Young entrepreneurs taking their first steps in business have been selected for an exciting new programme to help them bring their plans to life.

Six young people, aged between 15 and 24 from across Furness, have been awarded a place on Positive Enterprise, run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP).

Their innovative business ideas range from selling African food and pizzas, to photography and make-up services.

Each participant will receive a £1,000 grant, plus workshops, expert advice, and the opportunity to shadow local entrepreneurs.

They 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.

The programme has run successfully in West Cumbria for the past three years and is expanding into Furness for the first time for 2026. It was launched at The Bridge in Barrow on 12 February, where participants and their families, mentors and organisers had chance to get to know each other and hear about previous success stories.

The programme is delivered by CforLP. Project Lead Rhianna Smith said: “Positive Enterprise doesn’t just focus on the business outcomes, the real impact is long-term – supporting participants to build confidence, resilience and essential skills that shape their futures. We are really excited to run the programme in Furness for the first time, and very impressed with the broad and creative range of their business ideas that reflect their different experiences, interests and ambitions.”

Positive Enterprise in Furness is funded by the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund and individual donor Jan Ambler. Mrs Ambler explained what led her to support the programme.

“My husband came from a very poor background and appreciated the advice he got when starting out in business. We have always been interested in helping young people, especially those who do not have the same opportunities as others. Everyone deserves an equal chance.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Positive Enterprise has a fantastic track record of delivering practical support and advice to young people starting out in business. There are so many success stories from the first three years of the programme – not only in terms of the number of businesses still going from strength to strength, but the confidence and life skills it has given those taking part.

“We are delighted to be able to offer the programme in Furness for the first time and are very grateful to the funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”

James Batchelor MBE, founder of Alertacall, has been a mentor on the programme for the past three years. He is encouraging others to sign up as mentors too.

“One of the most powerful ways you can have a positive impact across a community is to lend support to a young person trying to start their own venture,” James said. “You’ll improve their skills, confidence and capabilities, and if their venture succeeds, they will go on to have a positive impact on countless other people. Your life experiences shared and your encouragement just a few hours a month is all that many brilliant young people in Cumbria need, and the truth is you’ll also have fun and meet brilliant people.

“If you’re considering youth mentorship, the Positive Enterprise programme is one of the easiest ways to get involved in Cumbria because all the participants benefit from brilliant leadership training and other wraparound support which truly maximises their chance of success. Go for it!”

To get involved with Positive Enterprise in Furness, either as a participant or mentor, please contact Rhianna Smith at CfLP on 07949 642598 or email rhianna.smith@cforlp.org.uk.

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

Team Barrow has launched a £400,000 grant scheme designed to help those who want to overcome health challenges that limit their ability to work.

The Barrow Rising: Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) is being led by Westmorland and Furness Council and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. It is open to charitable organisations — including social enterprises — that support people who are disabled or have long-term health conditions, those with caring responsibilities, or others experiencing disadvantage. Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector organisations who are working on projects with local employers, committed to inclusive workplaces, are encouraged to apply.

The initiative aims to build strong community connections and create meaningful pathways into work, with priority given to projects that bring fresh, community-led ideas to life.

Clare Paling, Public Health Project Officer at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We know that there are people out there in Barrow who want to get back into the workforce, but who face barriers and challenges which prevent them from being able to. This scheme will place money in the hands of local organisations who can help the people they support.

“Having access to work can help improve mental and physical health, and the idea is that this fund can be used to help make work more accessible for people.”

Projects should emphasise partnership working with other organisations, building referral pathways, and offering a model that can scale or be replicated. Smaller pilot projects are welcome too, especially if they test new ideas and learn from them.

The funding can cover running costs, staff salaries, overheads, project-level evaluation, and even essential capital items needed to deliver or sustain services.

Cllr Patricia Bell, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: “Team Barrow is a partnership between central Government, Westmorland and Furness Council and BAE Systems, whose two core outcomes are to help deliver submarines and diversify and strengthen the town’s economy. Helping local people to get back into work can help with both of those outcomes.

“We’re especially interested in initiatives where people with lived experience help shape the service — helping to deliver real, meaningful impact for groups facing health-related barriers such as mild to moderate mental health issues, chronic pain, substance misuse recovery, and women’s wellbeing.”

There are two funding levels for the scheme, which is being managed by Cumbria Community Foundation on behalf of Team Barrow. These are:
• Up to £50,000 for single organisations
• Up to £100,000 for collaborative partnerships

All projects must run for 12 months from the date the grant is awarded and meet certain reporting and delivery standards set out in the Barrow Rising Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) Service Scope Document. More information on the criteria can be found here: www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/barrow-rising-work-and-health-fund-adult-support/

Key dates:
• Applications close: 12 January 2026
• Shortlisted organisations will be invited to present to a panel from Team Barrow, week commencing 2 March 2026
• Funding decisions announced by: 31 March 2026
• Project start: from 1 April 2026
• Impact review after 10 months, with potential for continuation funding

If you have any questions before applying, contact Sarah Thompson at Cumbria Community Foundation via grants@cumbriafoundation.org

The generosity of a Cumbrian woman who left a large gift in her will to charity will benefit communities across the county for years to come.

A charitable fund has been set up in the name of Margaret Ewins, of Ings, Windermere to honour a bequest of £500,000 that she made to Cumbria Community Foundation.

The Margaret Ewins Memorial Fund will be managed by the Community Foundation and will make grants to good causes around the county, helping those most in need, from children and young people to vulnerable older people.

Caroline Adams, Development Manager at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to the late Mrs Ewins for choosing to leave such a generous gift to Cumbria Community Foundation in her will. We have set up an endowed fund, which means the money very kindly left by Mrs Ewins to support good causes will be carefully invested and grants will be made each year on the returns of that investment.

“As a result, Mrs Ewins’ wonderful legacy gift will enable us to support vital projects, community groups and individuals in need for decades to come.”

The Margaret Ewins Memorial Fund will award grants in line with the Foundation’s grant making priorities. These are:

Improving Lives, with four priority areas:
• Reducing Poverty
• Reaching Potential
• Improving Health
• Tackling Social Inequality

Strengthening Communities, with two priority areas:
• Nurturing Sense of Place
• Acting on Climate Change

Fiona Ward, Managing Director and Solicitor at Thomson Hayton Winkley, has worked with the Community Foundation to ensure Mrs Ewins’ wishes are carried out.

She said: “We are delighted Cumbria Community Foundation have created a memorial fund for Mrs Ewins through her legacy gift. She was very committed to supporting her community for years to come, and the Margaret Ewins Memorial Fund is a fitting way to mark her generosity and ensure her wishes are fulfilled.

“We are always happy to work with anyone who is thinking of leaving a gift in their will and talk them through the various ways of creating a lasting legacy.”

The Margaret Ewins Memorial Fund will contribute income to the Cumbria Fund and the first grants will be made after 12 months.

Cumbria Community Foundation would love to hear from anyone looking to support local charities with a legacy gift. Options include donating to an existing CCF fund, such as the Cumbria Fund; setting up a new fund tailored to your charitable goals and causes you care about; or celebrating the life of a loved one by setting up a memorial fund in their name.

For more information, contact Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or caroline@cumbriafoundation.org, or read our Guide to Giving.

The hunt is on for the next generation of young entrepreneurs in West Cumbria – with £1,000 in funding available for each successful applicant.

The Positive Enterprise programme is an initiative from Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) to help people aged 14 to 25 go into business.

Those chosen to take part will receive a grant of £1,000 to spend on equipment, marketing or other business start-up costs, as well as mentoring from an experienced businessperson, and skills and leadership development opportunities.

The programme is open to anyone aged between 14 and 25 living in the former districts of Allerdale and Copeland. Up to 10 places are available for the next intake, which will launch in January 2025.

This will be 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.

To date, 16 participants have been through the programme, which includes workshops, expert advice, mentoring and the opportunity to shadow local entrepreneurs.

Businesses which have been developed under the scheme so far range from animal accessories and football coaching, to American sweets and self-care packages for people undergoing chemotherapy.

Chloe Pennington, from Whitehaven, took part this year with her business, Chloe’s Chateau. She creates and 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.

She said: “Being on the programme with so many brilliant young participants, that have now become friends, is a privilege that I am so very grateful for and one that any young person would benefit hugely from.”

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development and Sourcing at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We are excited with the launching of the Positive Enterprise programme, a significant opportunity for young minds in West Cumbria. This initiative not only supports aspiring entrepreneurs aged between 14 and 25, but also equips them with the mentorship and skills they need to thrive in today’s business landscape. Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders who will shape the future of our communities. We look forward to inspiring young talent and fostering entrepreneurship in Allerdale and Copeland.”

Rhianna Smith, Early Careers Project Lead at the Centre for Leadership Performance, said: “For the past two years, we’ve been blown away by the creativity and self-motivation of all the young entrepreneurs. With invaluable support from their mentors and our practical workshops and programme of support, they develop key employability and entrepreneurial skills such as negotiation, time management, and business knowledge.

“Positive Enterprise is truly a springboard for these young people and their exciting business ideas, and I cannot wait to see what they come up with next.”

Key to the success of the programme is the recruitment of local businesspeople to act as mentors to the young entrepreneurs.

Mark Cant, one of the brains behind the Cumbrian Tea brand, was a mentor for the first two years of the programme. He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s about giving something back and helping the next generation, and I learn a lot from the young people involved too.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, encourages both young people and potential mentors to consider applying.

She said: “The scheme has a fantastic track record of helping young people fulfil their dreams and make their business a reality. It’s really gratifying to be able to help these young people, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”

Two online information sessions will be held for anyone wanting to find out more about Positive Enterprise, on Thursday 14 and Wednesday 20 November, both 5.30pm to 6:30pm.

For more information, and to apply for a place or to be a mentor, go to https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/transforming-west-cumbria/positive-enterprise/

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 3 January 2025.

Sellafield Ltd have announced an extension of funding to the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership (WCMHP), formed to bring a range of mental health and wellbeing providers together and combat the growing rise of mental health issues in West Cumbria.

The WCMHP was established in 2021 as part of Transforming West Cumbria, funded through Sellafield Ltd’s Social impact multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Since the programme began three years ago, more than 20 charitable organisations have been funded to provide a range of accessible, community-based support services to prevent mental ill health and improve emotional wellbeing across the region. In that time, more than 5,000 adults and 2,000 children and young people have been supported.

Eirini Etoimou, head of corporate sustainability & supply chain development for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Empowering the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership (WCMHP) through extended funding is a testament to our commitment to fostering resilience and wellbeing in our communities.

“With the support of Sellafield’s Social Impact Multiplied programme, and the dedication of Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF), we are paving the way for innovative mental health initiatives that will uplift lives and strengthen the fabric of West Cumbria.”

Tracey West, senior social impact manager at Sellafield said: “The success of the partnership has been driven by the partners working together, reducing duplication and supporting each other when needed. Although 20 organisations have received funding, more than 80 organisations are engaged in the partnership which has helped to achieve the positive outcomes.”

The programme is led by Groundwork North East & Cumbria and overseen by a steering group of public, health and third sector representatives.

More than 80 organisations also meet regularly as part of the wider partnership to understand what services are available, how they can refer people into these services, understand gaps in provision and identify barriers to accessing support.

The Partnership has three core activity areas: support to adults, support to children and young people, and to maintain recovery via the Recovery College, led by Together We.

Each partner brings different expertise and services to the partnership. Support offered includes age-appropriate group and individual therapy sessions, drop-in sessions, workshops and courses, as well as advice on issues such as debt and welfare benefits.

Of those supported in the first three years, 61% reported improved mental health or wellbeing, 58% reported increased self-esteem and confidence, and 58% saw a reduction in stress and anxiety.

Philippa Golightly, Project Manager for Groundwork North East & Cumbria, said: “Securing continued funding for the WCMHP marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide essential mental health services to our community. This commitment empowers us to keep making a difference and builds on the success of the last three years, offering hope, support, and care to those who need it most.

“With the vital funding from Sellafield, and the involvement of Cumbria Community Foundation and our partner organisations, we are building a brighter, healthier future.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We know that NHS mental health services in West Cumbria are overstretched, with long waiting lists, so the support which has been made possible by the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership has been critical to thousands of people in real need over the past three years.

“By working collaboratively, charities with shared aims can increase their impact and effectiveness, amplify their reach and combine resources. It is fantastic news that this work will continue to be funded and we are delighted to play a part in delivering this vital programme.”

If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health, please visit www.wcmhp.org.uk/. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call NHS 111.

Case study

Kelvyn James is an international mountain leader, qualified counsellor and volunteer with the Samaritans.

He founded the social enterprise Mental Health North West which secured £31,320 of funding via the adult partnership to deliver 120 guided walks over three years for people experiencing mental health issues.

Participants are not required to have had a formal diagnosis. They join the walks if they feel it would help them. There is no charge.

Kelvyn said: “A good day out with good people is some of the best therapy we can get.

“It’s a spectrum, from those who are suicidal to people experiencing a bad day. When we take them for a walk, it’s an opportunity to talk.

“We have one chap who says the walks are the only things in his life that he looks forward to. We have a lady who says it’s the only time that she speaks to other people.”

The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Chris Holmes, is inviting people to join him as he takes on a Cross Bay Walk challenge.

The walk across Morecambe Bay on Saturday, 29 June will be led by the King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, who will help walkers navigate the ever-changing flats and channels as they take in the Bay’s scenery and wildlife.

Everyone signing up for the walk will be helping to raise money for the High Sheriff’s Fund, which supports community groups and organisations throughout Cumbria.

High Sheriff Chris Holmes said: “I know the Morecambe Bay Cross Bay Walk is on many people’s bucket lists so I hope a lot will sign up to join me on the day. It’s a challenge that can only safely be tackled under expert guidance, so I am delighted to have the King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, to lead our walk.

“It was a great honour to be appointed High Sheriff and I am keen to raise as much money as I can towards the High Sheriff’s Fund throughout my year in office, to support worthy causes across the county.”

The High Sheriff’s Fund is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, with aims including tackling youth crime, supporting vulnerable older people, improving the health and wellbeing of Cumbrian communities, and supporting other charitable groups selected by the High Sheriff.

At the end of their year in office in March, the High Sheriff chooses projects and groups to receive a grant. This year, 22 grants totalling £16,400 were awarded by the outgoing High Sheriff Samantha Scott, and three organisations also received the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield – Eden Rivers Trust, Wigton Theatre Club and 1st Wetheral Brownies.

All ticket proceeds from the cross bay walk will go to the High Sheriff’s Fund and walkers also have the option to collect sponsorship to further boost the total raised.

Places on the walk, which goes from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands, can be booked online at a cost of £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £2 for dogs.

The exact length of the route depends on conditions and tides on the day but is expected to be between five and nine miles.

Walkers must register in Arnside at 10.20am on 29 June, to set off walking at 11.20am.

Sign up to do the walk: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HighSheriffBayWalk

Anyone who would like to support the High Sheriff’s Fund but cannot attend on the day can make a donation via the fundraising page at
https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/morecambe-bay-walk.

A hardy team from Cumbria Community Foundation braved icy rain on St Bees beach  to launch an appeal for businesses to tackle a Coast to Coast challenge to raise money for communities in need.

Thankfully, businesses tackling the 171-mile challenge will be able to take part without braving the vagaries of Cumbrian weather and will be able to row, walk or pedal in the cosy surroundings of their home, office or gym.

Cumbria Community Foundation has launched the Virtual Coast to Coast Corporate Challenge for intrepid teams from Cumbrian companies to match the distance of one of the UK’s favourite long distance trails, the Coast to Coast walk.

Caroline Adams, relationships officer with the Foundation, was one of the trio to launch the challenge at St Bees yesterday.

“The weather was awful – it was like we were being sprayed in the face constantly with icy water, but it’s all for a good cause.

“With a bit of luck we will have dried out by the weekend,” she said.

The aim is to raise as much money as possible to help Cumbrians in need including disadvantaged children and families, older vulnerable people and fragile communities.

The Challenge is being run by Cumbria Community Foundation, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Cumbria Community Foundation chief executive Andy Beeforth said: “This is a brilliant way for businesses and our corporate supporters to raise money for local causes.

“For 25 years, the Foundation, through generous donors, has had a positive impact on thousands of lives. This challenge will help us to continue to do so.

“We also hope it will be a fun way for businesses and their staff to join together and give back to their community”.

Cumbria Community Foundation is inviting all Cumbrian businesses and organisations to join in the fun. Each business will register via a team captain, with every team and team member getting their own fundraising page.

Money will be raised for Cumbria Community Foundation’s vital Cumbria Fund which supports Cumbrian people and communities in need, or for the business’s own charitable fund if they have one with the Foundation.

The inspiration is Wainwright’s hugely popular Coast to Coast Walk which runs from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay.

Participants can clock up the miles virtually by any means from walking to running, static bike to swimming to treadmill. The only method not allowed is cycling. Any steps done each day during the challenge count towards the total mileage, whether walking the dog, cleaning the house or doing the weekly shop.

Teams will have six weeks to complete the 171 miles, or as much of it as they can manage, between Monday 20 May and Monday 1 July.

That’s an average of four miles per day. Every mile completed and pound collected will help Cumbrian good causes.

Mileage covered each day can be captured by Strava or logged manually on the fundraising page and each team member’s supporters can donate directly via their page.

The fundraising page tracks each participant showing how far along the route they are.

Rory Black, Director at Designworks in Kendal, and colleagues are signing up for the challenge. He said: “The Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge is a great way to get people active whilst supporting a fantastic cause.

“The team at Designworks decided to take on the challenge because it is accessible and can be completed by walking, running, swimming, static exercise bike and rowing machine, so it has something for everyone. We are looking forward to getting involved and raising funds for individuals and community groups in Cumbria.”

CCF’s Cumbria Fund supports vital work across the county. Examples have included refurbishment of accommodation for homeless people, improving facilities for disabled people, contributing to staff salaries for youth clubs for disadvantaged children, a drop-in service for people with mental health problems, advisory services on tackling debt and benefit entitlement, and supporting access to services combating social isolation for older people.

If you are a Cumbrian business and would like to take part in the Virtual Coast to Coast Corporate Challenge, you can find out more at: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/virtual-coast-to-coast-corporate-challenge-2024/

To register, please visit: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/CorporateCoasttoCoastChallenge2024

Find out more about becoming a Corporate Member of CCF here: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/membership/corporate-membership/

Charities in Copeland have received a financial boost to help people through the cost of living crisis thanks to the generosity of one local company.

The LLWR Grassroots Fund provides grants to charitable organisations that are addressing issues relating to the current economic crisis, supporting the younger generation with developing skills and vulnerable, older people.

Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund was set up in 2011 by waste management company, Low Level Waste Repository Ltd, now trading as Nuclear Waste Services.

In that time, more than £130,000 has been awarded to local good causes, including a recent grant to Howgill Family Centre’s project ‘Baby Basic West Cumbria’.

Based in Cleator Moor, Baby Basics West Cumbria provides essential baby equipment, clothing and toiletries to women and families in Allerdale and Copeland, who are struggling with the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby.

The project relies on the donation of good quality, second hand baby equipment and clothing from the local community, alongside other donations of new, unopened toiletries and nappies. These are then safety checked and prepared into referral packages and given out as gifts via health professionals, such as NHS midwives.

Launched two years ago, it is one of over 50 centres in the ‘Baby Basics’ network throughout the UK.

The project is reliant on volunteers and to secure its future, a grant of £25,380 over the next three years will employ a Project Coordinator to ensure it can continue providing support.

Christine Davey, who set up the project, said: “We have seen an increase in our referral rate since we launched in January 2021, as families have tried to cope with the rising cost of living. The support from the local community through donations and fundraising events has been amazing and enabled us to meet the referrals which are placed with us. We’re so grateful for the compassion individuals, clubs and groups have shown to our project”.

The project works with NHS midwives, health visitors and other agencies, who refer families in need of support.

“We’re excited that this wonderful project will be able to continue in its work to improve post-natal safety and wellbeing of local mothers and babies, providing dignity and hope at this vulnerable time in their lives, and so grateful for this vital funding that will enable this,” said Christine.

The fund has received a recent boost of £50,000, meaning more good causes will continue to benefit.

Martin Walkingshaw, Chief Operating Officer for Nuclear Waste Services, said: ‘We’re proud of the important work that our fund is supporting but the real heroes are the volunteers that work with people in need.

“Being able to guarantee the future of Baby Basics for a further three years will help ensure that families can meet the key requirements for their new-borns. It’s a privilege that we can play a part in providing essentials such as baby clothing that otherwise some may struggle to secure.”

Other projects to recently benefit from the fund include Home to Work’s healthy food growing project, Whitehaven Community Trust, which provides accommodation for homeless 16-24 years olds, and Mirehouse Community Centre to support the Top of the Shops café managers post.

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to continue our longstanding relationship with LLWR. As an endowment fund at the Community Foundation, it will provide funding to help people for decades to come. The recent grants will help provide a safety net and alleviate current financial hardship during what are tough times for many local residents.”

For more information or to apply visit, www.cumbriafoundation.org or call the grants team on 01900 820827 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org