14th April 2025
The Vulture Club was formed by a group of local West Cumbrian volunteers who, through their own experience and participation within the field of addiction and recovery, saw a real need for support for people trying to recover from substance addiction.
The use of art and cultural pursuits as diversionary activities prompted the name of Culture Vultures, which quickly became Vulture Club. The club offers a safe, non-using environment where service users can engage in effective therapeutic and diversionary activities, to equip themselves with the tools needed to develop and sustain their recovery.
It is very hard to stop taking substances and even harder to stay off them, and Vulture Club recognises the importance of a maintained recovery. This takes time and needs a stable and long-term approach that can be delivered in a suitable environment in safe and appropriate premises.
The Foundation contributed a total of £5,000 from its Brian and Ann Clark Fund and its Shepley Group Grassroots Fund towards the rent for the club’s premises in Whitehaven.
Colin Browne, Chair and Trustee of the Vulture Club, said the funding for the rent “ensured we were able to keep our Health and Wellbeing centre open and running to support our service users. The support was crucial to us being able to continue operating over the last 12 months, supporting our members on their journey of recovery from addiction.”