Cumbrian charities celebrated by High Sheriff

Charity workers and volunteers from across Cumbria were thanked at an awards ceremony this week, recognising their tireless efforts to enhance and enrich their local communities.

Representatives from more than 20 voluntary and non-profit organisations were invited to the High Sheriff Award ceremony at The Eddington, Kendal on Tuesday.

The awards are part of the High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and publicly recognise charities and individual volunteers who help improve their communities.

The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Chris Holmes, has visited charities and voluntary organisations around the county throughout his year of office, which comes to an end this month.

He said: “I have had the huge privilege of meeting hundreds of charity workers, volunteers and beneficiaries all over Cumbria during my year as High Sheriff.

“There are so many amazing non-profit groups and voluntary organisations making a real difference in their communities.

“It’s been an honour to meet these individuals and express my gratitude for their outstanding contributions to the county and to be able to recognise just a few of those today with the High Sheriff Awards.”

The High Sheriff chose 21 organisations to receive a certificate and grant funding totalling £15,750 and also issued three organisations with the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield – Bee Unique, Time to Change West Cumbria and Whamos Training and Development CIC.

Co-founders Dave and Nadia Parsons collected the award on behalf of Bee Unique. The Maryport-based charity offers support and activities for children and young people with a diagnosis of autism, and those seeking a diagnosis.

Nadia said: “To be awarded the High Sheriff’s Shield is amazing, especially because we all do this completely voluntarily. Our aim is to reduce the sense of isolation felt by neurodiverse families, creating safe and calm environments to make them feel included and supported.”

Dave added: “We fundraise throughout the year and subsidise all of our sessions to make them more accessible for families who need it, so we are really delighted to receive this grant from the High Sheriff.”

Rachel Holliday and Louise Murphy were also at the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of Time to Change West Cumbria, a community interest company that aims to tackle homelessness and poverty. Projects include Calderwood House, an emergency homeless hostel in Egremont, and a grab bag scheme, providing essentials to women fleeing domestic abuse.

Director Rachel said: “We were delighted to receive our award and the High Sheriff’s Shield. It was fantastic to welcome Chris to Calderwood House where he heard first hand from our homeless residents and their journeys.

“Working in the VCSE sector has become more challenging and this recognition is for everyone at Time to Change West Cumbria, our staff, volunteers, directors and the people we serve.

“This money will be allocated to our emergency fund which provides essential items for residents leaving the hostel to move into their own home.”

Directors Alexandra Gager-Liebhart and Elizabeth Amos-Milburn accepted the High Sheriff’s Shield for Whamos Training and Development, a community interest company based in Millom, which provides specialised training and development programmes for neurodiverse people, as well as digital support for older people and the wider community.

“Receiving the shield was a complete surprise,” said Elizabeth. “We’re quite passionate about what we do so it’s nice to be recognised in this way.”

Alexandra added: “There are so many charities and CICs across Cumbria, so to be chosen is a big honour. The monetary award will make a big difference too, allowing us to add new workshops.

“Without people like Cumbria Community Foundation, none of it would be possible and Millom wouldn’t have half the charities and CICs it does. It shows the community spirit there is; we all work together for the common good and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

The event was hosted by Waste into Wellbeing, an initiative to rescue surplus food from supermarkets, shops and eateries in and around Kendal which would otherwise be wasted.

Charity representatives were served a delicious afternoon tea made up of surplus food, prepared by volunteers at Kendal People’s Café at The Eddington.