipment via referrals from midwives, health visitors, social services and other support agencies. Thank you so much.”

Healthy Hopes Cumbria was awarded £2,000 towards the cost of running weekly wellbeing groups in Carlisle and Wigton and employment charity Goodlives received £1,000 towards the cost of running services to support learners into work.

Other projects supported by the Shepley Group Fund included Proud and Diverse Cumbria, awarded £2,000 towards rent for the Colours Hub in Whitehaven, and Safe Families and Home for Good, who received £2,000 towards the salary of a Family Support Manager.

Engineering Development Trust received £1,405 to deliver Industrial Cadets Bronze Projects in two Cumbria schools to inspire young people into STEM careers and Cumbria Scout Council received £1,000 to buy two bell boats for Scouts to use at the Bassenthwaite Centre.

Ryan Christie, Group Operations Support Manager at the Shepley Group, said: “Being a Cumbrian based business, we are delighted that we can support the communities in which we operate by awarding this funding. We have held our fund with Cumbria Community Foundation since 2009 and we are incredibly proud that we have been able to help so many local charities since then and see the impact it has provided.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Shepley Group Fund makes a real difference to communities across Cumbria, funding vital projects which support those who need it most. We are really grateful that they trust us to deliver this essential work.”

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 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.

Charities and organisations in Barrow have received a £400,000 funding boost to help people facing health challenges into work.

Barrow Rising: Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) was set up to enable clear pathways for people facing health related barriers towards gaining or sustaining meaningful employment.

Led by Westmorland and Furness Council and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund will help people who are disabled or have long-term health conditions, those with caring responsibilities, or others experiencing disadvantage.

In total, seven projects have received funding. They are:

• Citizens Advice Barrow – £98,330 to fund a partnership with St Mary’s Hospice, Mind in Furness and Carers Support, delivering workplace and community-based support for adults experiencing health-related barriers to employment
• A Stitch Different – £48,101 to extend the Furness Sleep Helpline pilot
• Cowran Care – £48,200 to work with 25 young people facing barriers into employment
• Cumbria Addictions, Advice & Solutions (CADAS) – £49,639 to support people affected by substance abuse to remain in employment, with a focus on the construction and hospitality industries
• Barrow Forward – £50,000 to deliver one-to-one exercise and wellness interventions for individuals facing health-related barriers to employment
• Inspira – £49,466 to fund a project adviser to support NEET young adults
• Vision Support Barrow & District – £49,000 to support working-age people with Vision Impairment (VI) to build tenacity and overcome barriers to employment

Debbie Twinney, Director of A Stitch Different, said: “We are delighted to receive additional funding for the Furness Sleep Helpline and associated work. This will enable us to expand delivery to include one-to-one support, small groups and targeted workshops.

“We know that sleeplessness has a major impact on health and wellbeing, so this funding has the potential to make a real difference to many people who are currently struggling. We are incredibly grateful for the Fund’s confidence in our work and look forward to delivering meaningful, lasting impact.

Partnership

Barrow Rising: Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) sits under Team Barrow: a unique public-private partnership that brings together the skills, funding, and capabilities of the Government, Westmorland and Furness Council, BAE Systems, businesses and the wider community.

Clare Paling, Public Health Project Officer at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We know there are people in Barrow who want to get back into the workforce, but who face barriers and challenges which prevent them from being able to. The idea of this fund is to place money in the hands of local organisations who can help these people through targeted interventions and programmes.

“We decided to create this grant funding programme in recognition of the important contribution the voluntary and community sector make in supporting people in Barrow. We are delighted to work with Cumbria Community Foundation to deliver this funding, which we believe will be life-changing for many people currently struggling to access employment.”

Sarah Thompson, Grants and Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We were very impressed by the breadth and scope of applications we received and are delighted to be able to fund so many excellent projects.

“Evidence shows that having access to work can improve mental and physical health, so we look forward to hearing some of the success stories made possible by this funding.”

Read more about the projects funded.