Holiday and second homeowners are helping communities thrive as two community projects receive the first grants from a new fund.

Cumbria Community Foundation’s Home from Home Fund invites second and holiday homeowners to donate the equivalent of one week’s rent each year, with a minimum suggested donation of £500.

The funds are then allocated to specific projects in towns and villages where many of the properties are located.

The fund has so far helped two local causes: Carers Support South Lakes and Lunesdale Hall in Kirkby Stephen.

Carer Support South Lakes has developed a health and wellbeing programme, which will support around 140 unpaid adult carers in the district.

Debi Marsden, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes, said the demands on unpaid carers could lead to financial issues, as well as feelings of isolation, stress and other physical and mental health problems.

“The health and wellbeing programme works with adult unpaid carers to strengthen their resilience, develop healthy coping strategies and build their confidence and self worth,” said Debi.

“The focus will be to help carers identify their individual needs and offer support that will lessen the impact of their caring role.”

The programme involves group work and one-to-one counselling, as well as therapy sessions, such as yoga or reflexology.

“A health and wellbeing practitioner will work with the individual to find the right resource and help them get to do what they want to do at a time that they wish to do it,” said Debi.

“It could be anything the carer feels they need to lessen the impact and enable them to cope.”

“It really does make a massive difference,” said Debi.

“The funding enables us to employ a part-time worker to run the programme and have all of the infrastructure behind them – the laptops and phones and everything else – that will enable them to do it.”

Meanwhile, Lunesdale Hall, in Kirkby Lonsdale, received a donation from the Home from Home Fund to help pay for a new kitchen.

The building, which dates back to 1895, is used for a range of community, recreational and commercial purposes.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the hall began running a ‘community cupboard’ providing food to people in need and hosting regular community lunches.

However, Michael Burchnall, deputy chair and secretary of Lunesdale Hall committee, said the kitchen is not currently suitable for preparing food for large numbers of people.

“We wanted to host it in the Lunesdale Hall and prepare the food in the hall, but it was impossible for the numbers involved so we’ve been having to prepare the food elsewhere,” he said.

Michael says an upgrade of the kitchen will help solve this problem.

It will also provide facilities to cater for a growing number of enquiries from people who want to book the hall for weddings or other events.

It is hoped work could begin to revamp the kitchen in late September.

“Everything we’re getting in grants means that we don’t have to spend our diminishing resources on the hall and will help it to play an even more important role in the community,” says Michael.

Both organisations will benefit from a £1,000 donation towards the total cost of their projects, helping to make them a reality.

The Cumbria Home from Home Fund has been developed in partnership with self-catering agents and holiday homeowners operating in and around Lake District and wider Cumbria and is also being backed by Cumbria Tourism.

Jacqui Currie, Head of Development at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We have been very pleased with the response to our Home from Home Fund and I’d like to thank everybody who has donated and helped to promote it.

“The Fund provides an easy mechanism for holiday and second homeowners to give back to the communities that host their properties.

“It’s fantastic to see these funds doing exactly what they are intended to do; making a real difference and improving the lives of people in our local community.”

West Cumbrian charities and community groups are being encouraged to apply for funding to invest in digital solutions.

The COVID-19 crisis has increased the need for organisations to explore how digital approaches can be used to create more impact for the people they work with.

Bedrock Digital has been created to help charitable groups carry out their work in a more efficient and effective way, resulting in positive social benefit.

Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, grants will normally be up to £5,000 and the fund will prioritise organisations that alleviate poverty and disadvantage and projects that are addressing needs identified in the Foundation’s West Cumbria Opportunities and Challenges report.

Free expert advice and guidance from Charity Technology is also available to help groups examine whether a digital solution is the best idea, explore alternative solutions and identify any implications of implementing a new solution.

Bedrock Digital is part of Transforming West Cumbria (TWC) which is funded through Sellafield Ltd’s social impact multiplied programme SiX. This social investment programme has been developed in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation and focuses on promoting thriving communities by supporting sustainable activities that create self-reliance and independence.

Gary McKeating, Head of Community & Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “The pandemic has pushed charities and community groups to work differently so they could continue to offer their vital services. In some cases the IT was not ideal to make the most of it. This offer of advice and grant funding should help to improve their IT systems and enable them to work more efficiently.”

A recent grant to Whitehaven, Egremont & District Credit Union (WEDCU) supported the implementation of a new hybrid banking platform to provide more flexibility and a greater range of online and digital services.

Andrea Dockeray, Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the grant as this investment is much more than an IT upgrade; we see this as a digital transformation making a critical contribution to our sustainability and growth going forward”.

Applications can be made at any time and will be considered at the quarterly grants committee meetings held in September, December, March and June. However, groups are encouraged to access initial free support for their digital developments prior to applying by contacting, Kevin Beynon at Charity Technology.

Kevin said: “I’m excited to be working with Cumbria Community Foundation on Bedrock Digital to support organisations and groups in Allerdale and in Copeland, where I live. The funding from Sellafield Ltd will help us deliver advice, support and training to voluntary and community groups, and social enterprises in West Cumbria, and ensure they benefit from the digital tools and skills they need to support their communities.”

Visit https://charitytechnology.co.uk/bedrockdigital to signup for initial free support.

If you would like to know more about this fund, please contact: Lisa Blackwell on 01900 820827 or email lisa@cumbriafoundation.org

Community groups supporting disabled people are due to benefit thanks to a new grant making fund.

The creation of the Disability Fund for Cumbria, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, will support practical interventions that promote the inclusion and integration of disabled people into employment and independent living.

The new fund was set up following the closure of Disability association Carlisle & Eden (DaCE), which had been supporting disabled people in Cumbria for more than 20 years. The charity transferred its residual funds to the Foundation to help other organisations providing services and support for disabled people.

Fred Wilenius, Chief Officer for DaCE, said: “For over 20 years, DaCE worked to provide disabled people in Cumbria with the support they need to live independently. So we are very pleased that we have been able to donate DaCE’s residual funds to the Foundation to help establish the Disability Fund. We believe this means that for years to come, Cumbria will have a source of designated funding aimed at encouraging and supporting independent living for disabled people. Our hope is that others will also make donations, so the fund grows and flourishes.”

The money will support initiatives, projects and activities that aim to help disabled people become as independent as possible so that they are able to lead the life they choose in the way they prefer. The fund will prioritise local organisations that employ disabled people and where disabled people are involved as trustees.

Grants for individuals will be available for specialist equipment or training in support of employment and independent living.

Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested more than £56 million into local communities.

Kevin Walsh, Trustee of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to be able to continue DaCE’s legacy and support projects on their doorstep to improve lives and enable local people to realise their potential.

“The Foundation understands that people with disabilities face many challenges and must be able to fulfil their role in society and participate on an equal basis with others. This new fund is a great example how we can work with community groups and charities that make a big difference to the lives of people with disabilities in Cumbria, helping to improve their lives.”

The Disability Fund for Cumbria has been created with the expectation that people will choose to donate to the cause and grow it over time.

To find out more, click here or contact Sarah Thompson, Grants & Programmes Officer via sarah@cumbriafoundation.org or on 01900 825760 to check eligibility.

This summer, children and families will be able to access free food and fun activities thanks to a new fund set up by a former Cumbrian to address holiday hunger.

The summer holidays can be a really difficult time for families who are struggling financially and can be a time when food becomes less varied and nutritious, stresses within the family increase, contact with peers and other social and educational opportunities diminish and physical health declines.

The Allerdale Holiday, Activities and Food Fund was set up by locally born businessman Mike Wombwell and is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. The fund is making grants to a whole range of projects and activities available to children and young people in areas such as Maryport and Workington to address food hunger.

More than ten organisations that understand the need of their communities have received financial support to date, including Aspatria Dreamscheme, Carnegie Theatre, Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenants and Residents Association (ENTRA), North Lakes Foodbank, West Cumbria Carers, South Workington Youth Partnership and Cumberland Football Association.

Mike said: “I am always inspired by the commitment of local volunteers who are active in the local community and I am happy to make a contribution to support their efforts especially in these challenging times.”

The Cumberland Football Association and Workington Reds in the Community received a grant so children can take home a recipe box to cook a healthy meal at home after a day of activities.

Ray Sempill, Football Development Officer, said: “We recognise that times are particularly hard for families, so we are pleased to be able to provide some support and help to break down barriers to participation. We hope that all the children who have booked a place on the football camps have a great summer.”

West House supports children, young people, and adults with learning and other disabilities in Cumbria. Funding will provide various activities along with a nutritious meal.

Mark Swanston, Registered Manager for Children and Young People, said: “Our care and support is invaluable to all the families that we support including the children and their siblings and the summer holiday can be difficult for the whole family. This funding has enabled us to not only extend our holiday activities but to offer the activity completely free of charge to the children we support. All our families receiving support are so grateful. Not only is this respite for them, but it also allows friendship groups within our support service to keep in touch over the six-week period. A big thank you from the families and all of West House to the generous donor that has enabled this to happen.”

The Carnegie Theatre in Workington is able to provide over 1,000 free hot meals free of charge for children and families on low income over the whole six weeks, thanks to the grant.

Michael Nutter, Hospitality and Facilities Manager, said: “Our main aim over the coming years is to become a central hub that serves the whole community. As well as offering a range of activities and entertainment, we want to support the most vulnerable in our society and so we are incredibly grateful for this grant.”

Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested more than £56 million into local communities

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The summer holidays can be a really difficult time for families who are struggling. The pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis has hit the most vulnerable the hardest: worrying about how to afford activities and even the basics, like meals and a safe place to play. Food poverty is at the heart of the difficulties for many families.

“The Allerdale Holiday, Activities & Food Fund means that children and young people not only don’t go hungry when term ends but also eat healthily and have fun. This is made possible thanks to a former Cumbrian resident who has a passion for the area in which he grew up and wants to see children and young people overcome these challenges and thrive. I hope many others follow Mike’s lead.”

The Allerdale Holiday, Activities & Food Fund is still open to applications. To apply, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or contact grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Community groups supporting residents of Castles & Coasts Housing Association are due to benefit, thanks to a new grant making fund.

Castles & Coasts Housing Association, which provides affordable homes across the north of England, is working in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, to support community projects that will strengthen its communities.

Charitable and not-for-profit organisations that support community projects and activities which make a positive contribution to the residents living in the neighbourhoods in which Castles & Coasts Housing Association operate, can apply for a share of the funding.

Priority will be given to projects that bring people from across a community together, support residents to gain employment or develop their skills, access digital and financial inclusion services, provide health and wellbeing activities, and reduce anti-social behaviour in communities.

Adam Gould, Head of Customer Service & Engagement at Castles & Coasts Housing Association, said: “Castles & Coasts Housing Association is delighted to be working with Cumbria Community Foundation, who will support us in allocating our Community Fund, to enable projects that support our local communities.

He went on to say, “we are really proud to be working together and we hope to support some fantastic initiatives, which make a real difference to our residents and communities.

“Working with Cumbria Community Foundation will also provide us with opportunities for colleagues to help support volunteering activities in our communities.”

Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested more than £56 million into local communities.

Lisa Blackwell, Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Castles & Coasts Housing Association have decided to set up a fund to support local community projects. They share our passion for creating sustainable communities by working in partnership to strengthen communities in Cumbria.

“This new partnership is a great example of how we can work with organisations to support local community groups and initiatives that make a big difference to the lives of those in genuine need.”

To find out more, click here, or contact Lisa Blackwell, lisa@cumbriafoundation.org or on 01900 825760 to check eligibility.

Seven families fleeing terrible circumstances overseas have been helped by the generosity of strangers through Cumbria Community Foundation.

The charity’s Welcome Fund was established in 2017 to support refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Cumbria. It has now paid out more than £4,000 to help those most in need, with Ukraine families among the most recent beneficiaries.

The Fund brings together donations from individuals and groups in the community, as well as businesses, charitable trusts and other organisations. The money is distributed in several ways, either as hardship grants to those who have moved to the county and have needs which are not covered by the Government, or to local community groups and partnerships who are providing a vast range of services and support, from the provision of essential items, to helping people settle into their new communities.

According to Cumbria County Council figures, there are currently 244 Syrian and 137 Afghan refugees or asylum seekers in Cumbria, and more than 150 Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country. The Ukrainian figure is higher than this as there are various resettlement schemes taking place, not all of them facilitated by the County Council.

One of the Ukrainian families that has already benefited from the Welcome Fund is living in Newton Reigny, near Penrith. Tanya Mulholland has lived in the UK for 15 years since meeting her husband, David, two decades ago when she was a travel agent in Kyiv and he needed help to change his travel tickets.

Seven members of her family travelled to safety here in April – her mum, aunt, sister and nephew, and cousin and her two sons all moved into their house after escaping Kyiv on a lengthy journey across Europe. Three male members of the family were left behind to fight with the Ukrainian army.

Tanya says: “I am so happy to have them here and safe though there are tears every day for those left behind. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to the Welcome Fund. It was so easy to fill in the forms and everyone was really helpful.”

The family has received £1,000 from the Welcome Fund to pay for food and essentials, and they’ve also had advice from locals about school and college places for the youngsters here in Cumbria. Tanya added: “It has been a major help with just basic things, but also has helped my nephew study online so that he can take part in an emergency programme to complete his exams and finish his studies.”

Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “As well as providing grants to families, the Foundation also funds the work of refugee support groups in Cumbria and we are working with them and other partners to assess the needs of people and families as they arrive in the county.”

“We are humbled by the generosity of communities that are supporting this fund and we understand that many Cumbrian families are facing their own challenges as the cost of living increases and that not everyone is in a position to help.”

The Welcome Fund supports all refugees and asylum seekers in Cumbria. For more information, or to donate, visit: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/welcome-fund/

Every household in the UK is to get an energy bill discount of £400 this October with the poorest also getting a payment of £650 to help with the cost of living.

The announcement by Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been welcomed by Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation.

He said: “The Chancellor’s Statement today is to be welcomed and will make a difference to our poorest families, many having already been severely affected by the increase in the fuel cap and inflation.

“A combination of the one-off payment plus Universal Credit payments will total at least £1,200 and will provide a very welcome boost, although sadly we know the likely increase in the fuel cap in October will increase average household bills to nearly £3,000.

“This is without factoring in the impact of inflation on other household bills.

“So very sadly, this winter we will still see an increase in poverty, among families on low incomes, the vulnerable elderly and disabled people.

“The Government’s provision of universal payments of £400 recognises the impact on all households.

“What we do know is that there are some people whose circumstances mean they can afford the increased cost of living without affecting their quality of life.

“Therefore we will be asking those who can afford to help to donate to the Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund which places money directly in the hands of our most vulnerable older people.”

The Winter Warmth Fund was launched in 2010 to help older people in danger of becoming ill or even dying because of the cold.

Donations are shared with vulnerable people who struggle to heat their homes, so they can stay warm and healthy during winter.

For details visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund

More than £800,000 has been awarded to a range of good causes in Cumbria and the Borders, tackling a range of issues including homelessness, poverty and domestic violence.

More than 40 community organisations received a share of £793,000 and 14 people benefited from £11,270 to increase sporting, artistic and career achievement.

The money was awarded at Cumbria Community Foundation’s recent grants committee from funds set up by local people and businesses, including Thomas Graham & Sons and Shepley Group.

Helping to relieve loneliness and connect people in the community, Gateway Church in Kendal received £31,900 over three years.

Rev Jonny Gios MA, Community Connector at Gateway Church, said: “It’s wonderful to not just receive funding for our community development work across Kendal but also have people who believe in what we’re doing. With this support we’ll be able to build on what we’ve already achieved in our community through a very difficult time.

“We know the next chapter is going to be challenging on many other levels, but this support will help us to connect, signpost, refer and support those who desperately need it. The work in our community is vitally important to us so to be able to continue to employ a dedicated community connector is fantastic news – to see our work flourish.”

EdenVentures received £1,600 to offer subsidised places for children from low income and vulnerable families to attend a five-day summer holiday programme. Summer Weeks is for children aged 5 – 13 and provides a full week of outdoor adventure, exploration and creative activities, including a sleep over.

Anna Clapp, Project Leader, said: “EdenVentures took over the much-loved Summer Weeks Project from Eden Community Outdoors when it closed in 2016.

“Our work has always been important for combatting rural isolation in the holidays, and two years into the pandemic, we are seeing that children and young people need time outdoors, in a fun and safe community, more than ever.

“Due to the funding, we can offer places at different rates, including fully funded via our agency support partners, so that we are as accessible as possible. We work with individuals from different economic and family backgrounds, and due to our high staff and volunteer ratios, we provide an inclusive service meeting complex behavioural and emotional needs of our participants and young volunteers.”

iCan Health and Fitness CIC received £5,000 from the Cumbria Fund to develop a peer support group for men based in Carlisle. The group will help build a support network where men feel safe to talk.

Lisa Bridgewater, Managing Director, said: “We are beyond thrilled to have received support for a men’s emotional wellbeing support group. This will be called ‘Men Supporting Men’ and is a peer-led session for all men aged 18+ to discuss and improve their emotional wellbeing without necessarily knowing it.

“Our lived experience mentor, Daniel, will gently lead conversation on how to improve mental and emotional health and how to talk about feelings with a mix of wellbeing activities, fun games and adventures to lighten the load.

“We’re delighted to confirm the first session will take place on Friday 10th June from 10:30am-12:00pm at the WeCan Wellbeing centre in Carlisle. Sessions are free to all. Men who are currently not working or signed off work for mental health reasons are strongly advised to come along and see if the sessions will help.

If you would like to enquire about joining the group, or for more information, contact Daniel on 08000 386018 or visit www.icanfitnesscumbria.co.uk

Many young carers miss out on the same opportunities as other children as their caring responsibilities mean they have to grow up early. They often miss out on vital school and training, which has a negative impact on the rest of their lives.

In South Lakeland, Carer Support South Lakes received £4,973 to provide an internship for a young person to work alongside its existing team to encourage and support young carers to take part in a range of support groups, activities and trips.

Debi Marsden, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Despite the fact we help well over 1,200 unpaid carers from the age of five to cope with their caring responsibilities, there are still many in the South Lakes area struggling. One of the main aspirations of all the team here is to reach out and help as many unpaid carers as possible. The young carers intern will help identify young carers within our community and be a mentor for our younger carers.”

South Whitehaven Youth Partnership received £62,380 from the Better Tomorrows Fund to employ two new staff members to offer detached youth work over the next three years.

Jacq Cardy, Project Manager said: “Our aim is to engage with young people who are not accessing centre-based youth club provision, offering the same high quality youth work where young people can build positive relationships with their local youth workers, access support, advice and guidance, take part in informal issue based workshops and social action projects.’’

The deadline for the next round of applications is 17^th June 2022.

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants Officer 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 visit, www.cumbriafoundation.org or call the grants team on 01900 820827 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org