Cumbria Revealed


While Cumbria has many positive attributes, it also features great inequality. The very factors which make Cumbria such a desirable tourist location and a visual treat affect just about every aspect of life here.

For every show of affluence for which places in some Lake District towns are known, there are clusters of individuals and families living in poverty. Our report, Cumbria Revealed, explores the hidden social problems in the county and the effect they have on the social fabric and cohesion of our community.

This report sets about uncovering those areas and themes where pockets of deprivation can be found, and where communities are struggling. We have gathered together information from many sources, which allow us to compare the picture in Cumbria with the rest of England.

We are all very fortunate to live in and be part of this magnificent county. We have much to celebrate, however, as the report sets out, life is far from easy for many people. Within our outwardly appearing comfortable county, too many people are facing real poverty and disadvantage.

The report also sets out the key issues in our communities and provides an evidence base to tackle poverty and disadvantage, and to guide philanthropy in the coming years.

Some of the facts from the report:

  • 1 in 10 households live in fuel poverty
  • 11,700 children live in poverty,
  • 1 in 8 households have an income of less than £10,000 a year,
  • 1 in 5 people have a long-term health problem or disability,
  • 68% of adults are overweight,
  • 32,000 pensioners live alone,
  • 25% of the population will be aged over 65 in 2020,
  • 230 people killed or seriously injured on the roads each year,
  • 1 person takes their own life every week,
  • 34,000 people experience depression,
  • 1,800 people are diagnosed with dementia every year

View the full report or contact us to request a printed copy.

We have also produced a video of the report, which highlights the issues but also shows how these are addressed with our grantmaking:

If you have felt inspired by the report and would like help tackle some of these social problems, please contact Andy Beeforth on andy@cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760