A major new report into life in and around Carlisle heralds a bright future for the area, but also highlights significant issues faced by local people.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges was commissioned by Cumbria Community Foundation to examine the area’s social needs and community issues, showcasing work already being undertaken to address disadvantage and identifying opportunities to help communities thrive.

The report highlights major investment in Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas, including projects such as St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine and improvements to Carlisle Station. It also reports a thriving tourism industry, with more than 7,000 people working in the sector, serving almost 8 million visitors each year.

The report also shines a light on some of the issues yet to be addressed including:

• Mental health – there is unprecedented demand for services for people of all ages, leading to ever growing waiting lists
• Poverty – Carlisle has the most households (8,976) on Universal Credit in Cumbria and this number is rising.
• Ageing population – there are rising rates of dementia among older adults with many expressing concern about availability of support services and the ongoing impact on their carers.

Working to tackle these and many other challenges is a rich and diverse community sector, with more than 300 constituted voluntary and community organisations in and around Carlisle contributing widely to improve quality of life.

Kevin Walsh, Vice Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation, led the steering group made up of local people who worked on the report to ensure it reflected the needs and priorities of the Carlisle area.

He said: “This report has captured the views and voices of hundreds of local people, all deeply committed to where they live, and combined it with the most up-to-date statistics.

“The report highlights the challenges facing our communities and the opportunities to make a difference. Carlisle has much to offer, it has a diverse economy, is well placed on the national transport network, good schools, a growing educational offer, hardworking people, a beautiful setting, deep and fascinating history, a diverse mix of community groups and charities and a great sense of community.

“However, sitting alongside this is growing poverty, alarming increases in mental ill health and major differences in life expectancy, low pay, increased risks of flooding linked to climate change, an ageing population and a charity sector under great strain as it seeks to respond to these issues.

“It is my belief that this report can be a catalyst for our local leaders, communities and organisations to consider how to work together even more effectively – to help build on our opportunities and address our challenges.”

The report covers topics including employment and skills, health and wellbeing, and ageing well, and is based on extensive independent research and interviews across all sections of society in Carlisle and the surrounding area. More than 400 people completed a survey giving their views on life in Carlisle, with the results also feeding into the report.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges follows three similar reports produced by the Foundation since 2017: one looking at the whole county, and others focusing on West Cumbria and Furness.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: “This report will be a focus for debate and action to make Carlisle and the surrounding area an even better place to live, work and study. As with our previous reports, we hope this will be a key resource for charities and public bodies to help with their strategic planning and future funding asks.”

The report was made possible by funding from a wide range of contributors including the former local authorities serving the area, the Riverside Group, Kingmoor Park and Sellafield Ltd.

Read the Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges report.

People living and working in Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas are invited to the launch of a landmark report into life in the area.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges was commissioned by Cumbria Community Foundation to examine the city’s social needs and community issues, highlighting work already being undertaken to address disadvantage and identifying opportunities to help communities thrive.

The report covers topics including employment and skills, health and wellbeing, and ageing well, and is based on extensive independent research and interviews across all sections of society in Carlisle and the surrounding area.

More than 400 people completed a survey giving their views on life in Carlisle, with the results also feeding into the report.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges follows three similar reports produced by the Foundation since 2017: one looking at the whole county, and others focusing on West Cumbria and Furness.

A steering group made up of local people led the work to ensure the report reflected the needs and priorities of the Carlisle area, chaired by Kevin Walsh, Vice Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation.

Kevin Walsh said: “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the production of this report, which has captured the views and voices of hundreds of local people and combined these with the most up-to-date statistics.

“We know the findings will be of great interest to many community groups, businesses and individuals, and will be a focus for debate and action to make Carlisle and the surrounding area an even better place to live.”

All are invited to join the online launch of the report at 6.30pm on Wednesday 18 June. Register online to secure your place.

The report was made possible by funding from a wide range of contributors including the former local authorities serving the area, the Riverside Group, Kingmoor Park and Sellafield Ltd.

Community groups across Cumbria are set to benefit from a new long-term fund established by two of the county’s most dedicated civic leaders.

The Matson Ground Fund, founded by Alex and Samantha Scott, will be managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and will distribute £100,000 in grants each year for the next 10 years, creating a total investment of £1 million into charitable activities across the county.

The fund aims to strengthen communities by supporting charitable organisations that bring people together, encourage local action, and enhance the natural and built environment.

Grants of up to £15,000 will be available to charities, non-profits, and volunteer-led groups working within Cumbria. Priority will be given to projects that:

• Support children and young people, particularly in rural and underserved areas
• Address the needs of vulnerable or underrepresented communities
• Promote volunteering and community participation
• Encourage environmental sustainability and climate-friendly initiatives
• Foster collective action and community-led solutions to local issues

Alex Scott, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria and a trustee of Cumbria Community Foundation, and Samantha Scott, former High Sheriff of Cumbria, are passionate about supporting grassroots action across the county. The Matson Ground Fund reflects their deep commitment to local communities and aligns with the Cumbria Lieutenancy’s new Strategy, set to be launched in September.

Alex and Sam Scott said: “We are committing these funds to support initiatives that promote a thriving, equitable community life in Cumbria. Guided by new research into civil society by the University of Cumbria, we aim to support people and organisations addressing pressing societal issues. We are delighted to collaborate with Cumbria Community Foundation to further our impact, reach, and objectives.”

Applications to the Matson Ground Fund are now open. Further information, including eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply, can be found on the Foundation’s website at: www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/matson-ground-fund

If you would like to discuss a potential application, please contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Alex and Sam for their generosity and long-term commitment to Cumbria. The Matson Ground Fund will help strengthen the fabric of civic life across our county – supporting local people to lead change, build stronger communities, and tackle the issues that matter most to them. It’s a powerful investment in the potential of Cumbrians to shape a more connected, resilient, and inclusive society.”

Cumbria Community Foundation awards around £7 million in grants annually through over 100 funds created by local people, families, and businesses who want to make a difference.

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

People in Barrow are being given the chance to help decide how £85,000 of funding is shared among community groups in the town.

Residents are asked to bring their local knowledge and ideas to a series of workshops, to decide what kinds of projects the money should support and who should be able to apply.

The funding, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, has been provided by Team Barrow’s Social Impact Fund, which aims to make Barrow a better place to live, work, study, visit, and invest in.

Those joining the community panel will be asked to take part in three workshops, where they will design the application process and talk about the difference they want to see the funding make.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the funding from Team Barrow’s Social Impact Fund, which is helping us bring a broader range of voices and real-life perspectives into our grant making. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life to get involved in shaping how funding is distributed across Barrow.

“Whether you have first-hand experience of the issues we fund, professional insight, or simply a passion for making a difference in your community, your voice matters. It’s a chance to learn, to share, and to make a real impact on local lives.

“We really hope people feel inspired to sign up – it’s rewarding, meaningful, and a great way to be part of something bigger.”

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’re proud to partner with Cumbria Community Foundation, drawing on their extensive experience in grant making to manage this exciting part of our Social Impact Fund. This collaboration puts decision-making power in the hands of local people, enabling them to influence how the fund will operate and how funding is allocated making a real, lasting difference in their communities.

“We are excited to see what Barrovians have planned for the fund!”

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

• Friday 4th July, 12pm – 4pm
• Friday 11th July, 1-4pm
• Friday 18th July, 1-4pm

For those wishing to be involved, support is available with childcare, travel arrangements, and translation. The venue will be fully accessible.

As a thank you for participants time and contribution, those who attend all three workshops will receive a voucher of their choice.

To take part or find out more, please get in touch with Laura Goad at Cumbria Development Education Centre on 015394 31602 or email: laura@cdec.org.uk. Alternatively, you can register using this link by 24th June.

Cumbria Community Foundation is delighted to announce that it has made the shortlist for this year’s Charity Awards, the longest running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector.

The Foundation has been shortlisted in the Grantmaking & Funding category for its Transforming West Cumbria programme, co-created with and funded by Sellafield Ltd, which has generated £19.9m in social value since its launch in 2020.

The Charity Awards, which announces its shortlist today (16 May), is the sector’s most highly regarded excellence recognition scheme and is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. All 30 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated best practice in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn.

Transforming West Cumbria is a groundbreaking £6.5m grant making programme, developed to address the region’s toughest social challenges by working together with local partners.

Funded through the Sellafield Ltd social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme, it has delivered significant outcomes and impact across seven programme areas, including family wellbeing, mental health support, entrepreneurship, and community development.

A recent independent evaluation confirmed the programme’s success, revealing that Transforming West Cumbria has so far generated £19.9 million in social value – delivering an incredible £5.34 for every £1 invested across areas such as jobs created, savings from children not having to go into care, and improvements to mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes and Partnerships for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised by the Chairty Awards for the Transforming West Cumbria programme, which is a shining example of partnership working. Thanks to Sellafield Ltd’s significant long-term investment, we have been able to co-create and deliver the Transforming West Cumbria programme with a range of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners, to achieve great impact. Our collaborative approach has ensured that Transforming West Cumbria has remained responsive to the community’s needs, to bring about real and lasting change.”

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We know that Transforming West Cumbria 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.

 “It is wonderful to see this work recognised by the Charity Awards and we wish Cumbria Community Foundation and the Transforming West Cumbria team the best of luck for the awards ceremony.”

 The 10 category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Thursday 3 July, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

The evening will be hosted by BBC news presenter Asad Ahmad, who will be joined on the night by a host of celebrities, representatives of the shortlisted charities, as well as leaders from Britain’s best known and best loved charities.

Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated Cumbria Community Foundation on making the highly-coveted shortlist. He said: “For a quarter of a century now, the Charity Awards has been showcasing and celebrating the terrific work of UK charities large and small.

 “At a time when the sector is struggling with higher costs, shrinking donations and ever-increasing demand for its work, it is reassuring and inspiring to see the extent and quality of charitable activity that is still going on across the country.

 “We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the charities on this year’s shortlist; we know that times are tough and you should all be very proud of getting this far. We wish Cumbria Community Foundation the best of luck on the night.”

Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive at CCLA, Overall Partner of the Charity Awards, said: “Every year the Charity Awards serve as a moment for the sector to reflect and acknowledge the transformative power of compassion, determination and resilience. The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change.

 “We’re honoured to renew our role as the Charity Awards’ Overall Partner, championing the remarkable efforts of charities, large and small, right across the UK.”

The Shortlist 2025:

Animals & the environment
The Mayhew Home
StreetVet
Trees for Cities

Arts, culture & heritage
Kilmartin Museum
Scene & Heard
Services For Education

Campaigning & advocacy
Ashden Climate Solutions
The Donkey Sanctuary
National AIDS Trust

Children & youth
Delight Charity
MYTIME Young Carers
Spark Inside

Disability
The Brain Charity
icandance
National Autistic Society

Education & training
Get Further
Holocaust Education Trust
St John’s Hospice North Lancashire and South Lakes

Grantmaking & funding
Cumbria Community Foundation
Project Giving Back
Steve Morgan Foundation

Healthcare & medical research
4Louis
Friends of Moorfields Eye Hospital
Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA)

International aid & development
Alfanar Venture Philanthropy
Oxfam
Windle Trust International

Social care, advice & support
Advance Advocacy and Non Violence Community Education
Street Talk
Turning Tides Homelessness

The panel of judges for 2025 is:

• Chris Sherwood, chief executive, NSPCC (chair)
• André Clarke, director of charity development, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales
• Martin Edwards, chief executive, Julia’s House
• Katie Ghose, chief executive, KIDS
• Gemma Gooch, head of charities distribution, Rathbones
• Richard Hawkes OBE, chief executive, British Asian Trust
• Jehangir Malik OBE, consultant and adviser to UNICEF South Asia
• Farah Nazeer, chief executive, Women’s Aid
• Cathy Phelan-Watkins, owner and chair, Civil Society Media
• Shane Ryan, senior adviser to the National Lottery Community Fund
• Sharika Sharma, head of business development, CCLA
• Dr Priya Singh, chair, NCVO and executive director, the Society for Assistance of Medical Families
• Julie Wilson-Dodd, transformation consultant
• Karin Woodley CBE, chief executive, Cambridge House

Cumbria Community Foundation is delighted to announce that it has made the shortlist for this year’s Charity Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector.

The Foundation has been shortlisted in the Grantmaking & Funding category for its Transforming West Cumbria programme, co-created with and funded by Sellafield Ltd, which has generated £19.9m in social value since its launch in 2020.

The Charity Awards, which announces its shortlist today (16 May), is the sector’s most highly regarded excellence recognition scheme and is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. All 30 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated best practice in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn.

Transforming West Cumbria is a groundbreaking £6.5m grant making programme, developed to address the region’s toughest social challenges by working together with local partners.

Funded through the Sellafield Ltd social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme, it has delivered significant outcomes and impact across seven programme areas, including family wellbeing, mental health support, entrepreneurship, and community development.

A recent independent evaluation confirmed the programme’s success, revealing that Transforming West Cumbria has so far generated £19.9 million in social value – delivering an incredible £5.34 for every £1 invested across areas such as jobs created, savings from children not having to go into care, and improvements to mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes and Partnerships for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised by the Chairty Awards for the Transforming West Cumbria programme, which is a shining example of partnership working. Thanks to Sellafield Ltd’s significant long-term investment, we have been able to co-create and deliver the Transforming West Cumbria programme with a range of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners, to achieve great impact. Our collaborative approach has ensured that Transforming West Cumbria has remained responsive to the community’s needs, to bring about real and lasting change.”

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We know that Transforming West Cumbria 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.

 “It is wonderful to see this work recognised by the Charity Awards and we wish Cumbria Community Foundation and the Transforming West Cumbria team the best of luck for the awards ceremony.”

 The 10 category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Thursday 3 July, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

The evening will be hosted by BBC news presenter Asad Ahmad, who will be joined on the night by a host of celebrities, representatives of the shortlisted charities, as well as leaders from Britain’s best known and best loved charities.

Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated Cumbria Community Foundation on making the highly-coveted shortlist. He said: “For a quarter of a century now, the Charity Awards has been showcasing and celebrating the terrific work of UK charities large and small.

 “At a time when the sector is struggling with higher costs, shrinking donations and ever-increasing demand for its work, it is reassuring and inspiring to see the extent and quality of charitable activity that is still going on across the country.

 “We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the charities on this year’s shortlist; we know that times are tough and you should all be very proud of getting this far. We wish Cumbria Community Foundation the best of luck on the night.”

Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive at CCLA, Overall Partner of the Charity Awards, said: “Every year the Charity Awards serve as a moment for the sector to reflect and acknowledge the transformative power of compassion, determination and resilience. The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change.

 “We’re honoured to renew our role as the Charity Awards’ Overall Partner, championing the remarkable efforts of charities, large and small, right across the UK.”

The Shortlist 2025:

Animals & the environment
The Mayhew Home
StreetVet
Trees for Cities

Arts, culture & heritage
Kilmartin Museum
Scene & Heard
Services For Education

Campaigning & advocacy
Ashden Climate Solutions
The Donkey Sanctuary
National AIDS Trust

Children & youth
Delight Charity
MYTIME Young Carers
Spark Inside

Disability
The Brain Charity
icandance
National Autistic Society

Education & training
Get Further
Holocaust Education Trust
St John’s Hospice North Lancashire and South Lakes

Grantmaking & funding
Cumbria Community Foundation
Project Giving Back
Steve Morgan Foundation

Healthcare & medical research
4Louis
Friends of Moorfields Eye Hospital
Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA)

International aid & development
Alfanar Venture Philanthropy
Oxfam
Windle Trust International

Social care, advice & support
Advance Advocacy and Non Violence Community Education
Street Talk
Turning Tides Homelessness

The panel of judges for 2025 is:

• Chris Sherwood, chief executive, NSPCC (chair)
• André Clarke, director of charity development, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales
• Martin Edwards, chief executive, Julia’s House
• Katie Ghose, chief executive, KIDS
• Gemma Gooch, head of charities distribution, Rathbones
• Richard Hawkes OBE, chief executive, British Asian Trust
• Jehangir Malik OBE, consultant and adviser to UNICEF South Asia
• Farah Nazeer, chief executive, Women’s Aid
• Cathy Phelan-Watkins, owner and chair, Civil Society Media
• Shane Ryan, senior adviser to the National Lottery Community Fund
• Sharika Sharma, head of business development, CCLA
• Dr Priya Singh, chair, NCVO and executive director, the Society for Assistance of Medical Families
• Julie Wilson-Dodd, transformation consultant
• Karin Woodley CBE, chief executive, Cambridge House

Two community projects in West Cumbria have received a financial boost 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 given out more than £125,000 in grants since then. The latest awards were to Child Bereavement UK and Workington Transport Heritage Trust.

Child Bereavement UK were awarded £2,000 to provide support for bereaved families in the Workington area, including one-to-one sessions, parental training and school awareness.

The national charity has a hub in Carlisle and currently offers outreach child bereavement services in Workington two days a week. The grant will enable them to increase this to three days per week.

A representative of the charity said: “We believe that in order for families to thrive they must have strong support networks. Therefore ,with the funding, we would also like to deliver an in-person training session for school staff to attend, helping them to understand a child’s grief behaviours, how to have challenging conversations and how to support children in their schools.

“We will run a further session for parents and carers to help build their confidence in supporting a grieving child.”

Workington Transport Heritage Trust received a grant of £750 towards the cost of running a heritage bus rally on Whitehaven Harbour this weekend.

Trust secretary Alistair Grey said: “Volunteers work all year to improve the mechanical condition of the vehicles. The event allows them to showcase the vehicles to the local community, while also benefiting the economy.

“There will be lots of buses on show running free services around the town, to St Bees, and further afield, with a frequent park-and-ride service from Lakes College. The free event features a display of locally restored and preserved buses including several Leyland Nationals built at Lillyhall.”

Ryan Christie, Operations Support Manager at Shepley Engineers Limited, said: “The Shepley Group are delighted that our fund with the Cumbria Community Foundation is able to support even more local organisations.

“Both Child Bereavement UK and Workington Transport Heritage Trust align to our social value strategy which outlines our commitment to supporting small voluntary and community groups and organisations to enable them to continue or expand their work in advocacy, community voice, and service provision for local people in the areas we operate.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to The Shepley Group for enabling us to support projects across Cumbria which make a real difference to local communities.”

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £7 million 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.

Young Cumbrian entrepreneurs can apply for a grant to boost their business, thanks to a new fund being managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The SWEF Enterprise Fund awards grants of up to £2,000 to young people in Cumbria running a business within its first two years of trading. Grants of up to £500 are also available to young people launching a new business.

The funding aims to support applicants with business costs that they would otherwise be unable to afford, to help the business make a transformational change or take a significant step forward in its development.

To be eligible, people must be aged 18 to 30, living in Cumbria and facing financial challenges which are preventing them from developing their business.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be managing the SWEF Enterprise Fund in Cumbria and know it will make a real difference to young people starting out in business.

“Examples of what the funding could be spent on include equipment to help increase profit, materials or stock, product development and building a website.

“This really is a fantastic opportunity for young Cumbrian entrepreneurs to get a foot on the business ladder and develop their brand.”

Lally Holme, Grants Manager at SWEF, said: “We are delighted to start working with Cumbria Community Foundation and are excited to see which businesses apply to SWEF.”

For more information and to apply for a grant, go to the following pages on the Cumbria Community Foundation website:

• SWEF Enterprise Fund Start-Up Grant – funding of up to £500 for those starting out in business: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/swef-enterprise-fund-start-up-grants/
• SWEF Enterprise Fund Business Grant – funding of up to £2,000 for those running a business within its first two years of trading: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/swef-enterprise-fund-business-grants/

To discuss your application, please contact Tracy Cheesbrough on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.

The closing date for the first round of funding is Friday 16 May 2025.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £7 million 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.

A groundbreaking new report has been launched, shedding light on the state of extra-curricular and enrichment activities for young people in Furness.

Commissioned by Cumbria Community Foundation, BAE Systems, and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the independent report – Strategic Approaches to the Delivery of Extra-Curricular & Enrichment Activities in Furness – provides a comprehensive analysis of current provision, identifies key barriers to participation, and outlines strategic recommendations for future improvements.

The findings were unveiled at a special event, bringing together youth organisations, educators, employers, and business leaders to explore how collaborative efforts can enhance opportunities for young people and support their development.

Researchers spoke to young people, parents, carers, schools, colleges, funders, businesses and other organisations involved in delivering extra-curricular and enrichment activity to build up a picture of existing provision and future needs and opportunities.

They also looked at best practice in other regions and made recommendations as to how extra-curricular and enrichment activities could be improved and better co-ordinated with further investment to provide greater impact to young people in Furness.

David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and of Furness Education & Skills Research Steering Group, said: “Extra-curricular and enrichment activity supports work readiness, builds confidence, and the capacity of young people to embrace opportunities. This can shape their life chances and help them to progress into rewarding careers and a prosperous future.

“This review recognises the good work undertaken by schools, providers and employers to nurture future talent and realise potential. However, extra-curricular and enrichment provision in Furness is not as effective and impactful as it could be. Developing a new strategic approach to the delivery of extra-curricular and enrichment activity can drive a step change in provision, maximise participation and impact, and equip all children and young people with the skills and attributes they need to raise their aspirations, build their confidence, and develop their essential skills.”

The report highlights the multiple benefits of extra-curricular and enrichment activity, including improvements to emotional and physical wellbeing; social benefits such as building friendships and connections with peers; and improvements to academic performance, longer-term attainment and career prospects.

Researchers found that barriers to participation include affordability and ability to pay, lack of transport, confidence levels, and fear of discrimination amongst marginalised groups.

A lack of longer-term funding is a barrier to provision, with long waiting lists for some types of activity.

The report was launched at an event at The Bridge, Portland Walk, Barrow, on Thursday 10 April with presentations from Lauren Newby of GC Insights, who authored the report, and Professor Julie Mennell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria.

Professor Mennell said: “We know that the young people of Barrow have an abundance of talents. However, we also know that not all have access to the opportunities and environment needed to realise their full potential.

“We need positive outcomes, both for our young people and for our future workforce.

“As part of the transformative potential of major investments in the Barrow area, we have a significant opportunity to do this by improving and shaping extra-curricular and enrichment activity. The report will help us greatly and offers a strong foundation of evidence to guide policy decisions, direct funding, and support future initiatives.”

To find out more about supporting the development of extra-curricular and enrichment activity, contact Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, on 01900 820827 or annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.

Read the full report online.

An innovative programme is teaching young people across West Cumbria financial know-how to help them manage their money and stay out of debt.

Citizens Advice Allerdale, Citizens Advice Copeland, and Whitehaven, Egremont & District Credit Union deliver workshops and training sessions to young people aged 11 to 18, covering topics including managing debt, ways to save and banking basics.

The initiative is part of the Financial Wellbeing programme, a strand of Transforming West Cumbria, funded through the Sellafield Ltd Social impact multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Citizens Advice Allerdale and Citizens Advice Copeland offer six free Financial Wellbeing sessions to young people in Years 10 to 13 at schools and colleges in West Cumbria, which aim to provide them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make good financial decisions throughout their lives.

Shelley Hewitson, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Copeland, explained: “Financial wellbeing is defined as the feeling of being secure and in control, being able to pay the bills today, having capacity to deal with the unexpected, and being on track for a healthy financial future.”

Tara Edwards, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Allerdale, said: “The sessions we offer provide an introduction to topics which we believe are fundamental to helping young people achieve financial wellbeing – budgeting, debt, credit, savings, banking, employment and starting a job. We use a mix of quizzes, tasks, games and hands-on practice to keep the sessions fun and informative.”

The sessions have been very well received by young people in West Cumbria, with 98% of those attending the budgeting sessions saying they would recommend them to someone of their own age.

One young person said: “I didn’t have a good understanding about money and budgeting beforehand, but now I know to prioritise my expenses and set a budget for myself.”

Another said: “It taught me life skills that will be relevant in the future. It shows the need to save so you don’t end up in financial issues and complications.”

Online resources are also available, including information for those moving to university or starting an apprenticeship, at https://citizensadvicecopeland.org.uk/index.php/life-skills/.

Whitehaven, Egremont & District Credit Union run workshops focussing on why managing our income and expenditure is so important.

Development Manager Nikki Bates said: “We explain how to identify and prevent problems with your spending and where to go for help and advice.

“Our project is aimed at Year 10 students but it has been delivered to children from ages 11 to 18.”

Schools who have taken part in the Financial Wellbeing programme so far include St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven, Solway School, Beacon Hill School, Energy Coast UTC and Mayfield School. There have also been sessions for apprentices at Sellafield and community youth groups.

The Credit Union and Citizens Advice also ran a specially tailored joint session for young people at Cumbria Academy for Autism.

The Financial Wellbeing programme was launched in 2020 as part of Transforming West Cumbria, aiming to break the cycle of debt for West Cumbrians on low incomes. As well as the sessions in schools and colleges, the programme funds financial wellbeing officers who provide one-to-one financial health checks and information to empower people to take control of their own finances and stop them reaching crisis point.

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Transforming West Cumbria aims to tackle the causes of inequality in our most vulnerable communities and bring about lasting change. We know that many people in West Cumbria on low incomes find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt with seemingly no way out. The Financial Wellbeing programme funds work across the community to break this cycle.

“By funding work in schools and colleges to teach young people key money management skills, we are providing them with the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions, which will help them throughout their lives.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We see every week the difficulties many people in West Cumbria face managing their household finances, especially in the face of rising costs and increased pressures since the cost of living crisis. This in turn can sadly often lead to anxiety and other mental health challenges.

“We are really pleased to deliver the Financial Wellbeing programme with our partner organisations, particularly the work in schools and colleges, which is equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they will need throughout life to manage their money, stay out of debt and stay well.”

Citizens Advice Allerdale and Citizens Advice Copeland both other free and independent specialist advice across a range of subjects.

Financial wellbeing support, including ways to cut down on your bills and increase your income, plus budget planners, is available at https://citizensadviceallerdale.org.uk/get-advice/financial-wellbeing/cutting-down-on-bills/

Information for people of all ages needing support with problem debt is available at https://citizensadvicecopeland.org.uk/index.php/debt-and-money/