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Dear Member,

It’s Easter, spring is here, the daffodils are out (and being flattened by our usual Cumbrian spring wind, hail and rain) and here we are with yet another HUGE Cumbria CVS Health & Wellbeing Bulletin to celebrate 😊

We very much hope that our Bulletin’s aren’t like a crazy never ending Easter egg hunt; seeking out the chocolate treasure (other more healthy options are available!) or in this case the nuggets of useful health and care information for you and your organisation.

To help prevent hunt for information of value to you and your organisation we try to link every article to a geographic area. Below is a quick guide to all the geographic areas we use.

We do hope this helps to save time and make sure that you are picking up all the news and information most relevant to you and your organisation.

• COUNTYWIDE – all articles that are relevant to any individual or organisation living/working in Cumbria
• CUMBERLAND COUNCIL area – all articles that are relevant to any individual or organisation living/working in districts now covered by the NEW Cumberland Council (Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland)
• WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCIL area – all articles that are relevant to any individual or organisation living/working in districts now covered by the NEW Westmorland & Furness Council (Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland)
• NORTH CUMBRIA NHS area - all articles that are relevant to any individual or organisation living/working in districts covered by the North Cumbria NHS area (Allerdale, Carlisle, Eden and all of Copeland with the exclusion of Millom & surrounding areas)
• SOUTH CUMBRIA NHS area - all articles that are relevant to any individual or organisation living/working in districts covered by the South Cumbria NHS area (Barrow and South Lakeland & Millom and surrounding areas of Copeland)
• DISTRICT e.g. ALLERDALE, BARROW, CARLISLE - all articles that are relevant to any individual or organisation living/working in a specific district

To contact the Health Partnership Team just email below:

Clare Edwards Health Partnerships Manager
claree@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Holly Ferguson Health Partnerships Administration Officer
hollyf@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Sarah Penn Health Partnerships Support Officer
sarah.penn@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Keep up to date with our network events Padlet, which contains all of the information/presentations from each of our speakers at our recent Action for Health and Mental Health Provider Forum meetings

We are pleased to share a new Social Prescribing Approaches in North Cumbria website hosted by Cumbria CVS.

You will find information about what we mean by social prescribing and link working, the relevance for the VCFSE sector and what the local context is.

There are also links to the various teams and services that carry out link working:

Who does social prescribing in North Cumbria? | Cumbria CVS

And details of the work of the North Cumbria Social Prescribing Steering Group

All of this leads us into the publication of a system-wide report later this Spring:

Passion, connection and community: Person-centred neighbourhood health in North Cumbria.

This report will be launched at an event on May 7^th in Carlisle's Harraby Community Centre.

Book your place now to avoid disappointment!!

Your Practice – Your Drop-in Looking after you the Eden way.
The roadshow/event is for the community; we are looking to include as many organisations as possible to let the patients know what is available in their surrounding areas.

The aim of this day is to ‘showcase’ your services. To raise awareness and build community connections, show the support and services you can offer to the patient of the practices.

Let people know what’s out there!!!

Eden Primary Care Network which consists of the 10 practices across Eden are very excited about this first roadshow and will be having another in Kirkoswald in May and another in Upper Eden in June. We don't have specific dates for those just yet but would absolutely appreciate your attendance and support with these as well.

Due to changes in individuals circumstances we are looking for 3 NEW representatives to work as part of Collaborative Leadership Teams in Integrated Care Communities (ICCs) across North Cumbria.

• Carlisle Urban ICC x 1
• Eden ICC x 1
• Workington ICC x1

You will join a Team of 13 others and will represent the third sector in a key part of our local approach to planning, developing and delivering integrated health and care services.

This is an exciting time to become a ICC Third Sector Representative as this role will give you an opportunity to be a part of planning and developing Neighbourhood Health in North Cumbria.

What to do next:

• You can read more information about ICCs and the role in the sheet attached
• If required meet or email Clare Edwards Health Partnerships Manager email: claree@cumbriacvs.org.uk to talk through the role

Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 12 noon 02.04.2026.

On 17th March, care minister Stephen Kinnock shared the new NHS neighbourhood health framework, which sets out a list of “minimum interventions” to be delivered by integrated care boards over the next three years. The framework focusses on shifting care from hospitals into communities, while prioritising prevention and digital innovation.

The ambition is to:
• improve services for people who need routine healthcare
• improve proactive care for people with complex needs
• deliver “better alternatives” to hospital care, closer to home

This includes the creation of Neighbourhood Health Centres (NHCs), which can deliver multiple health, care and wellbeing services from one location.
There is a strong focus on plans being created based on need at neighbourhood level, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The document states, “These reforms will need to be led locally. ICBs need to reform services based on what’s right for their local population, and what the frontline tells them needs to change.” The minister also highlights the need for involvement of all parts of the health system, stating, “Neighbourhood health will only work as a joint endeavour between the NHS and local authorities, alongside wider partners.” The VCSE sector is referenced several times within the framework as an essential partner and there is consistent focus on person-centred care.

More locally-focused responses will follow in the North East and North Cumbria and across Lancashire & South Cumbria.

In the meantime Voluntary Sector North West have published an initial briefing on what this framework means for the VCSE sector, which you can read using the below link.

Have a read through information about 12 great Community Transport options across the Cumbria area including:

• Fellrunner
• Border Rambler
• Western Dales
• Northern Fells
• Valley Wheels
• 106 Bus
• Keswick Eco Car Club
• Friends of the X112

HMP Lancaster Farms are holding a Prison Resettlement Support Roadshow, 1.30pm – 4.30pm on Thursday 23^rd April 2026 (poster attached).

This event is being held within the prison Visits Hall and they are inviting up to 20 North West voluntary sector community-based organisations to attend and speak to the men within the prison about services and support available to them on their release from prison.

They are specifically looking for organisations based, or providing services in Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside and Cheshire as these are the areas that men will be released to and most of them will be in their final 12 weeks of sentence, where possible.

Spaces are available for a maximum of 2 visitors per organisation, and tables will be available for promotional material and banners etc.

HMP Lancaster Farms are hoping to increase engagement and partnership working with community organisations, with further events and opportunities being developed for the future.

If you would be interested in attending this event and would like to find out more, please contact support@clinks.org

Travel Actively Newsletter News and Updates for Barrow and Carlisle March 2026.

With council tax bills beginning to land this week, the Council reminds everyone that there is support available to residents on a low income or claiming benefits through our Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme. If someone’s circumstances have changed or they’re finding it harder to manage bills, it only takes a few minutes to check. 

To apply for Council Tax Reduction go to our website https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/benefits-and-financial-help/council-tax-reduction 

It's important to note that those receiving Universal Credit, the Council can’t always apply Council Tax Reduction automatically, so a separate application may need to be submitted. 

If eligible individuals may also be entitled to other financial support such as help with rent, increased benefits, or additional support. 

Check using the EntitledTo calculator https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator 

No matter what someone’s situation is, it’s always worth checking - many residents don’t realise they’re eligible for extra support. 

The Big Bike Revival is an intervention for adults aimed at encouraging an uptake in cycling.

By providing solutions to perceived barriers, adults are enabled to learn to how to cycle and to increase their cycling levels for short, everyday journeys.

Events focus on presenting cycling as a practical, normal and habitual way to get around locally.

The Big Bike Revival is delivered across England by a wide range of community-embedded partners who understand the local need. An extensive programme of FREE events offering services that fix bikes, teach skills and lead rides, motivate adults to either start or return to cycling. Social and inclusive activities help adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover the joys of cycling and help make cycling become a normal travel option.

Delivering Fix-Learn-Ride events

The programme delivers three types of event based on the FIX-LEARN-RIDE model.

• Fix events – offer basic services to repair cycles and provide essential checks to ensure cycles are safe to ride
• Learn events – offer instruction, training or skills for adults to learn to maintain or repair their cycle or learn cycle skills to help them feel safer when cycling
• Ride events – offer led rides for adults to practise cycling locally, build confidence and learn new routes in a social environment

West Cumbria Volunteering Fair 

Tuesday 21^st April 2026, 12noon – 1.30pm

Carnegie Theatre, Finkle Street, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 2BD

Volunteering is well known to be beneficial for people's mental health and wellbeing. It can reduce social isolation and build confidence and self esteem. Through skills and experience gained while volunteering, it can help with work readiness. Volunteers also enjoy taking on a new challenge, gain a sense of purpose, and become a part of their local community. They make a difference to the lives of others or improve the environment, and have a chance to do something that they enjoy.

You and your service users are invited to attend a Volunteering Fair in the Carnegie Hall in Workington to discover new and exciting volunteering journeys.

18 organisations will be present, showcasing their opportunities to join them, with chance to ask questions, find out more about their work, and learn how to sign up as a volunteer. Discover the wide range of local volunteering opportunities available, when and where volunteers are needed, and how to become a volunteer.

The opportunities represented at the Fair are wide ranging, so there will be something for everyone, whether that’s in person or remote, one-off or regular. Could you help someone complete an application form for a blue badge? Drive someone to an appointment? Plant, water and harvest seasonal fruit and vegetables? Set up a play session for parents and their toddlers? Support older adults to get online? Serve tea and coffee at a support group session? Keep a blind veteran company? Help at children’s holiday activity sessions? Answer calls to a helpline? The Volunteering Fair will be a chance to find out about all these opportunities and more. Training and support is provided in the volunteer roles.

All are welcome. We would appreciate all help in spreading the word to anyone who might benefit from getting involved. 

 Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. During this event we aim to raise awareness on
• Recognising symptoms (F.A.S.T)
• Prevention and risk reduction
• Stroke resources and local support for anyone affected by stroke
Free blood pressure checks will be offered during the event (Kendal ICC and Better Health Kendal)
Meet other local networks who can help you access services and local recourses in the area

Castle Street Community Centre, Kendal, LA9 7AD

Thursday 7th May 13:00 - 15:00
This is a free drop-in event open to the general public
Tea/coffee and cake will be provided
For more information please contact
Charlene Athersmith email: charlene.athersmith@stroke.org.uk mobile: 07739746099

Jobseekers are to benefit from the roll-out of mobile jobs vans across Great Britain (Barrow-In-Furness including Millom). 

Following hugely successful pilots in the Scottish Highlands, North and Mid Wales and Greater Manchester, the number of Jobcentres on Wheels will provide enhanced support in six new areas, with a view to explore rolling out the scheme more extensively after testing its impact. 

The vans will take jobcentre staff on the road to communities with some of the highest rates of unemployment where support is needed most. Vans will park up outside family hubs, leisure centres, supermarkets, local events and football matches to make taking that first step towards work as easy as possible. 

Once on board, people can meet with one of the DWP’s experienced work coaches who will who offer expert support with job searching and training opportunities. 

They can also provide information to those with health conditions or disabilities and for accessing childcare costs. 

As well as existing customers, the service is open and accessible to all members of the public and forms part of the government’s wider plans to Get Britain Working, kickstart economic growth and give more opportunities for people to get on in their career. 

Please contact Judith Wilkinson if you would like to know more about the van and even better support its work.

North East & North Cumbria - Regional Virtual Sessions

Over a Brew is a relaxed, welcoming online space where people come together as equals to share ideas, listen, and help shape better adult social care. It's all baout co production - working side by side so everyone's voice is head and valued. 

Every last Friday of the month (except August and December)

Click here to register.

Direct Payments: Your Experience Matters

Cumberland Council is bringing people together to help shape how Direct Payments work locally. We’re looking for people who use Direct Payments now, have used them before, chose not to use them, carers, family members and Personal Assistants. No qualifications needed – your experience is what matters.
The working group meets online (with in person options), in friendly, informal sessions where people can share what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change. Payment is offered for your time.

If you’d like to get involved or find out more, please email coproduction@cumberland.gov.uk or phone 07920 817841.

Connect to Work is a person-centred supported employment programme designed to help individuals with disabilities, long-term physical/mental health conditions, or complex barriers find or stay in work. 

The programme is being delivered by Inspira alongside 8 VCSE delivery partners across the county, with support from Enterprising Cumbria and Cumbria Combined Authority. 

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 18+ (with some exceptions for 16/17 NEETs) 

Be unemployed, or in work but at risk of falling out of work due to either one of the below: 

• A disability 
• long-term physical or mental health condition (mild-moderate) 
• A complex barrier to employment/ belong to a disadvantaged group

To refer someone for Connect to Work, please visit: https://www.inspira.org.uk/connect-to-work-enquiry

For further information please contact: Deborah.Naylor@inspira.org.uk""

CNTW the mental health Foundation Trust covering this area is looking at the way they provide care in adult eating disorder services. The review of the services will include looking at how and where and how specialist inpatient adult eating disorder provision is delivered as well as how community services are developed. 

The need for admission to adult eating disorder inpatient beds has reduced significantly across the region over recent years. This, along with the expansion of community-based alternatives, means there is a reduced need for inpatient care.

CNTW want services to work better for the people who use them. They want to understand what is working well and what is not, what could improve, and what might happen if nothing changes.

Find out more follow this link:

Have your say on shaping the future of adult eating disorders services - Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

During this period it is also important to highlight the temporary reprovision of the current inpatient service at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle (ward 31A). The service will be moving to an enhanced intensive community support model during this period with patients who do require inpatient care for their needs being admitted to Darlington (the other specialist inpatient provision CNTW have across the region).

It’s important we look at different options and listen to people’s views to make sure our services provide the right support for people when they need it.

Our current service model

Inpatient Services – covers Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) areas

Intensive Day Services (IDS)

• There is no face-to-face Intensive Day service covering the Cumbria region

IDS at Home (Outreach)

• There is less resource in Cumbria compared to the rest of the region. Therefore, we need to ensure equal services across the region and what services would work best.

Community Services

CNTW want to hear your views on:

• What matters most when accessing eating disorders services
• The balance between inpatient and community care
• 7-day community and intensive services
• Community-based recovery
• Equity across the areas we provide services in

Get involved:

Survey for public, service users and carers

Survey for staff

From winter 2025/26 the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid to all pensioners unless they have opted out of getting the payment. HMRC will recover the Winter Fuel Payment from pensioners with a total individual income above £35,000 by either automatically changing their tax code from April 2026 or including it in their Self-Assessment tax return. 

Anyone expecting their total individual income, from private/ state pensions and any other sources, to exceed £35,000, can opt out of future Winter Fuel Payments rather than have HMRC recover them through taxation. 

Pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can opt out of receiving future Winter Fuel Payments via an online form available on GOV.UK from April 2026.  A telephone option is available for those unable to use this online route. 

Pensioners can opt back in should their circumstances change in the future. 

HMRC have provided a calculator on GOV.UK to help pensioners work out if their total income will be over £35,000.  

Currently low-income households who use high amounts of water can qualify to have their bills capped. They must have a water meter and either a specific medical condition or three or more children living at home.  

More than a quarter of a million households (260,000) are already benefiting from the scheme, saving an average of £325 each – over a third of their typical bill.  

But changes set out today (Friday 6 March) will expand the eligibility criteria to include disability benefits – meaning a further 53,000 low-income households will see significant savings.  

The reforms will also alter the way the price cap is determined, with most of the existing recipients seeing further savings of up to £100.  

Together the changes - the first since the scheme was introduced in 1999 – will mean around 300,000 households will see substantial help with their bills.  

Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday 18 March marking a major milestone for Cumbria’s future. 

The meeting took place at Redhills, Penrith, bringing together members from across the county to formally establish the authority’s first leadership team and begin shaping priorities for economic growth, transport, skills, housing, and long‑term investment. 

For the first time, the meeting was also live‑streamed, with a full recording available at www.cumbria-ca.gov.uk. This reflects CCA’s commitment to transparency and public engagement from day one. 

During the meeting, Cllr Mark Fryer was elected as the first Chair of Cumbria Combined Authority, with Cllr Jonathan Brook appointed Vice Chair. In addition, John Barradell was formally appointed as the authority’s Interim Chief Executive. 

Hope Haven is now fully open, every day of the week, at 40 King Street.

Face-to-face, walk-in support is now available from 9:30am – midnight on Mondays to Fridays, and 4pm – midnight on weekends.

People don’t need an appointment or referral. They can just walk in and talk to us about what they’d like our help with.

People can also call us or make a virtual appointment: 

  Call us between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, on 01946 556 136 

💻 Book a video call with our 'virtual safe haven'. Appointments are between 4pm - midnight every day. Book online any time - just go to https://wcmhp.org.uk/hope-haven/

Whatever someone is struggling with, we’re here to help. There's no waiting list. We’re here for anyone aged 18+ in Whitehaven and Copeland.

Visit the Hope Haven webpage and follow Hope Haven on Facebook for the latest updates. 

Arrange a meeting or visit

If you would like us to come and talk to your organisation / team about Hope Haven, or visit the space yourselves, please contact pamela.martyn@everyturn.org.

Help us to spread the word

Could you display or distribute some leaflets and flyers to promote Hope Haven in the local area? Please contact pamela.martyn@everyturn.org if you can help us.

The success of a Carlisle walking group has led to a second group being created to meet growing demand. In 2024, Travel Actively partnered with the NHS East Carlisle Respiratory Team to launch a walking group for rehab patients, giving them the chance to socialise, improve their breathing, stay active and enjoy a café visit after each walk. The Better Breathers group became so popular that cafés could no longer accommodate everyone.

Using this successful model, a second group is now being developed on a different day and time, launching 18 March. The new Wednesday Wanderers walk is expected to be just as beneficial and well attended.

Watch Michaela and Pat on YOUTUBE who have regained their walking confidence and fitness through participation in the 'Even Better Breathers' group:

Travel Actively. Gaining Walking Confidence & Fitness. Michaelah and Pat's Stories.

Westmorland and Furness Council has launched funding support for residents who rely on domestic heating oil and are experiencing financial hardship due to rising costs.

The fund provides assistance for households after the recent sharp rise in the cost of oil which has made it increasingly difficult for many rural residents to afford adequate heating and hot water.

Eligible households can receive a one-off cash award of between £200 and £250, depending on household size, with an additional £20 for each child in full-time education up to the age of 18.

This will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until it the funding pot is fully committed.

Residents are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the Household Support Fund is strictly time-limited by the government and only available until Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Tackling Loneliness Hub is for everyone working in any way to reduce loneliness.

The Hub aims to build a network which supports all types of work in this sphere by sharing resources and connections to help you make an even bigger difference.

Loneliness can affect anyone, at any stage in their life:

Loneliness is experienced by around 1 in 6 people worldwide, and the impact on an individual’s mental and physical health can be significant.

(WHO, 2025)

Finding ways to address loneliness as early as possible can play an important role in protecting a person’s mental health. This is because chronic loneliness (feeling lonely most or all of the time) has the potential to cause harmful long-term effects.

Adults with learning disabilities who use Day Services in Kendal have drawn up a charter – called Union of Choices - stating how they want to work with the council, and importantly how they want the council to work with them.

Westmorland and Furness Council is working with the group to co-build services – and it is hoped that this approach can be used to improve the service delivered by Adult Social Care to all the people it supports. Thor from Union of Choices met Cath Whalley, our Director of Adult Social Care, to talk about care and working with the community.

The Big Question: Understanding Suicide in Cumberland has been published. Follow this link for the full report and exec summary on the council website. https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/news/2026/new-report-highlights-suicide-cumberland-and-outlines-next-steps-prevention

The findings highlight:

• Elevated suicide rates compared to national averages
• Significant prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts
• Gaps in follow-up support post self-harm
• Lower help-seeking and barriers to help-seeking among men and older adults
• Strong evidence that early intervention reduces progression to attempt
• Importance of early access to support
• Need for strengthened follow-up after attempts
• Geographic inequalities in access

The findings strongly reinforce the importance of community-based early intervention, peer support, stigma reduction, and bereavement support. Over half of respondents reported being affected by suicide — demonstrating the profound ripple effect across families, workplaces and neighbourhood but there is also a hopeful message: people who receive early support are significantly less likely to attempt suicide.

The evidence reinforces the importance of integrated working, particularly around timely access to care and strengthened follow-up pathways. We value your frontline expertise as we see this as an opportunity to strengthen collaborative prevention work. We look forward to building on this evidence together to strengthen prevention and ensure no one is left without support.

As a reminder the work was commissioned by Cumberland Council and funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the research was delivered in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. It draws on large-scale local survey data and lived experience.

Westmorland and Furness Council launched a Community Conversation on the future of care for older residents.

Complete the online survey for residents to share your views, whether as a carer for older relatives or thinking about your own future.

Find out more information about the Community Conversation at ‘A Place Called Home: Your living choices in later life’. Residents’ views will help inform the future direction of all aspects of our Adult Social Care support for older people’s independence and wellbeing.

The latest Boost bulletin for March 2026.

I am proud to highlight The Cumberland Collective– an initiative supporting local care and wellbeing micro-enterprises across Cumberland as well as our brand-new Directory.

Delivered by People First Independent Advocacy, the Collective focuses on prevention, independence, and community connection, helping people to live well and access support earlier.

🌿 What is the Cumberland Collective?

The Collective brings together trusted, high-quality local providers who have achieved our Badge of Excellence, ensuring safe, person-centred, community-based support.

🔎 Discover the new Cumberland Collective Directory

👉 https://cumberlandcollective.co.uk/

Our free, easy-to-use directory helps you and the people you support to:

• Find trusted local care and wellbeing services
• Search by need, location, or service type
• Read reviews and make informed choices
• Quickly signpost individuals to appropriate support

It’s designed to connect people with local, personalised care while strengthening communities and supporting local enterprise.

🌐 Learn more about the Collective

👉 https://wearepeoplefirst.co.uk/academy/cumberland-collective/

📢 How you can help

We’d really appreciate your support to grow the Collective:

• Follow and share our updates:
  👉 https://www.facebook.com/PFCumberlandCollective
• Signpost people to the directory
• Promote local, community-based care options

🤝 Work with us

We’re keen to connect with teams across health and social care.
If you would like us to:

• Deliver a short presentation at a team meeting
• Attend an event or forum
• Talk through how the Collective can support your service users

We would greatly appreciate your support in helping us raise awareness of the Cumberland Collective. If possible, please consider sharing our flyers, the links enclosed or this email/general information about the Collective and our new directory in your newsletters, on your website, or across your social media channels. By spreading the word, you will help more people access trusted, local care and wellbeing support, while also supporting the growth of small, community-based enterprises across Cumberland.

Please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Contact

becky.goddard@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk
01228 474805

With information about:

• The opening of Hope Haven
• Two key surveys: Adult Eating Disorders Services and Learning Disabilities and Autism Services.

We’re looking for staff working in healthcare settings to help test and improve the Nature for Health Resource Hub. Join a short online focus group on 8 or 15 April and share your insights.
The hub brings together practical tools and resources to support healthcare organisations in developing green space projects that benefit patients, staff and nature. As the hub continues to evolve, we are keen to understand how it is being experienced in practice and how it can better support those working across healthcare estates, sustainability and clinical services.
Your insights will directly inform the next stage of the hub’s development and help ensure it remains relevant, accessible and supportive of green space initiatives across healthcare settings.

If you are interested in taking part, please complete the short registration form by 31 March.

The service provides a full range of support for unpaid carers of all ages, including young carers aged 5–18 and adult carers, who care for someone who lives within Westmorland and Furness, including:
• Statutory carer assessments
• One-to-one support planning
• Information and advice
• Access to health & wellbeing services
• Opportunities for breaks from caring
• Peer support and online communities
• Access to online carers community
• Volunteering opportunities
• Training for professionals
Please note a new provider is in place from 1st April 2026 with new contact details, although some staff will be transferring over.
Tel: 01539 457525 Email: enquiries@wfcarers.org.uk

The new online hub supporting families across Westmorland and Furness provides a single, easy‑to‑use space where parents, carers, and young people can access trusted information on everything from parenting and early years support to health, well‑being, childcare, and the SEND Local Offer.

The website brings together four key areas of support:

Family Hubs

• Free, friendly community centres offering practical and emotional support for families. Family Hubs provide help with parenting, child development, wellbeing, and connections to local services.

Family Information Service

• A one‑stop source of free, impartial information on childcare, activities, benefits, financial support, and family rights - helping families navigate everything from early education to youth clubs and holiday schemes.

Childcare & Early Years Guidance

• Clear advice on local childcare options, help finding providers, support with early years development, and information on financial help such as funded childcare and cost‑of‑living support.

SEND Local Offer

• Inclusive, comprehensive support for families with children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

March edition of the Cumberland Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) Newsletter.
Within this Newsletter, you will find useful information from across the partnership and from our partner agencies relating to Safeguarding, which is aimed to support Practitioners and Professionals in their role.

ADHD & Me 6-week course, running in 3 locations, please see below;

Monday - Raffles Resource centre (Cerebral Palsy Centre) 

Session time: 

10:00-13:00 

The reason this is 3 hours is because:

10:00-11:30 - ADHD & Me 

11:30-12:00 - Lunch (please note this is not provided) 

12:00-13:00 - Ikigai (this course is a course delivered at iCan, Ikigai is a Japanese practice of finding your purpose and living longer better)

Tuesday - Brampton Community Centre 

10:30-12:00

Friday - Harraby Community Centre

10:30-12:00

All workshops are free, if you know anyone who would like to book please ask them to email myself or call us on 01228 819 101 (option 2), we ask them their full name and number to book them on. 

If you have any further questions, please phone us on 01228 819 101 (option 2) and ask to speak to Jade.

This month’s update includes:

• HDRC Research Skills training programme
• Building our Evidence Base: New data review report
• Research Groups Launch
• Call for Applications: NIHR ARC NWC research internships

Do you find it difficult to understand how to involve people in your research or organisation?  

Do you want to know how to you can ensure diversity and inclusion in your research or organisation?    

If so, these advice sessions may be for you. You don't have to have a specific proposal or project in mind. 

NIHR are keen to meet and support people in England, working in non-NHS settings involved in research that delivers public health services including: 

• local authorities 

• higher education institutions 

• voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations 
• public contributors or public co-applicants 

The drop in sessions will be hosted by Kasia Kurowska, Public and Community Partnerships Manager and Research Inclusion Co-lead, and Dr Lauren Hall, Methodologist and Research Inclusion Co-lead. After the initial conversation, they may be able to help you connect with public contributors or other resources such as methodological advice, or funding to deliver your involvement activity. 

Each drop in will run for 30 minutes and be hosted on MS Teams.  

The next sessions are scheduled to run:  

• Wednesday 29 April in 30 minutes slots from 2pm 

• Wednesday 13 May in 30 minute slots from 1pm 

Would you like to be a part of a small task and finish group to help develop resources to support the regional Make Every Contact training and web-based support/backup information.

The group will be reviewing and updating material around SOCIAL CONNECTIONS (this is illustrated through a Tile). Follow this link to the current tile MECC Gateway

The task and finish group will meet around 3 or 4 times to discuss the tile. The group will be supported by Chantelle Hughes (see below)

Here is the link to the current tile MECC Gateway. 

For more information and to express interest in joining the group contact:

Chantelle Hughes

Regional MECC Coordinator

North East and North Cumbria ICS
Email: chantelle.hughes@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk

Short-term funding of up to £2,000 is available to support community-led activities that work with or complement general practice in improving health and wellbeing and contributing to the three “shifts” at the heart of the NHS 10-year plan:

• From sickness to prevention: supporting people and communities to stay well and prevent ill health before it develops or worsens.
• From hospital to community: providing more care, support and wellbeing activity closer to where people live.
• From analogue to digital: improving access to services, information and support through digital approaches where appropriate.

Grants are available to VCFSE organisations in North Lancashire and South Cumbria (the Lancaster City Council area, South Lakeland, Barrow and Millom).

Apply from 1 April 2026 until 30 April 2026 (11.59pm).

Activities must have been completed by 31 August 2026 with reports due by 30 September 2026.

This fund is administered with support from Lancaster District CVS and Cumbria CVS, in partnership with the South Cumbria VCFSE Gateway.

Find out more and apply

Nick Smith

Operations Manager
Lancaster District Community and Voluntary Solutions

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