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/

Charity workers and volunteers from across Cumbria were thanked at an award ceremony this week, recognising their tireless efforts to enhance and enrich their local communities.

Representatives from more than 20 voluntary and non-profit organisations were invited to the High Sheriff Award ceremony at The Eddington, Kendal on Tuesday 18 March.

The awards are part of the High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and publicly recognise both charities and individual volunteers who help improve their communities.

The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Chris Holmes, has visited charities and voluntary organisations around the county throughout his year of office, which comes to an end this month.

He said: “I have had the huge privilege of meeting hundreds of charity workers, volunteers and beneficiaries all over Cumbria during my year as High Sheriff. There are so many amazing non-profit groups and voluntary organisations making a real difference in their communities.

“It’s been an honour to meet these individuals and express my gratitude for their outstanding contributions to the county and to be able to recognise just a few of those today with the High Sheriff Awards.”

The High Sheriff chose 21 organisations to receive a certificate and grant funding totalling £15,750 and also issued three organisations with the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield – BEE UNIQUE, Time to Change West Cumbria and Whamos Training and Development CIC.

Co-founders Dave and Nadia Parsons collected the award on behalf of BEE UNIQUE. The Maryport-based charity offers support and activities for children and young people with a diagnosis of autism, and those seeking a diagnosis.

Nadia said: “To be awarded the High Sheriff’s Shield is amazing, especially because we all do this completely voluntarily. Our aim is to reduce the sense of isolation felt by neurodiverse families, creating safe and calm environments to make them feel included and supported.”

Dave added: “We fundraise throughout the year and subsidise all of our sessions to make them more accessible for families who need it, so we are really delighted to receive this grant from the High Sheriff.”

Rachel Holliday and Louise Murphy were also at the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of Time to Change West Cumbria, a community interest company that aims to tackle homelessness and poverty. Projects include Calderwood House, an emergency homeless hostel in Egremont, and a grab bag scheme, providing essentials to women fleeing domestic abuse.

Director Rachel said: “We were delighted to receive our award and the High Sheriff’s Shield. It was fantastic to welcome Chris to Calderwood House where he heard first hand from our homeless residents and their journeys. Working in the VCSE sector has become more challenging and this recognition is for everyone at Time to Change West Cumbria, our staff, volunteers, directors and the people we serve.

“This money will be allocated to our emergency fund which provides essential items for residents leaving the hostel to move into their own home. Thank you to Chris and his wife Sue for championing our community organisations in Cumbria.”

Directors Alexandra Gager-Liebhart and Elizabeth Amos-Milburn accepted the High Sheriff’s Shield for Whamos Training and Development, a community interest company based in Millom, which provides specialised training and development programmes for neurodiverse people, as well as digital support for older people and the wider community.

“Receiving the shield was a complete surprise,” said Elizabeth. “We’re quite passionate about what we do so it’s nice to be recognised in this way.”

Alexandra added: “There are so many charities and CICs across Cumbria, so to be chosen is a big honour. The monetary award will make a big difference too, allowing us to add new workshops.

“Without people like Cumbria Community Foundation, none of it would be possible and Millom wouldn’t have half the charities and CICs it does. It shows the community spirit there is; we all work together for the common good and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “There are an extraordinary number of voluntary and non-profit organisations working at the heart of our communities, and this is an opportunity for them to receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

The event was catered by Waste into Wellbeing, an initiative to rescue surplus food from supermarkets, shops and eateries in and around Kendal which would otherwise be wasted. Charity representatives were served a delicious afternoon tea made up of surplus food, prepared by volunteers at Kendal People’s Café at The Eddington.

The other winners of the High Sheriff Award were:

• Anti-Racist Cumbria
• Carlisle Sea Cadets
• Carlisle Youth Zone
• Centre for Leadership Performance
• Copeland Age & Advice Service CIC
• Duddon Inshore Rescue
• Furness Multicultural Community Forum
• Growing Well
• Headway South Cumbria
• Kirkby Stephen Youth Centre
• Kirkby Lonsdale Business and Community Recovery Partnership
• North Allerdale Development Trust Limited (NADT)
• North Cumbria Search & Rescue
• Promoting Autonomy & Change (PAC)
• Proud & Diverse Cumbria
• South Lakes Citizens Advice
• St Andrew’s Church Mirehouse (Network Youth Church)
• West Cumbria Domestic Violence (The Freedom Project)

Cumbria Community wishes to engage a suitably qualified organisation/consultant to evaluate the Brighter Futures programme over a three-year delivery period.

Brighter Futures supports care experienced young adults in West Cumbria and Barrow to achieve their goals and build positive, independent lives. Making the transition to adult life is a difficult time for most young people, but especially difficult for those leaving care who may not have enjoyed the stability of a settled family life. Brighter Futures aims to provide the support and resources they need to build stable, fulfilling lives and achieve their full potential.

The three-year programme forms part of the national Care Leavers Programme managed by UK Community Foundations, a £3.6m match fund scheme funded by the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT), a shareholder of the UK’s biggest charities asset manager, CCLA. Match funding has been provided by a number of charitable trusts, companies and private donors, including BAE Systems and John Laing Charitable Trust.

Brighter Futures is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and delivered in partnership with Cumbria Youth Alliance and Inspira, with the support of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.

For more information about the Brighter Futures programme evaluation opportunity, read the Brighter Futures Invitation to Tender.

For more information, email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org 

Closing date for applications: 10am on Monday 7 April 2025

Does your community need funding to build its resilience to flooding and other emergencies?

Cumbria Community Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,000 for community groups, including town and parish councils, from the Cumbria Innovative Flood Resilience (CiFR) project, part of the Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, funded by Defra and delivered via the Environment Agency.

This funding can be used for equipment and training to improve local resilience.

To apply, your group must:

• Have a community emergency plan (or be working on one)
• Consider flood risk as part of the plan

The CiFR team can help you with this – just email CiFR@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk and they’ll put you in contact with the most appropriate person to support you.

Find out more about grant funding and apply at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/cifr-community-flood-resilience-fund/

This project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.

Need help with planning?

You can find template community emergency plans on the ACTion with Communities in Cumbria website at https://www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/what-we-do/community-emergency-planning.

And you can check your flood risk on the gov.uk website (by postcode, or by looking at a map) – don’t forget to look at the risk of flooding from surface water, rivers and the sea. You can now also see what your flood risk is likely to be in the 2050s:

• https://check-long-term-flood-risk.service.gov.uk/postcode
• https://check-long-term-flood-risk.service.gov.uk/map

Prepare now—build a stronger, flood-resilient community!

A groundbreaking initiative tackling West Cumbria’s most pressing social challenges is delivering exceptional impact and value for money, transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Transforming West Cumbria was created to address the region’s most deep-rooted social challenges, with the aim of driving positive change where it’s needed most, through the power of local partnerships.

Funded through the Sellafield Ltd Social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme, and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation, the £6.5 million programme was developed in response to the West Cumbria: Opportunities and Challenges 2019 report.

An independent mid-programme evaluation by Forever Consulting confirms the programme’s success, revealing that Transforming West Cumbria has generated £19.9 million in social value – delivering an incredible £5.34 for every £1 invested. This figure was calculated using best practice methodology and includes factors such as jobs created, savings from children not having to go into care, and improvements to mental health and wellbeing.

The evaluation, conducted in 2024, assessed the effectiveness of the programme’s approach and its long-term impact. The findings highlight Transforming West Cumbria’s continued success:

• Directly supporting hundreds of local organisations and thousands of people.
• Responding proactively to emerging needs, from post-pandemic recovery to unprecedented cost of living crisis.
• Benefiting from a significant level of investment from Sellafield Ltd.
• Achieving significant outcomes and impact across seven programme areas, including enhancing financial wellbeing, mental health support, entrepreneurship, and community development.
• Being needs-led and data-driven, leveraging local knowledge and encouraging collaborative partnership working between the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE), private and public sectors to ensure long-term impact.

The report emphasises the Community Foundation’s exceptional management and governance, with steering groups from all sectors helping to guide the programme and ensure it remains dynamic, responsive, and impactful.

Transforming West Cumbria has created positive change across three levels:

• For Individuals & Communities – increased resilience, financial security, mental health support, youth empowerment, and volunteering opportunities.
• For Projects & Delivery Partners – stronger partnerships, better collaboration, and a more resilient Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.
• At a Programme Level – coordinated delivery, efficient use of resources, and lasting generational change for West Cumbria.

The evaluation’s recommendations are already being implemented, shaping future delivery and ensuring continued impact for years to come.

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We are delighted that this independent evaluation has recognised the wide-ranging, lasting impact the Transforming West Cumbria programme has had on local communities since it was launched in 2020. We set out with the ambitious aim of tackling the causes of inequality in the area’s most vulnerable communities, working in partnership with groups on the ground to bring about long-lasting, transformational change. The evaluation report recognises that we have achieved this and more, adapting the programme to address the additional challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

“Transforming West Cumbria 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. We look forward to continuing this work and seeing the impact of the programme for many years to come.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Thanks to Sellafield Ltd’s significant investment and support over the last five years we have been able to deliver the Transforming West Cumbria programme with our partners and achieve great impact. Vitally by working together, we have made a positive difference to hundreds of organisations and thousands of people in West Cumbria. We are delighted that our combined efforts have created such exceptional social value. We are excited about incorporating the learning from the evaluation to develop our practice even further.”

The Transforming West Cumbria: Mid-programme Evaluation report can be read at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/24-11-11-Transforming-West-Cumbria-Evaluation_Report.pdf

Ten teenagers from across West Cumbria are launching their own businesses, thanks to a programme run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP).

The young entrepreneurs have been chosen to take part in the Positive Enterprise programme and will each receive a £1,000 grant, plus workshops, expert advice, mentoring and the opportunity to shadow local entrepreneurs.

Each participant will also be paired with an experienced businessperson to act as a mentor and guide them through highs and lows of running their own business.

This year’s programme was launched at The Rum Story in Whitehaven, where participants and their families, mentors and organisers had chance to get to know each other and hear about previous success stories.

Chloe Pennington took part in Positive Enterprise in 2024 and her business, Chloe’s Chateau, is booming. She sells original art and gifts, transforming her own brightly coloured, hand-drawn artwork showing scenes from West Cumbria and beyond into prints, mugs and other giftware.

Chloe told this year’s participants: “It has been amazing. Through this scheme, I’ve met so many people who have helped me.

“My advice would be, network as much as you can and take every opportunity that you get from this process. You’ll get out of it what you put in.”

Another Positive Enterprise success is Aaron Groggins, who launched his events business Lakeland Life on the programme last year. In November he organised the first Eat Street Cumbria event in Whitehaven, a street food market which attracted 5,000 visitors and brought £74,000 into the local economy.

“If I hadn’t signed up to Positive Enterprise, it wouldn’t have happened,” Aaron said. “A great amount of people have helped me along the way. Positive Enterprise is the perfect place to try out your ideas.”

This year’s participants have a wide range of business ideas, from selling crochet starter kits, gym wear and wellness boxes, to offering services such as property maintenance and tech services for older people.

Isabelle Walker, 15, of Whitehaven, makes hand-sewn fashion accessories and has already had some success selling online. She hopes Positive Enterprise will help her take her business to the next level. She said: “I need help learning to budget and organise my business, gain visibility on the internet, develop my brand and how to sell locally. I also really need a new sewing machine so the £1,000 grant will pay for that.”

Glenn Anderson, of Proud and Diverse Cumbria, is a Positive Enterprise mentor for the first time this year. “It’s a real privilege to be asked to be a mentor, to pass on a bit of my experience and to help mould the minds of our future leaders and workforce. If you have somebody who has already been there, it has to help, when setting up your own business.”

This is the third year of the scheme, which is funded by property developer Brian Scowcroft with match funding this year from Sellafield Ltd, under its Transforming West Cumbria programme, and the Beverley Trust Fund.

Stuart McCourt, Social Impact Manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We are delighted to support Positive Enterprise again this year and it was great to meet the participants and see the enthusiasm they have for their business ideas. Hearing the success stories from the previous beneficiaries shows how valuable the programme is, not only supporting young entrepreneurs to get started, but to also give them the tools that they need for their business to become sustainable and grow.”

The programme is delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance. Jemma Groves, Project Lead for (CforLP), said: “Positive Enterprise is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for our young people to make their mark in the business world and coaching them through this is an honour.

“This year we have a group of super intelligent, charismatic and creative individuals and I am so excited to support them over the next six months. Some, if not all, of the young people that go through this programme are our future leaders in business and Positive Enterprise gives us the opportunity to nourish their growth.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Positive Enterprise has had a truly transformational effect on the lives of the young entrepreneurs supported in the first two years of the programme, and I can’t wait to see how this year’s cohort develop and grow in the coming months.

“Thank you for the support of our funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”

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

Cumbria Community Foundation would like to thank everyone who has given so generously to the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal, which remains open for donations.

The appeal was launched by the Foundation at the request of the Kirkby Lonsdale Business and Community Recovery Partnership, following the devastating fire in the town on 8 December 2024. More than 100 residential properties and 84 business properties in the town centre were directly impacted by the fire, in which one person died and another was injured.

Launched with a donation of £50,000 from Westmorland and Furness Council, the appeal has since been supported by individuals, community fundraising events, community groups, businesses, local charitable trusts and foundations.

In partnership with the Kirkby Lonsdale Business and Community Recovery Partnership and Westmorland and Furness Council, the Foundation has awarded a total of £87,500 across two phases to support 83 households.

If funds allow, the Foundation hopes to support community organisations that have been helping local people through the recovery process.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “It has been a privilege to work with the Kirkby Lonsdale Business and Community Recovery Partnership and Westmorland and Furness Council to support people affected by the devastating fire. By working together, we have been able to ensure that donated funds have reached those most in need. This swift turnaround would not have been possible without the council officers helping people on the ground in Kirkby Lonsdale to apply, and the support provided by the Community Hub and associated community organisations – a huge thanks to everyone involved.”

Funding has been used to support those directly affected by the fire, including those left permanently or temporarily homeless and those whose business or job was lost as a result of the disaster.

Comments from some of those receiving grants included:

• “Many thanks for your kind grant; it is very much appreciated. All of our community are very grateful for the fantastic support work done by the council and our Community Hub.”
• “I have received the money transferred into my account, and want to thank everyone involved for their care, support, empathy, and sensitivity over the past few days. It has made a huge difference.”
• “Thank you so much for this, we as a family appreciate it very much and this will help us tremendously, as we get through the next few weeks of the unknown for us.”

The appeal has received very generous donations from individuals, businesses and community groups, both in and around Kirkby Lonsdale itself and further afield.

A group from the nearby village of Hutton Roof carol sing for charity every year and this Christmas chose to donate the money raised to the appeal. Members of Capernwray Evangelical Church also supported the fund through carol singing, in and around Arkholme, and Drum Nation samba band busked to raise funds, with members of the band also donating.

Students and staff of Queen Elizabeth School and QEStudio in Kirkby Lonsdale held a ‘wear something festive’ and cake sale fundraising day in aid of the appeal.

Jo Ritzema, Executive Chair of WCF Fuels North West, explained why the firm had decided to support the appeal. She said: “Like many others we couldn’t fail to be moved by the sad events in Kirkby Lonsdale, more poignant given the time of year. Our customers live in rural communities and rely heavily on local services. It’s important that we all support the town however we can to get back on its feet to ensure its long-term success.”

Donations have also been received from organisations including Cumbria Freemasons, and charitable trusts including the Francis Scott Trust and Frieda Scott Trust.

Steve Curl, Chair of Trustees for the Francis Scott Trust, said: “The Francis Scott Trust are shocked and saddened at the disaster that has impacted the Kirkby Lonsdale community. To all of those affected, please know that you are in our thoughts both now and in the days and months ahead. We are pleased to be able to support you.”

The appeal remains open for donations, with a fundraising target of £150,000.

Dr Jenny Benson said: “We know that many people affected by the fire will need considerable support for several months to come, so I would urge anyone who hasn’t yet donated to the appeal to give if they are able. We will ensure your donation reaches those who need it most.”

To donate to the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Fund, please visit: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-appeal

To find out more about the fund, please visit: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-fund/

Two new funds totalling £63,000 are now open for applications to support people with mild learning disabilities and autism in North Cumbria.

The funding, provided by NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, and administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, aims to improve health outcomes and wellbeing.

The Building the Right Support: Transition from Hospital Fund: £40,000 is available for a single project supporting the discharge of adults with learning disabilities or autism from inpatient care and reducing readmissions. Partnership applications are encouraged.

The Building the Right Support: Annual Health Checks Fund: £23,000 is available to increase uptake of annual health checks for people aged 14+ with learning disabilities or autism in North Cumbria. Funding may be awarded to single or multiple projects.

Projects will work closely with NHS Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust staff.

Applications for one or both funds are welcomed and must be submitted by 14 March 2025. All applicants should speak with Grants Officer, Sarah Thompson, on 01900 825760 or email sarah@cumbriafoundation.org before applying.

Tania Desborough, Strategic Head of Commissioning, North East and North Cumbria ICB (North Cumbria Local Delivery Team), said: “We are excited to support innovative person-centred projects in North Cumbria which will positively impact on health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals with mild learning disabilities and/or autism.”

Sarah Thompson, Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be working with North East and North Cumbria ICB to bring forward funding that will help to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for individuals with mild learning disabilities and autism in North Cumbria.”

Further detail about the funds can be found on the following links:

Building the Right Support: Transition from Hospital Fund 

Building the Right Support: Annual Health Checks Fund 

For more information, contact Sarah Thompson on 01900 825760 or email sarah@cumbriafoundation.org.

At the request of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, Cumbria Community Foundation is launching the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal to address hardship caused by the devastating fire that destroyed many buildings on 8 December 2024.  This appeal will help support the immediate and long-term recovery of people affected by the fire.

The Appeal has been launched with a donation of £50,000 from Westmorland and Furness Council so that the first wave of awards can be made before Christmas.

The fire caused the death of one person and forced 20 people to find emergency and temporary accommodation. In addition, six businesses have been destroyed with a further 78 businesses affected. The fire caused significant internal and external damage to buildings. Demolition work on structurally unsafe buildings is underway.

The Appeal is focussed on individual hardship caused by the fire and will broadly support the following:

• People who have lost their homes and possessions to the fire and been displaced, and
• People who are suffering hardship due to business closure linked to the fire and the loss of income to their households.
• If funds allow, community recovery activities

Immediate hardship needs are being met through the distribution of grant awards by Cumbria Community Foundation, in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Cupboard. Grant awards will be made by a committee composed of representatives from the Community Foundation and the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership.

Angela Jones from Westmorland and Furness Council and Chair of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership said: “This fire has caused significant financial hardship and emotional distress to those directly affected and also to the whole community. The full impact of the fire is still emerging, but recovery is likely to take many months, if not years. The community response has been amazing, but many people and businesses have been significantly affected and will be affected for the long term. That is why is it essential that we raise as much money as possible to help support the community with their recovery plans.

“We are also working alongside the local MP, Lizzy Collinge to lobby Government for match funding and if we are successful that means for every pound donated the government would match the same amount.”

 Councillor Paul Cassell, Chair of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council and a member of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, said: “The primary aim of the fundraising is to support all families and individuals affected by the tragic fire that has devastated our beloved town. We have witnessed so many unseen acts of support and help and give our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have been kind enough to donate. Recovery is going to be a long process, please support this appeal if you can.”

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “It is tragic to see such devastation and loss of life in this beautiful market town. The team at the Community Foundation have significant experience of managing disaster appeals and we will bring all our fundraising and grant making skills to help the people of the town.

“We have set an initial target to raise £100,000. The people of Kirkby Lonsdale have responded magnificently to help their neighbours and friends. They have provided practical and financial support including temporary accommodation, food, clothing, emotional help, the use of holiday homes and a number of GoFundMe pages have raised funds to help specific people and the wider community. We look forward to working with the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership to support people in their recovery from this horrific episode.”

The Foundation is working closely with the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership.

The Foundation is also coordinating its efforts in relation to the Lunesdale Hall GoFundMe page which has now been closed.

The Appeal is being promoted and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council, Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, as well as by local news media, regional and national newspaper groups.

Donations and funds are being sought from:

• Individuals and businesses
• Grant making trusts and local, regional and national charities
• Community fundraising events
• Existing and new government funding programmes

Support for businesses

Westmorland and Furness Council are coordinating efforts in support of local businesses including seeking government support for grant aid and suspension of business rates. Charitable appeals are unable to support businesses directly. The Appeal can support business owners and employees experiencing financial hardship as a result of the fire.

About the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Fund

 To donate to the fund, please visit: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-appeal

To find out more about the fund, please visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-fund/

Phase one of the fund will provide immediate short-term relief of hardship. Depending on funds available, we hope to make further grant awards in early 2025. To register for support, please contact the Community Hub on 015242 36404.

About the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership

The Recovery Partnership has been formed to coordinate efforts in support of the recovery. Membership includes representatives from the Town Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, Chamber of Trade, Kirkby Lonsdale Community Interest Company, local churches, NHS Primary Care, Kirkby Lonsdale Community Cupboard CIO and local voluntary groups.

About Cumbria Community Foundation

Cumbria Community Foundation is an award-winning fundraiser and grant maker which has been in operation since 1999. It promotes philanthropy and manages grant making funds on behalf of a wide range of families, businesses, charitable trusts and public bodies. In 2023/24 it distributed £6.8M to projects and individuals throughout Cumbria. The Foundation has run disaster appeals in 2001 (FMD Recovery Fund) and 2005, 2009 and 2015 (Flood Recovery Funds) and in 2020 (Cumbria Coronavirus Recovery Fund).

Cumbria Community Foundation is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. Cumbria Community Foundation is a grant making charity (registered no 1075120): www.cumbriafoundation.org