Three West Cumbrian charities have received a share of over £250,000 to continue to play a vital role in supporting local communities.
The money was awarded from the Bedrock Awards programme, part of Transforming West Cumbria, which was developed by Cumbria Community Foundation and funded by Sellafield Ltd, to build the resilience, capabilities and financial sustainability of charities and community organisations in West Cumbria.
Age UK West Cumbria received £89,000, Cumbria Youth Alliance received £85,000 and Together We CIC has been given £80,815.
Successful applicants completed a two-stage programme of tailored business support, which has been delivered via the Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership and its partner Social Enterprise Acumen CIC.
SEA has worked with the charities and helped them create strategies for their development.
Jane Mindar, chief executive of Age UK West Cumbria, said: “We are delighted to have received £89,000 to launch our CommuniTEA service, which is a response to the lack of low-level support for older people in the region.
“A key focus of our charity is to enable older people to remain independent and enjoy the best quality of life possible – and we believe that CommuniTEA supported by this grant will enable us to fulfil this charitable aim and help transform the lives of older people in West Cumbria.”
Together We CIC provides free one-to-one and small group psychological interventions as well as family support services in West Cumbria.
Janine Ward, managing director, said: “This funding will further strengthen our business base and build our self-efficacy.
“It will enable us to recruit two new posts; a much-needed business manager to help us manage contracts and grants and to generate commercial income, alongside improving our fundraising strategy.
“In addition, a volunteer manager will enable us to manage the many volunteers we rely on to run our services and develop this much-needed pathway to encourage clients to become volunteers.
“We’ll also streamline our website into a user accessible format, making it easier for clients to refer and get the support and help they need.”
Becky Wolstenholme, chief executive officer of Cumbria Youth Alliance, said: “I am delighted that this funding will provide investment for the future and will certainly make a difference to the lives of many young people. The funding will be used to improve our staffing structure and the implementation of becoming a registered training centre.”
Support is also available to community groups in West Cumbria via Bedrock Basics, delivered by Cumbria CVS.
It offers training and development opportunities on an individual and group basis and to date has benefited more than 100 organisations. For more information, contact Bridget Johns on 01768 800350 or Gordon Henry on gordon.henry@cumbriacvs.org.uk
