Cumbria Community Foundation has awarded more than £55,000 to individuals and community projects across West Cumbria at their latest Grants Committee.

The West Cumbria Grants Panel approved 21 applications covering a wide range of activities, including an international Lego competition and a project helping to tackle social isolation in older people.

Friends of Ennerdale and Kinniside Primary School received £4,250 from the Live the Dream Fund to take their school Lego team to the Lego League International Open.

The First Lego League is a science and technology challenge aimed at 9-16 year olds who are tasked to solve real life problems with the help of a Lego robot.

The ‘Ennerdale Engineers’ were placed as runners up in the Regional Finals for North and West Cumbria on the 1^st of February. This meant the team qualified for the National Finals in Bristol as only one of 40 schools in the UK and Ireland.

The National Finals took place on the 26^th of February, where pupils fought off competition from secondary schools across the UK to win the second place trophy in the Robot Performance Award.

The small village school of Kinniside and Ennerdale will now have the opportunity to go even further, to the International Finals, which will be held in the UK for the first time.

David Moore, Head Teacher of the school, said: “As an extremely small, rurally isolated primary school, children have little exposure to cultural opportunities.

“This International Final will give them the chance to meet a huge variety of children from other countries throughout the world. Such an opportunity is unlikely to offer itself again in these children’s school life.”

Healthy Hopes Cumbria received £5,000 from the Older People’s Fund to start a weekly two-hour group for older adults to alleviate social isolation. The sessions will cover topics such as confidence and building self-esteem, mental health issues in later life and coping with bereavement.

Healthy Hopes offer free holistic workshops and support services across West Cumbria to promote improved emotional wellbeing and resilience. Older people who attended some of the organisation’s other workshops had expressed an interest in having a group for older adults who have similar issues and needs.

The sessions will be held in conjunction with Age UK at one of their premises in Copeland and will be held by a qualified Mental Health Nurse who specialises in dementia studies and a trained therapist.

Vivien Nicol, Director of Healthy Hopes Cumbria, said: “Older people with limited social contact are at an increased risk of death due to the emotional effects of social isolation.

“We are aware that for many older adults, their children have settled into other parts of the UK or abroad due to limited local employment opportunities, which brings about a lack of family support.

“Our health and wellbeing activities will help older people in the community to form friendships and improve both their physical and mental health.”

Annalee Holliday, Grants & Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “By supporting projects which help address the specific needs of communities, we can begin to bridge that gap, and ensure people have the best access to services.”

Applications for the next round of funding need to be submitted by Friday 12^th May 2017 to be reviewed by the grants panel on Wednesday 7^th June 2017. For more information or to apply for a grant, click here or contact the grants team on 01900 825760.

Seven community organisations in Allerdale have been awarded a share of £68,000 from a fund that supports eco projects.

The funding comes from the Robin Rigg West Cumbria Fund, and supports a range of community groups helping to improve the local environment and also increase understanding of environmental issues.

The fund was set up by energy company E.ON to benefit communities close to the Robin Rigg offshore wind farm and is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation. More than £400,000 has been given out in grants since 2009.

Friends of Siddick Ponds received £15,000 to continue enhancing the site behind Dunmail Park Shopping Centre in Workington. The money will be used to improve the conservation interest of the site such as reed bed management, installing nesting boxes and planting wildflower bulbs.

West House received £10,000 to install solar panels at their ‘Grow West’ project; a 12 acre market garden centre based at Allerby. 30 adults with learning disabilities rely on ‘Grow West’ to be productive in the community, have a purposeful working week and learn personal and work skills.

Tim Morgan, E.ON Plant Manager, said: “The fund from E.ON provides assistance to voluntary or community groups in the area who are looking to use energy more sustainable or improve the environment. Our funding helps to provide a lasting benefit to the area.”

Annalee Holliday, Grants & Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The fund is of real value to the local community, supporting voluntary groups and charities and enabling residents to continue to build on their vibrant and thriving communities.”

Successful groups can expect to receive £1,000 – £15,000 funding. Applications for the next round of funding are open until 15th December 2017. To find out more about the Robin Rigg West Cumbria Fund click here or contact Annalee Holliday on 01900 82470 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.

Charitable community groups and individuals in the Borders area are being encouraged to apply for financial support from a new community benefit fund.

Established by EDF Energy Renewables, the Beck Burn Windfarm Community Fund has £155,250 grant aid to distribute every year for the next twenty-five years.

Projects and people in the Cumbrian Parishes of Rockcliffe, Westlinton, Arthuret and Kirkandrews on Esk, along with the Scottish Community Councils of Springfield & Gretna Green, Gretna & Rigg, Kirkpatrick Fleming & District, and Canonbie & District are eligible to apply for funding.

The fund is being managed on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables by Cumbria Community Foundation, and will be split into three elements:

A large grants pot of £84,200 for grants between £1,000 and £20,000 (larger grants over multiple years will also be considered). The priority for this money is projects within a 5k radius of the wind farm, projects within a 10k radius may also apply but must show benefit to those within the 5k area.

£40,000 will be split between the eight local Parish/Community Councils each receiving £5k to spend within their Parish/Community Council boundary on small grants of up to £1,000 each (this covers Kirkandrews, Arthuret, Westlinton, Rockcliffe, Springfield & Gretna Green, Gretna & Rigg, Kirkpatrick & District and Canonbie & District)

20% of the fund, totalling £31,050, will be ring-fenced for Education and Training, we will be launching a bursary scheme in the area around the wind farm to help with costs of travel, equipment and training for students of all ages.

The fund is intended to support a wide range of activities with awards to community and voluntary organisations and projects which are community based or community led. Activities would include supporting biodiversity and habitat conservation, energy efficiency and sustainability, sports and recreation, health and wellbeing, children, young people and older people, culture and heritage.

The deadline for the first round of applications is 12th May 2017.

Nick Bradford, Head of Asset Management for EDF Energy Renewables said: “We want to see as many local people as possible benefiting from the fund and would encourage groups to apply for this money. Around each of our 32 wind farm sites across the UK, we see the difference it can make from heating church halls to providing new musical instruments to a brass band.

Nigel Pattison, Grants and Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Parish and Community Councils within the Beck Burn Wind Farm’s area of benefit, enabling vital community projects to be developed and local people to benefit enormously.”

For more information click here or by contact Nigel Pattison on 01900 825760.

A charitable fund offering financial support to social housing communities across Cumbria has been launched.

The £100,000 fund, set up by Cumbria Housing Partners, will provide grants of up to £10,000 to community and voluntary organisations running projects aimed at improving people’s employability or education. Activities which provide advice and guidance, support and engage people in their local community, and improve community facilities will also be considered.

Grants of up to £500 are also available to individuals aged 16 or over who wish to undertake work-based education or training to improve their employability.

John Clasper, Chairman of Cumbria Housing Partners, said: “Cumbria Housing Partners has been successful in supporting apprenticeships and community projects in our neighbourhoods, over the last 10 years. Working with a recognised Cumbria based grant making body, such as Cumbria Community Foundation, will mean that our funds can go further and we can do more of this.”

The fund is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, which connects businesses and individuals with people that need it most. Projects are often able to secure additional funding from other funds managed by the Foundation.

Andy Beeforth, CEO of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Cumbria Housing Partners Fund aims to bring real, positive change and bring local communities in Cumbria closer together.”

“We are passionate about matching fundholders with the most deserving projects in Cumbria. This fund is particularly important because it will directly improve skills of some of the most disadvantaged people in our community.”

Community projects and individuals can apply for funding from the Cumbria Housing Partners Fund by clicking here or calling 01900 825760.

An innovative flood control centre will help a rural parish become better prepared for future flooding.

Above Derwent Flood Action Group was established following the floods in 2009. They work in partnership with other agencies to influence local flood risk management. The group received a grant of £7,330 from the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal to fit out a mobile box trailer with emergency equipment, so they can better respond in an emergency.

The Above Derwent parish includes Braithwaite, which was left devastated by Storm Desmond in December 2015. The village was divided in two for nearly three weeks after a bridge was damaged and a quarter of all properties flooded.

Brian Rutland, Chair of the group, said: “During the flooding in December 2015 it quickly became apparent that to function efficiently as a flood group we would need to equip our volunteers with waterproof clothing, radios, torches, etc. Due to the number of holiday homes in our village, fundraising is very difficult and therefore without this support we would not be able to function at the level we do. The grant has enabled us to purchase all the equipment and a box trailer, which is kept in a secure store.”

Volunteer flood wardens have been recruited and an emergency plan has been developed. The trailer has already been used to promote the work of the flood action group to the wider community.

Jenny Benson, Flood Fund Manager at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The flooding in 2015 was absolutely devastating for local communities. This grant has helped put emergency planning measures in place. Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers, the homes in this community will be better prepared and protected from future disasters.”

The Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal was set up by Cumbria Community Foundation in response to the disaster caused by Storm Desmond. Community organisations are still being encouraged to apply, particularly if they would like to make their communities more resilient.

On Saturday night, 160 eager fundraisers gave up their warm homes for a cold and wet night under the stars so that older people don’t have to suffer the cold.

The Big Sleep is an annual event organised by the Foundation to raise money for their Winter Warmth Appeal, which supports older people in Cumbria who struggle to pay their heating and fuel bills in the winter months.

This year, the refurbishment of the Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel gave campers the unique opportunity to sleep right beside the lake rather than on the hill behind the hotel.

Little Sleepers enjoyed shadow puppetry with storyteller Ian Douglas and there was a family movie and live music from the Sessionistas, and JC & the Moonshine band. Calderwood House kept campers warm with their speciality coffee and English Lakes Hotels provided the evening meal and breakfast rolls in the morning.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of the charity, said: “We couldn’t be happier with the number of people that turned out to support the Big Sleep. Our campers have so far raised more than £15,000 and this money will make a huge difference enabling us to continue our work, helping older people within our community.

“Extra funding is always great but awareness is even better and we want people to understand what fuel poverty is and how it affects people. The money raised will be used to provide grants to some of the poorest, most vulnerable older people in the county. Thank you to everyone who took part or supported the participants.”

The appeal has already distributed £120,000 this winter to help older people heat their homes during the colder weather.

Peter, Victoria and Nathaniel Morgan of Penrith, took part in the Big Sleep for the first time. Victoria said: “We have friends who have done the Big Sleep before so were inspired by others who have done it. We’re literally sleeping out under the stars as we have only brought an overhead shelter in case it rains. This is a unique opportunity to sleep out right next to Lake Windermere.”

Jayne Williamson, Diane McCormick and Jill Tweddle from Carlisle were sleeping out to mark a special milestone. They said: “As old school friends who are all approaching 50, we decided to do something for 50 charities this year and the Big Sleep is the first. Sleeping under the stars was on our bucket list and when we heard about the Big Sleep we thought – what better way to do it?”

Sian Whittlemore, of Ulverston, took part with her partner Paul Baxendale and their three children Iona, six, Izak, nine, and Owen, 13. Sian said: “The kids absolutely love the idea of camping out in the cold and having a laugh throughout the night. It’s something that we really enjoy doing together as a family.

“They have been telling their friends and

teachers about it all week and they understand that this is helping older members of our community that often have to choose between heating and eating. People should be safe in their own homes and this is an important way to raise awareness for the older members of our community.”

A team of five from Lambert Smith Hampton also took part. Richard Platt, Head of Lambert Smith Hampton’s South Cumbria office, said: “It was a cold night but we wanted to support the valuable work that the Cumbria Community Foundation, does so we decided to wrap up, brave the weather and join in with the Big Sleep. And we’re pleased we did because the LSH team managed to raise nearly £700 to help the charity keep older people in Cumbria warm and well during the cold winter months.”

Also braving the cold was Dave Henderson, Business Manager at Cumbria Nuclear Solutions Ltd. He said: “We are pleased to be supporting such a worthy cause. This is our first year here but it won’t be our last. There is a great atmosphere and everyone has a smile which is great.

“Our companies support CCF in a number of ways but things like this are a great way to raise awareness of an important issue and have a chance to do something different.”

You can still donate towards the Winter Warmth Appeal. Visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/give-to-the-winter-warmth-fund or phone 01900 825760.

You can also send a text message to 70070 including the code WINT37. You can donate £2, £5 or £10. e.g. WINT37 £5 to 70070.

Or you can send a cheque to: ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ and write ‘Winter Warmth’ on the back. Send it to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.

Cumbria Community Foundation wishes to engage a suitably qualified organisation/individual/consortium to evaluate the management and delivery of the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal 2015.

This has been the Foundation’s fourth and largest disaster appeal in terms of need to be addressed and funds raised; previous appeals include the 2005 and 2009 flood appeals. There was an overwhelming response from across the UK. £1m was raised in less than 5 days and the first grant was made within 4 days. Since then over 35,000 donations have been received from members of the public, hundreds of fundraising events, local businesses, philanthropists, charitable trusts and funders. Government has provided a total of £4.7m match funding. The Appeal total currently stands at £10.3m.

To date grants totalling nearly £7.2m has been awarded to both individuals/families and groups.

The overall aim of the evaluation is to assess the implementation and overall outcomes of the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal 2015 and to capture the learning for future disaster appeal programmes.

Please read the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal Tender Specification before submitting a proposal, which should be emailed to: Dr Jenny Benson, Flood Fund Programme Manager jenny@cumbriafoundation.org

Final date for submission of proposals is 5pm on Tuesday, 31st January 2017.

AS NEW figures show a sharp increase in the number of excess winter deaths, a Cumbrian charity is asking for help to keep older people warm this winter. 

Bad winters have seen as many as 300 excess winter deaths in the county, but this figure has leapt 50 per cent to 460 in the latest figures for the winter of 2014 /15.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation says it’s even more of a reason to join this year’s BIG SLEEP.  He said: “The Big Sleep is being held on the shore of lake Windermere for the first and probably the only time. The refurbishment of the Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel has given us a unique opportunity to sleep beside the lake rather than on the hill behind the hotel. We’re grateful to the Berry family for the opportunity. On a serious note, I’m deeply saddened to see the most recent excess winter death figures rise to 460. That’s 460 older people in our county who have succumbed to the effects of the cold weather. All the money raised from The Big Sleep goes straight to older people who are trying to keep themselves warm in the winter. If you don’t fancy sleeping out and feeling just how cold minus six can be – then please sponsor one of our big sleepers, every penny helps.”

The Big Sleep raises money for the charity’s Winter Warmth Appeal. Since its launch the Big Sleep has raised £70,000 of the £500,000 raised in total.

Hardy souls taking part in this year’s Big Sleep will have a unique chance to sleep under the stars beside lake Windermere.

Hundreds of tent pitches are available for fundraisers who want to help keep older people warm this winter.  All the money raised goes directly to keep older people warm in the cold winter months.

All you need to do is sign up, get sponsored and sleep out.

The Big Sleep is part of Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal. It protects older people by giving them financial support to keep their homes warm as the temperatures fall.

In the winter of 2014/15, there were 460* excess deaths from the effects of the cold weather in Cumbria – the highest figure seen in many years.

The Big Sleep is being held on Saturday 28 January 2017. It costs £30 for adults and £5 for children – to enter visit:  https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/bigsleep/. Entry fees cover a hot drink, an evening meal, activities during the day and evening and breakfast.

If you like the idea of sleeping out, but would rather choose your own spot – Big Sleepers at home can enter for £20.

The Big Sleep is aimed at increasing awareness of the issues older Cumbrians face during the cold winter months, and to fundraise for the Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

In February 2016, the hundreds of Big Sleepers raised £21,000 in one night after sleeping in the cold. The charity is aiming for another successful event this year.

If you really can’t spend a night in the cold, you can still donate towards the Winter Warmth Appeal; phone Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 825760 or visit

www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund.

You can also simply send a text message to 70070 including our code WINT37. You can donate £2, £5 or £10. e.g. WINT37 £5 to 70070.

Or you can send a cheque to: ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ and write ‘Winter Warmth’ on the back. Send it to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.

TWELVE months after being hit by devastating floods, many residents are still struggling to rebuild their lives, says the charity head responsible for managing the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal.

Andy Beeforth of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Grants can replace essentials, but returning home is just the start of recovery for many residents.

“The stress and anxiety people are still suffering is considerable. We have seen families living apart, people losing their jobs – and even made homeless. The floods have sadly put people under considerable strain.  We know our current and future grant making, fueled by people’s generosity, contributes to helping people recover and rebuild both practically and emotionally.

“The need for support continues. We know that 700 families are still not back home and that this does not reflect the full situation, as some people remained living in their flooded homes, some are underinsured and those that have returned home report still having to deal with many issues.

“The generosity of people and organisations has made an enormous difference to how much we can help residents rebuild lives that were devastated last December,” he said.

More than 2,700 households and 130 community projects have received financial support. Andy continues: “As well as giving grants for essential household items, our whole ethos is to be helpful, supportive and understanding of people’s circumstances.”

“The Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal has been a success because of the generosity of people who gave money. We are fortunate to live in such supportive communities. I can only say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the Appeal, including government, it is only through their support that we have been able to help so many floods affected people.”

Storm Desmond caused significant damage and disruption to more than 6,000 households and businesses across tight knit rural communities and our larger towns and cities. As winter approaches the health and emotional impact of the flood is becoming more apparent and the appeal is investing in projects to support people’s emotional wellbeing.

Over the next few months the appeal will continue to make household hardship awards and support groups affected by the floods. It has increasingly invested in resistance and resilience measures for both households and communities, to help minimise the extent of damage in the future, increase the sense of wellbeing and confidence in the present and help people be better prepared. With so much ongoing need the Foundation is confident it will spend all the remaining funds.

“Looking ahead we know that lessons have been learnt and that communities are working hard to be better prepared for future flooding,” said Andy.

Cumbria Community Foundation’s flood recovery appeal has raised £10.3 million for individuals, families and communities affected by the December 2015 floods, of which £7m has been awarded in grants.