Charity workers and volunteers from across Cumbria were thanked at an award ceremony for their tireless efforts to enhance and enrich their local communities.
Representatives from nine community and non-profit organisations were invited to the High Sheriff Award ceremony at Brougham Hall, near Penrith.
The awards are part of the High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. They recognise both charities and individual volunteers who help improve their communities.
The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Dr Geoff Jolliffe, has travelled around the county visiting many charities and voluntary organisations throughout his year of office, which comes to an end this month.
He said: “It’s been humbling to meet these groups and individuals, to see the brilliance of their work and to be able to recognise and thank them on behalf of all Cumbrians for their outstanding contributions to the county. I recognise just a few of those today with the High Sheriff Awards.
“I want to be clear that so many could have been winners – the breadth and depth of activity I have witnessed is outstanding.”
The High Sheriff chose nine organisations to receive a certificate and grant funding totalling £8,070.
County Chair Abigail Graham, Vice Chair Hector Meanwell and Eden Valley YFC member Jade Pearson received the award on behalf of Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.
Abigail said: “It has been truly inspiring to hear about all the incredible work happening within our communities and we were honoured to receive recognition for the contribution our young farmers make within the county.”
Emma Wells accepted the award on behalf of Unseen Victims, which provides support and assistance to the loved ones of individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to receive this award this year. It means a great deal to have the High Sheriff recognise the often-overlooked impact that crime has on indirect victims, and the importance of supporting those whose lives are affected beyond the immediate incident.
“This recognition reinforces our commitment to continuing our work in raising awareness and providing support to those who are too often unseen.”
Three organisations received the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield.
The first went to 4Eden, a Penrith-based charity that provides coaching, support and services for people throughout the Eden Valley, specialising in learning disability, neurodiversity and additional learning needs.
The second shield was awarded to Camp JoJo, which provides fully adapted camping breaks near Appleby for families of children with complex and life-limiting needs.
Greengate Junior School in Barrow also received the High Sheriff’s Shield for their work with neurodiverse children.
Lexie Gager-Liebhart of Whamos, one of the 2025 recipients of the High Sheriff’s Shield, gave an update on their year since winning.
She said: “Receiving the High Sheriff Award last year meant a great deal to us. Not just as recognition, but as validation. It showed us that the work happening quietly in our community matters. That small teams, local people, and grassroots effort can make a real difference.
“Much of community work goes unseen. It is early mornings, late evenings, difficult conversations, and constant problem-solving. The award gave us visibility. It opened doors to partnerships and opportunities that may not have happened otherwise. It helped us show others that community-led work has real impact.”
The High Sheriff’s Chaplain, Debbie Wilde, also addressed the winners.
Annalee Holliday, head of grants practice & programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “At Cumbria Community Foundation, the High Sheriff Award ceremony is one of the highlights of our year. It’s wonderful to get together so many charity workers and volunteers to thank them for all they do, week in, week out.
“There are so many incredible voluntary and non-profit organisations working at the heart of our communities, and this is an opportunity for them to receive the recognition and support they deserve.”
The High Sheriff also officially reopened Brougham Hall. The 14th century hall was bought last year by a group of artists who had workshops there and now operates as a social enterprise.
