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

Businesses of all sizes from across Cumbria have been digging deep to help vulnerable older people keep warm this winter.

Companies up and down the county have given generously to this year’s Winter Warmth Appeal, an annual campaign run by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The Foundation is aiming to raise £500,000 to ensure older people don’t have to choose between heating and eating through the coldest months.

Until 13 December, all donations to the appeal will be doubled, thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s “match fund champions” – businesses, funders and other organisations that have pledged to match, pound for pound, money given by the public. This means donors have the opportunity of making double the difference.

Today (Tuesday 3 December) is Giving Tuesday, when people around the world are encouraged to give to causes they care about, as a counterbalance to the consumerism of the holiday season, particularly Black Friday.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This Giving Tuesday, we’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has chosen to donate to our Winter Warmth Appeal so far.

“We know this winter is going to be incredibly hard for many older vulnerable members of our community who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

“This year, our appeal is more vital than ever before and I would urge anyone who is able to give to do so today.”

Businesses who are supporting the appeal include Keswick Alhambra cinema, who are once again donating the proceeds of their Christmas Day showings, and will also have collection buckets in the foyer throughout December.

Jonathan Moore and Graham King, two of the cinema’s co-owners, said: “We choose to support the Winter Warmth Appeal because it is an obvious fit with our objectives in opening the cinema – it is predominantly the older population we see on Christmas Day and some of them tell us they wouldn’t have seen another person, if they had not come out to the cinema.  We are also pleased that the money raised is spent very directly on supporting people in Cumbria so those who pay for tickets or make a donation can see that their gift is benefiting the community of which they are a part.”

On Christmas Day the cinema will be showing It’s a Wonderful Life, the 70th anniversary remastered White Christmas, and the new Mufasa The Lion King, plus the King’s Christmas Message at 3pm.

Sellafield Ltd have committed to donating to the Winter Warmth Appeal not just this winter but for the next three years.

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Supporting those most vulnerable in our communities is at the heart of our social impact programme which is why we have chosen to support the Winter Warmth Appeal again this year. With rising costs, winter can be a tough enough time for older people generally but especially so in more rural communities like ours. The appeal can make a huge difference to people when they really need it most and ensure that nobody has to struggle to heat their homes in the coldest months.”

Other companies donating to the appeal include Ecological Building Systems, Atkins Realis, James Walker and Center Parcs.

Lorna Graham, Deputy General Manager of Ecological Building Systems, based in Carlisle, said: “Ecological Building Systems are proud to again support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal. As a supplier of sustainable building products backed-up with full technical support for low energy retrofit and new build projects, we’re passionate about supporting the local community to stay safe and warm, especially this winter.”

Glen Franklin, Village Director at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, said: “We feel this is an extremely worthy cause, particularly this year with the changes to the winter fuel allowance.”

Many individuals, families and community groups have also given to the appeal; donations of any size will be very gratefully received.

All donations to the appeal received by Friday 13 December will be matched £1 for £1, thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s “match fund champions”.

They are: WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Electricity North West, Hadfield Trust, Roseland Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, Johnson Fund, EMG Solicitors, The Rotary Club of Carlisle, Brian & Ann Clark Fund, Harvey Family Fund, and various private donors.

Last year Cumbria Community Foundation awarded more than £315,000 in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefiting 1,941 vulnerable older people.

Donate online at: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024.

To donate by cheque or phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Generous match funders have pledged to double any money you give to Cumbria’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

Cumbria Community Foundation has run the annual appeal since 2010 to help vulnerable older people meet their heating bills.

It says as many as 500 older people die in Cumbria each winter because of problems related to not being able to afford to heat their homes.

This year the number could be higher. Energy prices are typically 10 per cent higher while most pensioners no longer receive the Government’s winter fuel payment and those that do no longer get a cost-of-living top up.

Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at the Foundation, said: “Older vulnerable members of our community are facing a winter of suffering because they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

“The continued support of our donors will be vital.

“We know many pensioners already find winter a struggle. The withdrawal of the winter fuel payment from all but the most vulnerable means this year will be especially difficult for many older Cumbrians.

“Our appeal is more vital than ever before. We want to ensure that no one is forced to struggle during the colder months.”

Donations received by December 13 will be doubled by the Foundation’s “match fund champions” – businesses, funders and other organisations that have pledged to match, pound for pound, money given by the public. This means that donors have the opportunity of making double the difference.

The Foundation’s “match fund champions” are: WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Electricity North West, Hadfield Trust, Roseland Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, Johnson Fund, EMG Solicitors, The Rotary Club of Carlisle, Brian & Ann Clark Fund, Harvey Family Fund, and various private donors.

Electricity North West has pledged up to £20,000 in match funding.

Karen Hunter, customer inclusion and partnerships manager, said: “Customers are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for partnerships that make a difference to communities. Hopefully, we’ll see new and current donors get involved knowing their donation will be doubled.”

Jo Ritzema, managing director of WCF Ltd., added: “As a part employee-owned business, giving back to our local communities is part of our ethos. We’re proud to support the Winter Warmth Fund, which provides vital support for vulnerable older people in Cumbria who are facing fuel poverty.

“As the owners of one of Cumbria’s largest oil distributors, Allan Stobart Fuels, we understand the isolation of rural communities, especially during the winter months, which is why we make our most vulnerable customers a priority for heating oil deliveries during cold weather conditions.”

And Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: “Many older residents are at heightened risk from cold-related illnesses, which can lead to serious health complications. The Winter Warmth Appeal provides a critical lifeline, helping to keep people warm and safe. I strongly encourage everyone who can to support this initiative.”

Last year Cumbria Community Foundation awarded more than £315,000 in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefiting 1,941 vulnerable older people.

Donate online at: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024

To donate by cheque or phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm.

If you know someone aged 60 or over who may need support with heating bills, information on how to claim is online at: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/apply-now/

A charity supporting people with disabilities in West Cumbria which was at risk of closure has been given a reprieve, thanks to help from funders.

Allerdale Disability Association (ADA) provides vital free support, advice and information on issues ranging from blue badges to benefits for disabled people, their families and carers. In the last financial year, they helped clients claim benefit entitlements of £8.4 million. They have also seen a huge increase in client numbers, with an increase of 43% from the previous year to 1,908 users.

The charity faced closure due to financial challenges but has been thrown a lifeline by Sellafield Ltd, Cumbria Community Foundation and Cumberland Council, who have all agreed to provide emergency funding to keep services running for the next 12 months.

Sellafield Ltd awarded a grant through the Social Impact Multiplied programme for £43,309. Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability and Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Through our Transforming West Cumbria programme, we aim to support third sector organisations that are delivering critical services in our local communities.

“Organisations such as ADA often need more than financial support to plan for a more sustainable future. Along with our strategic partners we will work with ADA to access skilled resource to strengthen their organisation through our volunteering platform Together for Good.”

The Community Foundation awarded a grant of £8,177 from the Brian and Ann Clark Fund, following an application which stated: “We know that the people in our community want our services to continue by the sheer number of people accessing them, and the sheer number of people who have contacted us to say they are devastated by the prospect we may have to close.”

In addition, Cumbria CVS, through the Transforming West Cumbria Bedrock Basics programme, will support the charity in applying to other funders for more longer-term funding to secure their financial sustainability.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We know what a crucial service Allerdale Disability Association provides to people in West Cumbria, and what a huge miss it would be if they were no longer there.

“We would encourage any local charity or community group that finds itself in a challenging situation financially to talk at the earliest opportunity directly with funding bodies and organisations who may be able to help.”

Cumberland Council has given the charity a grant of £10,000.

Colin Cox, Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “We have put improving the health and wellbeing of residents at the heart of our ambitions. Working in partnership with organisations like ADA will be crucial in achieving that aim. Therefore, we’re pleased to continue to provide this financial support so that ADA can offer the help and assistance that many people find so valuable.”

The total awarded from the three funders will cover ADA’s running costs for the next 12 months and allows some time to implement improvements over the coming months.

Tracey Parker, Manager at Allerdale Disability Association, said: “We are absolutely over the moon that ADA has been saved for the benefit of our members and clients, and we are excited to work with our strategic partners, to learn from them and develop a plan for the future.

A fund to help talented Cumbrians develop a career in the arts has been relaunched by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The Cumbria Cultural Fund was established in 2007 and has since supported more than 60 people to develop their creative practice in all areas of the arts, from poetry and painting to stand-up comedy and opera.

The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, who now have ambitions to increase the number of people supported and reach a wider pool of talent.

A review was carried out earlier this year, to examine what the fund should be for and who it should support, as well as looking into the wider state of the arts and cultural practice in Cumbria.

The findings were presented at an event at Rheged in Penrith last week (08.11.24) where guests were also treated to performances by some of those who have benefited from Cumbria Cultural Fund grants in the past.

The Cumbria Cultural Fund was the brainchild of Mary Burkett, whose drive and energy also helped develop the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, explained: “Mary was passionate about backing talented people and giving those who needed help, and who were prepared to work hard, a hand up.”

“This autumn would have been her 100th birthday so we were keen to celebrate her life and legacy, while very much looking to the future and thinking about how we can grow the Cumbria Cultural Fund.

“The fund has helped over 60 talented Cumbrian artists, actors, musicians, dancers, and writers develop their careers and practice but we were keen to examine whether we could do more, and what priorities the fund should have today.

“We have relaunched the fund with the aim of significantly increasing its reach and impact, seeking new donors to help it support more talented young people, from families that might not normally think that art, music and drama is for them and to help more people fulfil their potential.”

The review into the Cumbria Cultural Fund was carried out by Richard Elder, former director of the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven. He interviewed organisations and individuals involved in arts and culture across Cumbria, asking their views not only on the fund but on the wider picture.

Following the review, Cumbria Community Foundation has set a new target of making grants of at least £50,000 per year from the Cultural Fund, helping around 25 people each year.

Stated ambitions for the fund include reaching those with the least opportunities or exposure to the arts; enabling ‘new’ and unconventional work; and supporting those whose work brings greater understanding of the issues of diversity and equity.

Stephanie Bradshaw, a stand-up comedian and actor from Keswick, performed at the fund relaunch event at Rheged. A grant from the Cumbria Cultural Fund enabled her to perform her debut stand-up show ‘Big Fish’ at 2024’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which reflected on her experience of growing up in Cumbria, chasing her dreams of becoming a successful performer and the challenges of achieving this when living in a rural area.

The Cultural Fund grant helped cover the venue fee at the Fringe, enabling her to perform at top venue the Gilded Balloon. “Being part of the Gilded Balloon family was a huge honour for me and helped me establish connections with industry and fellow performers that have already started to benefit my comedy career going forward.”

Stephanie is passionate about showing younger people in Cumbria that creativity can be born out of any story, no matter where you come from.

“What I have learnt about producing live comedy events, including my Fringe show, has been hugely helpful and will hopefully help launch the careers of other fledgling comedians in Cumbria and beyond.”

To read the report into the Cumbria Cultural Fund, or to make a donation to the fund, please visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/cultural-fund/

For more information about the fund and how you can support it, contact Andy Beeforth at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820822 or email andy@cumbriafoundation.org.

An innovative programme which has given thousands of young people across Cumbria access to youth work was celebrated at an event in the county ahead of Youth Work Week (4-10 November 2024).

Better Tomorrows was launched in 2021 with the aim of increasing the number of trained youth workers and increasing the number of young people able to access quality youth work.

The programme was created by David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and a former High Sheriff of Cumbria, to address what he described as a “huge gap” in youth work provision.

Since the programme was launched, more than 5,000 new young people have been engaged in youth work, across almost 12,000 hours of new youth work provision. The programme has trained 52 new accredited youth workers and funded 42 new youth work jobs across Cumbria.

More than 60 people attended the celebratory event at Barrow Town Hall – a mix of funders, funded organisations, youth workers who have undergone training and young people who benefit.

Kelly Bell, youth worker for South Workington Youth Partnership in the Whitehaven area, explained the impact of the programme. “Thanks to Better Tomorrows, we’ve been able to extend our youth work offer to those who wouldn’t have had access to youth workers before.

“We’ve helped several young people gain ASDAN awards as well. Thanks again to Better Tomorrows for allowing us to deliver this vital service.”

ASDAN awards are nationally approved qualifications based around the development of personal, social and employability skills.

As well as funding to pay for accredited youth work training, which is delivered in person by Cumbria Youth Alliance, Better Tomorrows also offers multi-year grants of up to £75,000 to community organisations that set up or provide new youth work opportunities for local people.

Over 50 funders have contributed to the programme, including the Community Foundation, Francis Scott Trust, Four Acre Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, many local businesses and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

David Beeby said: “The support for Better Tomorrows so far has been truly fantastic. The programme was always designed in a way that, the more money we raise, the bigger difference we can make.

“The programme’s achievements are incredible, in terms of the number of young people reached and the number of new youth workers trained and recruited, which will ensure the benefits are felt for many years to come.

“I am so grateful to those who have already committed to continue funding Better Tomorrows and would love to hear from anyone who would like to join us in supporting this life-changing programme.”

Better Tomorrows was initially a three-year programme but was extended following a commitment by the National Lottery Community Fund to invest £445,270 to train more than 200 youth workers over the next five years.

Becky Wolstenholme, Chief Executive of Cumbria Youth Alliance said: “Cumbria Youth Alliance is delighted to be the lead partner providing the training element of the Better Tomorrows programme. With huge thanks to Lottery players and funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, securing long term opportunities to embed a trained workforce throughout Cumbria, providing high quality youth work for our young people.

“Working together with Cumbria Community Foundation and the very many third sector organisations in Cumbria helps to prevent duplication of service and, through this training offer, can and does upskill a crucial workforce who provide a fantastic service to young people throughout our communities.”

Now that funding for the training element of the programme has been secured until 2028, Cumbria Community Foundation is seeking funding for youth worker salary costs.

For more information about the programme, and how to support it, contact Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.

Below is a video where youth workers and young people who have benefitted from youth work explain the difference the Better Tomorrows programme has made to them.