Cumbria Community Foundation’s William Milburn Charitable Trust Fund has awarded its first grants to community projects in Walton and Low Row.

Walton Village Hall and Low Row Community Park were both awarded cash grants of £500 and £1,500 respectively at the Foundation’s most recent grants panel, from the newly managed William Milburn Charitable Trust Fund.

Walton Village Hall received funding to continue running ICT and internet skills classes. The money will pay for a tutor to come from Carlisle United’s Computer Suite to teach the class.

Emma Brocklebank, Committee member of Walton Village Hall, said: “Many of the older people within the Parish do not currently use computers or the internet, and would like to learn how to do so. We have previously delivered a basic course in using a laptop and accessing the internet, which was oversubscribed. This new funding will enable more local people to access the skills required to keep up in a digital age.”

Thanks to the funding, Low Row Community Park will have a sufficient contribution to the cost of providing a children’s play area in the village.

Jacqui Bell, Chairperson of Low Row Community Park said: “The children of Low Row attended a Parish Council meeting, to ask why we were the only village in the area which didn’t have anywhere for the children to play. This project is in response to a clear local need.”

The William Milburn Charitable Trust has been active for nearly ten years but was recently transferred to Cumbria Community Foundation. It benefited from the Community First endowment match scheme increasing the donation by 50%, and the Trust is now worth more than £250,000.

Ellen Clements, Senior Grants and Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “We’re very pleased to have taken over the management of the William Milburn Charitable Trust and to be able to support more community groups within Brampton and the surrounding areas. We continue to work with the current trustees of the Trust and our own grants panel members to ensure the needs of the communities are met.”

The William Milburn Charitable Trust aims to support groups and organisations within the parish of Brampton and surrounding areas. Examples are Castle Carrock, Hethersgill, Askerton, Lanercost, Scaleby, Upper Denton, Walton & Farlam. To find out more visit the fund page or contact Ellen by email or call 01900 825760.

To launch our 2015/16 Winter Warmth Appeal and annual Big Sleep fundraiser we’re looking for anyone who can lend their skills and make hats, scarves, blankets and other Winter Warmers.

The idea of the Winter Warmers campaign is for the community to come together and knit for a reason. In a bad winter 300 older people can die in Cumbria because of the effects of the cold weather, the Winter Warmth Appeal raises money to help those in need – those who may have to choose between buying food and putting the heating on.

Each year, Cumbria Community Foundation hosts the Big Sleep an outdoor challenge where challenge you spend a night under the stars in the freezing cold to raise money for the appeal. Your hats, scarves and blankets will be distributed at the Big Sleep to help keep people that little bit warmer in return for a donation to the appeal – but who knows, before then, they could be used in something extra special across the county.

Any Winter Warmers left over after the event will be donated to Age UK’s across the county.

If you think you can help, please contact Annalee Holliday by email or call 01900 825760.

Please download and share our flyer.

Cumbria Community Foundation has been awarded winner of the 2015 Grant making and funding category at the Charity Awards, held in London, Thursday 18 June, 2015.

Now in its 16th year, The Charity Awards is an annual programme that uses Civil
Society Media’s portfolio of magazines, reports, events and websites to celebrate and highlight best practice across the sector.

The Charity Awards is the world’s most prestigious excellence recognition programme and Cumbria Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Care Independence Programme (NCIP) was recognised for its new approach to grant making and funding.

Television presenter and BBC London radio host, Gaby Roslin and Financial Analyst and commentator Louise Cooper, presented the winner’s trophy to Chief Operating Officer, Cath Howard and Senior Grants and Donor Services officer, Ellen Clements.

The charity beat other finalist to win the accolade by managing a programme that results in delivery partners collaborating with each other to make the most of the staff and volunteers working for each organisation.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: “This award is the culmination of more than three years hard work. We have one of the fastest growing populations of older people and NCIP is all about helping people stay safe, healthy and independent at home. This award is recognition for all of the charities and organisations funded through the programme and shows we can be the best in the country.”

Tania Mason, group editor at Civil Society Media which organises The Charity Awards said: “In this age of continuing pressure on public finances, the work of Britain’s charitable sector is more vital than ever. All the charities shortlisted at this year’s Charity Awards have demonstrated the highest standards of leadership and management, and so it follows that the work carried out by Cumbria Community Foundation, our granting and fundraising Winner, is really quite exceptional.

“The team at Cumbria Community Foundation should be very proud of themselves and we only hope that this accolade propels them on to even bigger and better things. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The £860,000 per annum programme is delivered on behalf of Cumbria County Council to support Cumbria’s large and growing population of older people and vulnerable adults. Cumbria Community Foundation facilitated a partnership of 33 voluntary sector delivery organisations but offered a single access point to beneficiaries through lead partners Cumbria CVS and Age UK West Cumbria.

Mary Bradley, Age UK West Cumbria said: “The NCI programme has made a difference in west Cumbria, enabling a diverse range of third sector organisations to support the community with information, advice and activities which have contributed to improving people’s independence, health and wellbeing.

“It is therefore fitting that this innovative project should have picked up this award on behalf of everyone, including the many volunteers and community groups involved in making this a success”.

The NCIP has delivered £1m in public sector savings and helped over 37,000 vulnerable adults and older people in Cumbria to maintain their independence. By the end of the first year, one in eight of the county’s older residents had used NCIP services.

Ian Stewart Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services at Cumbria County Council said: “This is great recognition from the sector for very important work that has taken place here in Cumbria. I want to thank everyone involved, and I’m confident that the success in the Awards will be a springboard for further development.”

John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, comments: “I would like to offer my congratulations to the winning charities and all those highly commended in this year’s Charity Awards. Every one of the awards is richly deserved. The judges looked for charities which make a real difference for the people they serve and the winners are great examples of the rich benefits that charities bring to our country, and to people all over the world.”

Copeland Rugby League Development Foundation’s (CRLDF) Reading Project will continue to run in schools across the Copeland thanks to a grant of £25,000 from the NMP Community Fund.

The fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation grant aided the CRLDF £10,000 to run a pilot last year. Due to the success of this project, a further £25,000 has recently been awarded to continue the service for another year and ensure more school children benefit from the scheme.

The project provides reading support to school children who may have reading difficulties or be reluctant to learn. The children will work with trained rugby league players from Whitehaven RLFC to improve their reading.

The Chair of the Foundation, John Cox, said: “One of the very first organisations to sponsor the Foundation was NMP. They have financed numerous initiatives from transport costs to rugby festivals and we are delighted to be associated with NMP on this major expansion of the Schools Reading Project.

“As an ex-headteacher I know the importance schools place on reading skills and we have trained our deliverers to maximise the benefits to the children involved.

“Local, professional players are seen as role models by the children and the children want to please their heroes. The players thoroughly enjoy this new contact with schools and can see significant progress when they fill in the child’s report book. There is a real feeling of achievement on both sides.

I want to sincerely thank NMP for their long standing support for the Foundation and for the Copeland community in particular.”

The children will also have the opportunity to be involved in after school rugby coaching sessions. The children benefit from one to one support from community role models and the project has already seen improvements in basic reading and attitudes to learning.

Iain Irving, General Manager of NMP said: “NMP is delighted to support the Copeland School’s Reading Project and for Copeland Rugby League Development Foundation to continue its fantastic work in helping local children improve academically and have fun at the same time.

“We are proud to sponsor initiatives like this which operate in the heart of our communities, providing opportunities for the next generation living in West Cumbria.”

Willie Slavin, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation’s West Cumbria Grants Panel said: “It’s brilliant to be working with Nuclear Management Partners to award funding to such a valuable project. We have seen the success of projects like these in Allerdale and the work Copeland Rugby League Development Foundation is doing with young people in their area will make a real impact on the young people personally and academically.”

The NMP Community Fund is now open for applications for 2015, to find out more about funding click here or call 01900 825760.

Two unlikely heroes have completed a mad challenge to answer the question: “From Keswick to Workington, which is quicker – to pedal or to paddle?”

The ridiculous race – designed to encourage people to sign up for this year’s Jennings Rivers Ride – has settled the question once and for all.

But who won? Was it cycling warrior Gary McKeating, Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Areva, who has proudly come last (or almost last) in every Jennings Rivers Ride to date? Or canoeing champion Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, who spends his holidays sea kayaking?

They came head to head at 7am, compared their chosen modes of transport, and headed west – Gary on a road route going over the many bridges destroyed in the 2009 floods and Andy going under them on the rivers that lead from the heart of the lakes to the sea.

The paddle distance was about 40km and the bike ride ?? …

Nature tried to stop Andy in his tracks with the wind blowing like crazy and forcing his canoe to go back up the river against the flow of the water!

The same wind caused a headwind for Gary, who used all his might to keep pedalling against the elements.

Word has it that Andy asked Gary to take ‘selfies’ at projects supported by Cumbria Community Foundation en-route and that this cheeky tactic meant both the pedaller and the paddler were in Workington by 2pm.

Andy Beeforth, reflected on his river journey, he said: “In this battle between paddle and pedal, two wheels definitely has an advantage over two paddle blades. At best, I travelled at 5mph, sometimes at mine 5mph, whereas Gary was able to average 10mph easily … that’s why I asked Gary to visit a couple of funded projects on his way to Workington.

“The river and the wildlife were beautiful. I was genuinely moved by the experience, I’ve been watching the water levels on the Environment Agency website and it shows the recent record highs, which were the 2009 flood levels. Paddling through the affected communities, observing them from the river and thinking about the power of water and devastation was really moving. To know the Community Foundation was able to help so many people in such a major way (from immediate relief of those affected, emotional and practical support and then re-building and flood prevention made me feel very proud). The issues some of our current grants address such as financial issues, mental health and emotional distress are the same as those faced by people in 2009, just the reason for them is different.

“I’m hugely grateful to Alan Ashby, my guide and safety person and Alan’s wife Bernie who acted as support crew. Gary and his wife Joanne were stars too (Joanne took the pics of Gary on the bridges whilst I paddled through the arches) – it was a really memorable thing to do.”

Gary McKeating, who is a keen supporter of Cumbria Community Foundation and willing partner in Andy’s mad challenges said: “Andy is a seasoned kayaker whilst I am a seasoned avoider of all forms of exercise, so the challenge was interesting. I enjoyed stopping off at the community groups to reflect on the great work they do. I decided the best way to keep fuelled for our race was with a nice cup of tea and carb-loading with cake at every opportunity, because that’s what athletes do don’t they? To be honest, I took my time and enjoyed the ride, I could have beaten him easily!!”

Cheryl Frost, Director of Rather be Cycling, and organiser of the Jennings Rivers Ride for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “What an original way Andy and Gary came up with to link together the themes of the Jennings Rivers Ride with one of the flooded water courses from the terrible 2009 floods. Whether on a bike or in a canoe it is an amazing journey. We are so looking forward to welcoming loads of people on their bikes on Sunday September 27 to enjoy their own magnificent journey and hopefully raise lots of money for Cumbria Community Foundation.”

Sunday 27 September 2015 will see the fourth annual Jennings Rivers Ride – a series of cycle rides created after the devastating floods in 2009. The four routes reveal some of the UK’s finest scenery and cycling terrain from the heart of the Lake District all the way out to the Irish Sea. The rides all start and finish in Keswick. It’s called the ‘Rivers Ride’ because sections of the routes follow the affected river courses and criss-cross over many of the bridges that were either destroyed and replaced, or were badly damaged during the floods.

The Jennings Rivers Ride is held to raise money for the charitable work of Cumbria Community Foundation. All the money raised will go directly into its grant making Foundation Grants Fund, supporting projects that provide much needed services at a grassroots level.

The Foundation is at the heart of community life. It makes grants to local charities and people in need. The grants help young people and older people, those living with disabilities and those recovering from illness.

The Jennings Rivers Ride is made possible by the generous support of the sponsors and the help of more than 80 volunteers.

The entry fee covers the cost of staging the event and raises a small amount for the charity – cyclists can help Cumbria Community Foundation by asking friends and family to sponsor them for the challenge and raise money for good causes across Cumbria.

Sign up to the Jennings Rivers Ride and don’t forget to add a Cumbria Community Foundation Fundraising Pack to your basket. Sign up here. 

Cumbria Community Foundation has been shortlisted for a ‘Grantmaking and Funding’ accolade in The Charity Awards 2015.

The Charity Awards is the charity world’s most prestigious excellence recognition programme and Cumbria Community Foundation has been shortlisted for its Neighbourhood Care Independence Programme.

The programme is delivered on behalf of Cumbria County Council to support Cumbria’s large and growing population of older people and vulnerable adults.

The winner of the Grant Making and Funding Award and the other nine category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Outstanding Achievement Award, will be announced at a dinner on 18 June, at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster, London.

The black-tie evening will be hosted by world cup winning rugby star Will Greenwood, who will be joined by representatives of the shortlisted charities, alongside a ‘who’s who’of charity leaders and celebrities from the worlds of theatre, television, music and sport.

One in eight older people in Cumbria have remained independent and in control of their lives thanks to the support provided by one of the 33 different partner organisations working with Cumbria Community Foundation to deliver the Neighbourhood Care Independence Programme.

The Charity Awards summed up the reasons Cumbria Community Foundation was shortlisted:

Cumbria Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Care Independence Programme (NCIP) has delivered £1m in public sector savings and helped over 30,000 vulnerable adults and older people in Cumbria to maintain their independence.

By 2012, unprecedented pressure on resources and Cumbria County Council budget cuts were impacting on services. There was recognition that a new and innovative approach was needed in order to develop a sustainable solution. Contracting with sole delivery organisations was no longer the answer.

The Council needed an independent organisation to run an £860,000 per annum programme for an initial three years, targeted at adults at risk of losing their independence. With a proven track record in managing strategic grants programmes and the ability to convene partnerships and attract and secure additional resources, Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) was selected for the role. It facilitated a partnership of 33 voluntary sector delivery organisations but offered a single access point to beneficiaries.

By the end of the first year, one in eight of the county’s older residents had used NCIP services. Independent evaluation of NCIP by the Institute of Public Care at Oxford Brookes University found that 95 per cent expressed satisfaction, with over 80 per cent very satisfied. The evaluation also concluded that NCIP “is contributing effectively to reducing and delaying the need for health and social care.” CCF says that the most positive lesson was the scale of benefits resulting from delivery partners working together, both for their clients and themselves.

Awards judge Danielle Walker Palmour described it as a “great example of working collaboratively with a whole range of people.”

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: “This is really important recognition for what we believe is a unique programme. Cumbria has one of the UK’s most ‘super aged’populations.

“The success of the programme comes from the partnership between more than 30 funded groups, all coordinated under one scheme and linked to Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care, and now Public Health, which is serving our older people and vulnerable adults very well.”

“Neighbourhood Care is unique because it combines some of the larger charities with wonderful grassroots groups in a seamless service. Cumbria County Council deserves a huge amount of recognition and praise for their decision to develop Neighbourhood Care Independence.”

Ian Stewart Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services at Cumbria County Council said: “This is great recognition from the sector for very important work that has taken place here in Cumbria.  I want to thank everyone involved, and I’m confident that the success in the Awards will be a springboard for further development.”

Tania Mason, group editor at Civil Society Media which organises The Charity Awards, congratulated  Cumbria Community Foundation on making the highly-coveted shortlist.

“We had an almost record number of entries this year – just four fewer than our all-time high in 2011 – and the standard was excellent, so Cumbria Community Foundation should be very proud to have made the shortlist,”she said.

“For 16 years The Charity Awards have been identifying and celebrating the fantastic work that UK charities do, and the rigorous judging process ensures that only the very best-run charities make it through. We wish Cumbria Community Foundation all the very best of luck on the night.”

Since April 2013, more than 37,000 older people have remained independent thanks to Cumbria’s Neighbourhood Independence Programme.

In Carlisle alone, 4,455 people have been helped by the eight partners (Brampton and Beyond Community Trust, Caritas Care, Carlisle Eden Mind, Croftlands Trust, Cumbria-DeafVision, Cumbria Gateway, Glenmore Trust and British Red Cross) who between them provide home from hospital, befriending, drop-in sessions for people with hearing loss and handyperson services.

Here’s an example of the difference it makes:

When 91 year old Richard Brown (right) had a “bit of a funny turn” last November he ended up in hospital for ten days. The former Engineering Services Manager for Carr’s had always been handy around the house, but when he came home he needed help to stay independent.

Richard and his wife Laura, 83, live in Carlisle. Their family home for the past 50 years is on two floors and, like many retired couples, they don’t want to move, so they keep adapting their home to meet their changing health needs.

Their sons have helped where they can, putting a stairlift in as Laura’s arthritis made getting up and down stairs too difficult.

The family bathroom has long had its bath taken out and replaced with a walk-in shower and this was the challenge too far for Richard when he got out of the Cumberland Infirmary.

“I was still unsteady on my feet and not very confident. I didn’t feel safe getting in the shower. That’s where Cumbria Gateway came in and Chris the handyman fitted a really strong shower rail and attached a seat to the wall, so I could carry on showering by myself.”

Chris Davidson, works part-time for Cumbria Gateway, he has spent his life working in the building trade and although he was a bricklayer, he can plaster and turn his hand to almost any practical job in a house.

“I do little jobs, anything from gardening, to putting up curtain poles, to changing lightbulbs , putting shelves up or decorating. I find a lot of my customers are just like Mr Brown, they have a family home full of happy memories, they love their houses and they don’t want to leave so to be able to do a little job that makes a big difference in them staying independent is really satisfying.”

Cath Howard, Chief Operating Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said:

“Cumbria Gateway is very much a key partner, providing a handy person and support service across Carlisle and District. Without the support from staff and volunteers such as from Cumbria Gateway, many people would need to turn to statutory services for help. Making sure that gardens look tidy and repair jobs are completed by friendly and trustworthy staff enables people to stay living in their own home without worrying about all the small jobs they otherwise struggle to do.”

Cumbria Gateway is one of the 33 partner organisations providing a range of services to help keep older people independent.

The voluntary and community groups that make up the Neighbourhood Care Independence Programme provide:

• handy people to help with minor DIY tasks like changing light bulbs, mowing lawns and shopping.
• links to friendship groups through good neighbourhood schemes and telephone contact for those who are lonely or isolated.
• encouraging people to join in with social groups within their community.
• helping people set up their own support, such as finding and paying for equipment and support services.
• hearing aid maintenance and support ‘drop ins.’
• short-term help after a hospital stay.
• support for carers.

If you know an older person who might need a little extra help please ring the helplines:
In Barrow, Carlisle, Eden and South Lakeland 0844 967 1885
In West Cumbria 08442 843843

Cockermouth Brewery Jennings has committed to sponsoring the Jennings Rivers Ride for the next two years.

Its support means the charity cycle rides created in its name will continue to raise money for Cumbria Community Foundation.

The company is dedicated to the Jennings Rivers Ride because of the reason behind the event’s origins.

Gaynor Green, Marketing Manager of Jennings Brewery, said: “I will never forget arriving at the brewery on 19 November 2009 and it being knee deep in water. By the time I evacuated all our staff, it was waist deep and cars were bobbing like corks in the car park. We have a line on the wall marking where the water reached – six feet one inch high!

“As a company we had to temporarily brew our beers off site, for the first time since it opened in 1828. At the same time, we decided to donate 10p from every pint sold in Britain and raised over £178,000 for the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund to help the many people affected by the floods.

“This is why the Jennings Rivers Ride is such an important event for us to sponsor. The cycle rides follow the river courses that were flooded and cyclists go across bridges that were washed away and rebuilt.

“Knowing that our support means that the money raised by cyclists goes back to helping people across the county through Cumbria Community Foundation’s grants brings the giving full circle and I am very proud of that.”

A new flood wall and flood gate have been built around Jennings Brewery to direct flood water away from the business if the rivers were to burst their banks again.

Cheryl Frost, Director of Rather be Cycling said: “Having Jennings support the event once again is brilliant. We’re also happy to announce that NSG Legacy Management is on board as a route sponsor, Cycling Active magazine is our media partner, Padon Contracts and Hope are sponsoring feed stations and Clif Bar are providing high energy snacks.

“We still have a couple sponsorship opportunities for any businesses who would like to come forward and support the event.”

2015 sees the fourth annual Jennings Rivers Ride – a series of cycle rides created after the devastating floods in 2009. Ironically, heavy rains forced the event to be postponed in 2013 to the following May.

The four routes reveal some of the UK’s finest scenery and cycling terrain from the heart of the Lake District all the way out to the Irish Sea. The rides all start and finish in Keswick. It’s called the ‘Rivers Ride’ because sections of the routes follow the affected river courses and criss-cross over many of the bridges that were either destroyed and replaced, or were badly damaged during the floods.

Although it is the fourth annual Jennings Rivers Ride, it will be a first for Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, as he has signed up to do the longest ride on the day of the event, he said: “I’ve not cycled for 75 miles in two years now, so I’m glad I’ll be cycling with everyone else for the first time – I’ll need those smiling faces to keep me going!

“The Jennings Rivers Ride is about raising money for local charities and challenging people and this year’s Big Day Out will definitely be a challenge!”

The Jennings Rivers Ride is held to raise money for the charitable work of Cumbria Community Foundation. All the money raised will go directly into its grant making Foundation Grants Fund, supporting projects that provide much needed services at a grassroots level.

The Foundation is at the heart of community life. It makes grants to local charities and people in need. The grants help young people and older people, those living with disabilities and those recovering from illness.

The Jennings Rivers Ride is made possible by the generous support of the sponsors and the help of more than 80 volunteers.

The entry fee covers the cost of staging the event and raises a small amount for the charity – cyclists can help Cumbria Community Foundation by asking friends and family to sponsor them for the challenge and raise money for good causes across Cumbria.

To find out more about the causes Cumbria Community Foundation supports click here.

To read more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or to enter visit Rather Be Cycling.

A service providing support for people returning home from hospital has been given an extra £20,000 this year.

Cumbria Community Foundation, Managed Service Provider of the Neighbourhood Care Independence (NCI) Programme has released the additional funds to extend the Home from Hospital service provided by the British Red Cross.

Home from Hospital delivers support to people being discharged from hospital who may need extra help when returning home with tasks such as ensuring basic food is available, the heating is on and picking up prescriptions.

80-year-old Sarah Smith fell and broke her ankle and was referred to the service by staff at her local hospital. She lives alone and was worried how she would manage her day-to-day tasks, such shopping, laundry, and cleaning.  The Home from Hospital volunteers helped Mrs Smith get her food from the local shops, post letters and pay bills while she was unable to go out.

Mrs Smith said: “The service was wonderful, I really wouldn’t have been able to manage without the support.”

Cath Howard, Chief Operating Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “We are delighted that our flexible grant making is able to direct these funds to a much needed service, supporting people as they continue their recovery, and hopefully reducing the need for hospital readmission. More than 5,000 Home from Hospital visits have been carried out to date and over seven times more people have accessed the service than in the previous year.”

The enhanced Home from Hospital service is available seven days per week and into the evenings. The extension will also see the development of an ‘on call’ facility.

Since the NCI Programme started in 2012, over 33,000, mainly older Cumbrians, have used one or more of the services provided by over 30 NCI partners county-wide.

The Neighbourhood Care Independence Programme is funded by Cumbria County Council and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. They will be working together towards other service extensions for the coming year.

To find out more about any of the NCI services including Home from Hospital call the NCI Helpline 0844 967 1885 or for residents in West Cumbria call 08443 843 843.

The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Martyn Hart and Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, Andy Beeforth joined non-profit groups at Dovenby Hall, near Cockermouth to celebrate and award the groups and individuals achievements in the last year.

Certificates, cash awards and two High Sheriff Shields were given to 13 community groups and one individual in recognition of their voluntary service to make Cumbria a safe, vibrant place.

High Sheriff Martyn Hart said: “Volunteers are the glue that holds the county together and work tirelessly, so it’s only fair to recognise some of the fabulous work that goes on.”

(Photo courtesy of Times and Star)

West Cumbria Achievement Zone, in Distington, and Workington-based music charity Soundwave each received £1,000 and a certificate. West Cumbria Achievement Zone was recognised for its work in partnership with schools and work-based learning providers to provide an alternative curriculum for learners aged 14 to 19. Soundwave was recognised for helping 13 to 19-year-olds to engage through music workshops and other events. Stella Kanu, director of Soundwave, said it was wonderful to be recognised and that the High Sheriff had been one of their biggest supporters.

She added: “He was one of the first people I came across when I joined Soundwave and he’s continued to be an active help since.”

Promoting Autonomy and Change and The Rock Youth Project, both based in Carlisle, and Young Cumbria each received £750 and a certificate. All three were recognised for their social work with young people, developing their life skills to smooth their transition into adulthood.

Fiona Sheridan, lead youth worker at The Rock Youth Project, said: “It’s brilliant really because we cover quite a deprived area of Carlisle and it shows people do notice the work we’re doing and that we’re making a difference.”

Time to Change West Cumbria received a High Sheriff Shield and £1,000 for its work to provide homeless people with shelter and develop their life skills.

Rachel Holliday (left), company director, said she was overwhelmed to be recognised.
She added: “When I first set up in June 2013, a lot of people said people like me couldn’t do things like this, but we can with the support of people like the High Sheriff, Cumbria Community Foundation and Richard Rhodes, the police and crime commissioner, and this award is proof of that.”

Wigton-based Borderlines, South Workington Youth Partnership, Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project and Wigton Youth Station all received certificates but no cash award as they had already received a High Sheriff’s grant this year.

Gina McCabe, project manager of Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, said: “It’s just lovely to be recognised along with everybody else for making a change and it makes you reflect on why we do what we do and why it is so important.”

Cumbria Community Foundation offers grants to volunteers and charities making a difference to the lives of people across Cumbria. To find out more about the funds we have available visit our Apply for a Grant page or contact us on 01900 825760 or by email.

OLDER people around the county have been kept warmer this year thanks to Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund.

The appeal, which is in its fifth year has surpassed previous years figure and raised over £107,000 with almost £15,000 of that coming from the Foundation’s Big Sleep fundraisers in February.

Mrs Smith is 77 from Millom. A couple of years ago she became a widow, and has been struggling to pay full rent and council tax on her own. Her own health also suffers as she gets older: “I spend the nights worrying about how I can pay the rent – so paying to put the boiler on is out of the question sometimes,” She said.

“The grant reassured me that I can have a nice warm house over the winter and have a little less to worry about.”

The Winter Warmth Appeal began when someone donated their Winter Fuel Allowance to Cumbria Community Foundation to give to someone who needed it more. From that one donation, over £280,000 has now been raised since the appeal started, awarding over 2,000 grants.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: “Every year we are thrilled with the commitment people have towards the appeal. We have raised more each year thanks to the generosity of the individuals and businesses who donate and those who brave the cold and take part in our Big Sleep fundraiser at the Low Wood Bay Hotel in Windermere.

We recognise the need for this fund. Each winter up to 300 people in Cumbria are at risk of dying because of the cold weather and this winter there was a record number of A&E admissions within older people. The financial support we give through our partners throughout the county will help reduce this number and literally save lives.”

There is still some funding available for older people through our partners. Please contact Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 825760 for more information and how to apply.