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Dear Member,

Thanks to everyone who joined us on May 7^th for the launch of the 'Passion, Connection and Community - Person-centred neighbourhood health in North Cumbria' a cross-sector report commissioned by the North Cumbria Social Prescribing Steering Group.

It was a real celebration of the power of partnership - between the third sector and health and wellbeing workers, such as social prescribers, and most importantly between Cumbrian people and those working or volunteering in the communities they love.

The report included 8 case studies which demonstrated the strength of these kinds of approaches, and showed how they have the potential to transform lives.

Catch up here on the launch day: https://youtu.be/17m2WX2MdYM?si=QZFgmSlF5GRChzau 

It was followed swiftly by the publication of a vital piece of research into the Barnardo's LINK service - which showed the impact of social prescribing on children and young people in North Cumbria. You can read the report here.

Let's celebrate our successes and build on them to make the case for VCFSE integration in emerging neighbourhood health models.

One a practical note, Cumbria CVS is moving head office from its Shaddongate base in Carlisle to a new spot on the Rosehill Industrial Estate. Please bear with us over the next couple of weeks while IT systems catch up, boxes are unpacked and we work out our new routines!

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

A networking and information sharing event for link workers (social prescribers, health and wellbeing coaches, care coordinators and more) and any VCFSE organisations or people who deliver arts and culture activities specifically to improve health and wellbeing in North Cumbria.
Link workers will find out more about the various arts & culture in health activities on offer and learn more about how arts and culture can support the people they work with. VCFSE arts and culture organisations can connect with the link workers and explore how access to their health-focused activities could be supported.

The event will be followed by a 'bring your own' picnic in the Tullie grounds, and the team at Tullie are offering tours of the galleries in the afternoon.

Join the Tullie team inside the new automata exhibition to hear about why visiting museums and art galleries can be beneficial for our health and wellbeing. Learn more about our community programme, plus added extra - have a go at some slow-looking or sketching to wind down.

Link workers will also be able to attend a 'Connect the Connector' session directly afterwards to catch up with their colleagues in other teams/organisations. Please book this separately here.

There will be space for stalls to showcase your organisation but these must be booked in advance by emailing hollyf@cumbriacvs.org.uk.

The publication of the LINK Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing Service Evaluation Report can be viewed below. 

If you are interested in learning more about the findings and impact of this work, please explore the full report and consider registering for our upcoming webinar.

• Access the full evaluation report:
  https://www.barnardos.org.uk/research/cumbria-link-young-peoples-social-prescribing-service-evaluation-report
• Webinar: LINK Social Prescribing Evaluation Findings
  Barnardo’s will be hosting a webinar to showcase the key findings from the evaluation.
  Date: 16 June 2026
  To Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1c48299e-688c-47b6-9e6d-ac5403c0841d@171b1f19-7567-4d3c-bb9a-748ad03f301a

A new report from the Health Foundation makes for sobering reading. Interpreting the latest life expectancy data highlights a worrying decline in healthy life expectancy across the UK, alongside stark and widening inequalities between communities.
 
The analysis shows that people are now spending fewer years in good health than a decade ago, with healthy life expectancy falling to just under 61 years. In some parts of the country, people can expect up to 20 fewer years of good health than people in the most advantaged areas.
  
Healthy life expectancy in the north has fallen to below state pension age in almost all areas, underlining the scale of the challenge and a clear north-south divide in outcomes. This is reflected locally, with healthy life expectancy for women in Hartlepool estimated at just 51.2 years - among the lowest in England.
 
These challenges are shaped by long-term factors like poverty, housing, education, mental health and lifestyle behaviours. Addressing them requires a sustained and collective response. As Integrated Care Systems, we have a clear role together with local councils, local communities and the NHS to strengthen the focus on prevention, improve access to support, and tackle the wider determinants of health.
 
Improving healthy life expectancy will take time and sustained effort, but by continuing to work together across our regions, we can begin to close these gaps and support people to live longer, healthier lives.

Boost latest newsletter April 2026

Come and share your views on how cancer screening can be used in GP surgeries to improve the future for cancer patients.

Have your say about future plans for clinical trials and screening.

Lunch provided. Gift voucher for every participant. Book your free ticket on Eventbrite.

Thursday 4 June, 9:30am-12:30pm
The People First Conference Centre, Carlisle

For more information, email:
info@healthwatchcumberland.co.uk

A county-wide project uniting sports clubs, coaches, and athletes from all sports to take a stand against suicide. Developed by Every Life Matters, in partnership with Cumberland Council, Active Cumbria, and TDA (The Decommissioning Alliance), the campaign uses the power of sport — teamwork, community, and solidarity — to reduce the stigma around suicide and open up life-saving conversations.

We invite you to a series of in person workshops delivered by ProAge CEO, Mike Mansfield, designed to improve the ability of employers to support older workers and foster greater levels of intergenerational collaboration in the workplace.
The workshops include:

1. Creating a multi-generational workforce
2. Retaining older workers
3. Retirement preparations and adjustments

Businesses participating in the full programme will receive a ProAge Age Friendly Employer Accreditation and will be better able to tackle age related barriers to economic inactivity and support older adults to gain or retain employment.

Each organisation/ business will be allocated one place on the programme and representation at all three workshops is required. For more information including workshop details please see attached information sheet.

The workshops are free to attend and refreshments will be provided upon arrival.

To book your place at each workshop please use the links below:

Workshop name Booking link
Retaining older workers https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GGKJ
Retirement preparations and adjustments https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GGKK

A SAR takes place where an adult with needs for care and support died or experienced abuse or neglect, and there are concerns about how agencies worked together to protect them.
A Safeguarding Adult Review was commissioned following the death of Samantha who sadly died aged 33 in July 2024. There were concerns about how agencies worked together to safeguard her, particularly in the context of domestic abuse, substance misuse, coercive control, and her informal caring arrangements.

The review process was delivered in collaboration with Cumberland Community Safety Partnership as a joint review, Samantha's experiences also met the criteria for a Domestic Abuse Related Death Review (DARDR). The DARDR report will be published at a later date following quality assurance processes with the Home Office.

The Safeguarding Adult Review report is published today, you can read the full report here. The report is also accompanied by a Learning Brief aimed at practitioners and managers across the system outlining key learning from Samantha's circumstances and highlighting good practice.

SAR Matthew: lunch & learn session

Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board invite Practitioners and Managers from across the system to attend this lunch & learn session which will focus on learning from the Matthew Safeguarding Adult Review (SAR) due to be published later this month. 

Sarah Hutton, Independent Reviewer will present the learning following the death of Matthew, aged 55 who sadly died in February 2024.  

You can sign up to receive a copy of the SAR report when it is published.

Managers and practitioners across the system are encouraged to attend the learning session which will take place on Tuesday, 9th June 2026, 12:30pm - 2pm, via MS Teams.

Learning themes covered include;

• Twinship and relational dependency
• Communication difference and private interaction styles
• Personality Disorder and impact on engagement
• Capacity, consent, executive functionning and influence
• Self-neglect, chronic health deterioration and impact on engagement

Click here to book your free place and you will receive a link to join the MS Teams session

Hospital patients across England can now check their referrals and appointments through the NHS App, making it easier for millions of people to manage their care in one place.
 
The NHS App is now linked to every acute NHS trust in England, with the tech helping hospitals save money by reducing the need for paper letters and SMS text messages. The app is also freeing up staff time, which in turn helps services focus resources where they matter most: reducing waiting lists and supporting patient care.
 
Some 41 million people are now registered with the NHS App to access services like test results, prescriptions, patient records, patient messaging and appointment information from wherever they are. More than 15 million users logged into the app during March alone – up by almost a third over the last 12 months. Prescription ordering through the app also rose by more than a third, saving time for both patients and NHS staff.
 
Patients at all acute NHS trusts commissioned to provide services for adults can now view their referrals and appointments through the NHS App, with 8.7 million views during March – up 93% compared to a year ago.
 
The app has also recently been updated to make it simpler, more intuitive and easier to navigate – with key services like prescriptions, appointments and test results quicker to find from the new homepage.

Digital access is now essential for everyday life — from managing money and healthcare to staying connected. But for many people, the digital world still feels out of reach.
Workshop date: Wednesday 24 June 2026
Time: 09:30am – 1:30pm (free lunch included)
Venue: Oval Centre, Salterbeck, CA14 5HA

Why attend?
-Learn what digital exclusion looks like in our communities
-Identify who is most affected and the reasons behind digital barriers
-Understand the real-world impact on health, wellbeing and finances
-Discover practical steps your organisation can take to support digitally excluded people
-Explore local tools, resources, and Digital Champion training to help make a difference
-You’ll receive a CPD certificate on completing the workshop

This session blends lively discussion, real-life examples, and hands-on activities to help you better recognise digital barriers and respond confidently to the needs of your beneficiaries.
Registration is essential

The latest Cumbria Advisory Thyroid Service newsletter.

RABI provides practical, financial and emotional support to farming people across England and Wales.

Our services are designed to respond to individual circumstances, offering structured, professional support when it is needed. We work directly with farming people to understand their situation and provide tailored guidance. This includes advice on benefit entitlements, access to financial support, and referrals to appropriate services, including mental health support.

Our freephone helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 188 4444, providing a confidential route to access support.”

Website RABI - the Farmers Charity or email rabi@org.co.uk . There is a whole load of information on the website as to what the charity does, how you can support, volunteer or fundraise along with a regular newsletter as to what we are getting up to.

Press release from NCIC

Trudie Davies has been appointed as permanent Chief Executive at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust after just nine months in her interim role. 

NHS England have backed the permanent appointment to help drive the rapid transformation needed. Confirmation of the appointment brings further stability to the Trust, building on strong early signs of recovery under Trudie’s leadership.

Trudie Davies qualified as a nurse in 1995 in north Devon, before moving into management roles in service and performance improvement in a range of NHS organisations including Leicester, Leeds, Mid Yorkshire and most recently as Chief Executive at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Under Trudie’s interim leadership, performance is showing clear signs of improvement following a renewed focus on quality and safety. The Trust is now seeing reductions in waiting times for operations, diagnostic tests and cancer care. Urgent and emergency care performance has also improved, meaning patients across North Cumbria are already experiencing the benefits. Trudie credits this improvement to the hard work of our staff. She is committed to the belief that if we have happy staff, we will have happy patients and will therefore continue her drive to support an improved culture which puts staff health and well -being as a core pillar of success.

A major new £4m investment has been agreed at the Board of Directors to strengthen urgent and emergency care services. The programme will implement a series of measures to improve the range of services available, avoiding unnecessary treatment to hospital and speeding up access to the right care at the right time for patients and ensuring that our staff can provide the highest standards of care and feel proud of what they do.

Trudie said: “It’s an absolute honour and a real privilege to have been appointed as Chief Executive at such an important moment. Since I arrived I’ve been made to feel so welcome by colleagues and the wider community and I’ve already learned so much from the incredible people here. North Cumbria is full of talented and dedicated people, who care passionately about their health services and inspire me every single day with their dedication to making a real difference.  

“Together we have already begun to make encouraging steps forward on the challenges ahead, and it’s clear to me just how much potential this organisation holds. I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve together. My focus is now on accelerating our recovery and delivering safe, high-quality care for all of our communities.”

Chair Stephen Singleton said: “I am delighted that Trudie has been confirmed in post. She has already made a huge impact in the Trust and we are seeing positive signs of moving in the right direction. We still have a lot to do, but we can be confident that we are moving forward with a very able permanent CEO supported by a strong leadership team. I know that colleagues across the organisation will welcome this stability and get behind Trudie and the team.”

Lead Governor, Jacqueline Nicol, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that NHS England have recognised the progress the Trust has made under Trudie’s leadership.  She has already made a noticeable difference in how people feel and work across the Trust.  Her energy and compassion has already started to lift this organisation, and her permanent appointment gives us great confidence for the future."

The Inquiry’s third report has been published,  following its investigation into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in the four nations of the UK (Module 3). This includes a chapter on the devastating impact of those receiving and providing palliative and end of life care during the pandemic, and their families, friends and loved ones.

Looking for a simple, supportive way to boost your mood, energy, and overall wellbeing? Join our successful 3‑session Eating Well course with Jackie Wilkinson, Nutrition Coach!

💛 Learn how food can support your mental health

💛 Discover a way of eating that feels vibrant and healthy (not a diet!)

💛 Take away practical tips you can use every day

📍 Workington Sessions

🗓 Thursdays 14th, 21st & 28th May 2026

⏰ 11:30am – 12:30pm

📌 Northside Community Centre, Trinity Drive, Workington CA14 1AX

✨ Your mind and body will thank you with:

• More stable moods — “Aaah!”
• Better health — “Thank you!”
• More energy — “Yay!”

If you want to support your mental health using food, this course is for you 💙

✅ Book your place now via the link below

🔗 https://forms.office.com/e/hbu2PdXeCw 

📞 0808 196 1773

In this week's edition:
• TOP STORY: Helping veterans and serving personnel and their families across W&F
• This week's headlines:
• In other news...
• The latest job vacancies from Westmorland and Furness Council

Westmorland and Furness Council is working in partnership with the Join the Dots Community Mental Health Group in Kendal to better understand the needs of community mental health organisations across South Lakeland, with the aim of supporting their long-term sustainability.

We recognise that activities such as recruiting volunteers, providing training and hosting events can help strengthen and sustain local groups. However, we want to hear directly from you about what would make the greatest difference.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we have created a short survey to gather your views on your current position and how we can best support your future plans.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by Sunday 31st May 2026. Your feedback will help shape the support we offer to organisations like yours.

👉 Complete the survey here: South Lakeland Community Mental Health Group - short survey – Fill out form

 Your response will make a real difference, so we’d really encourage you to take part and share your experiences.

Thank you for all that you do to support your community—we truly value your contribution.

Let’s Talk Bereavement - Inclusive Conversations for Life’s Most Difficult Times

This flyer highlights some of the themes we explore in detail in our sessions.
Sessions focus on inclusive conversations around grief, loss, and supporting
people through difficult times, including those with additional support needs or
other communication differences.

Using discussion, reflection, and practical real-world examples, we aim to help
people feel more confident having these sensitive but important conversations.
Sessions can be adapted for workplaces, community settings, and support

services. For further information, please contact: Lee.rose@glenmore.org

The Return Journey

Work life can both present challenges that affect our motivation, confidence and direction. The Return Journey offers different ways of thinking about how we manage setbacks, uncertainty and move forward, without assuming a single 'right' approach. 

Inspired by the number of Japanese ideas and philosophies, the programme is designed so that no prior knowledge or interest is needed. Click here for more information.

25th June 2026, 9.30am-3.30pm. The Glenmore Trust, Harraby Green Training Suite, Carlisle.

For further information, please contact: Lee.rose@glenmore.org

ClickThe PCSM Research Hub invites you to join us for the next edition of the CumbriaMed Research Webinar Series, which showcases leading health researchers working in and with Cumbria. Each session features two expert speakers and a live Q&A. The series is open to staff, students, patients, relatives, and the public; all are welcome.

Topic: How Bioengineering Can Improve Care
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Time: 12:30–13:30
Location: Zoom (registration required)

Register: tinyurl.com/pcsm-webi10

Speakers:

• Mr Harry Tustin - Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

“3D Printing of Ear Bones and New Hearing Devices”
Harry is an ENT surgeon at NCIC whose work includes 3D-printed temporal bones to support the planning of complex ear surgery. He has also been recognised for work on a new conduction aid for glue ear, so his talk will show how bioengineering can support both surgical care and hearing treatment.

• Prof Rylie Green - Professor and Head of the Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London

“Application of Bionic Devices in Healthcare”
Rylie leads research on advanced materials and bioelectronic devices designed to work more effectively with the body. Her work includes neuroprosthetics, bioelectronics and regenerative medicine, helping turn engineering ideas into technologies that could improve treatment and patient care.

Please see the attached flyer for full details, or contact us at: pcsmresearchhub@cumbria.ac.uk

Hosted by: PCSM Research Hub

Funded by: NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

We’re pleased to share the North Cumbria Recovery College (NCRC 18+) timetables for May to July 2026 for Allerdale, Copeland, Carlisle and Eden (including online).

There’s something for everyone, so please do take a look and share with anyone who may benefit.

The WCMHP timetable will be coming soon, and we’ll send this across as soon as it’s ready – so watch this space!

Wild Girls Taster Session May 2026

Inviting Wild Teen Girls…

Join us when we gather in our woodland for a special session of fireside chat, nature connection & space to be free. This space is a no judgement, supportive space to connect with nature and each other. We will get creative and have fun whatever the weather.

This session is a taster to find out whether a regular Wild Teen Girls Club is something our community would like us to provide. We would love to offer a monthly space for teen girls to embrace the freedom of Watchtree – a place where they can learn new skills, create, laugh, slow down and feel empowered.

What to expect:

We will meet the group outside the cafe area at 1pm. From here we will take a gentle stroll through the reserve to our woodland, tuning-in and slowing down, connecting and grounding. There will be plenty of fireside treats and warm juice to enjoy around the campfire. We will share stories, make nature crafts, experiment with bushcraft and explore the woodland.

At 3:30 we will re-group, gather our belongings and gently make our way back to the cafe I time for pick-up at 4pm.

This group is consciously a diverse and inclusive group, accessible and nurturing.

Click here to book on

Summer 2026 Woodland Wellbeing at Watchtree

Do you want to access the healing power of nature and time spent outdoors?

Then join us for the next Watchtree Woodland Wellbeing programme. Our programme is designed to improve wellbeing through meaningful connections with nature, offers an opportunity to relax, and gives you a chance to try new activities in the peaceful woodland setting of Watchtree Nature Reserve.
Starting Tuesday, 9th June, the programme runs regularly in the tranquil surroundings of Watchtree’s private woodland.

Session dates and times
Tue 09 Jun 2026 13:00 – 16:00
Tue 16 Jun 2026 13:00 – 16:00
Tue 23 Jun 2026 13:00 – 16:00
Tue 07 Jul 2026 13:00 – 16:00
Tue 14 Jul 2026 13:00 – 16:00
Each morning session includes a mix of creative, active, and mindful experiences, all led by qualified and supportive practitioners. You’ll enjoy a varied schedule of activities, including:

Campfire cooking
yoga and mindfulness
woodland walks
photography
nature journalling
conservation volunteering
and community connection.

Click here to book on.

May is National Walking Month and last week was also Mental Health Awareness Week.

Our latest blog post explores:

• The ways walking benefits both our physical and mental health
• How walking supports addiction recovery
• Ways we can improve our mental health
• Our favourite walks across Cumbria

Where you can walk with CADAS

Development Officer - Health System Lead

Are you passionate about the role physical activity can play in reducing health inequalities? Do you have an understanding of Cumbria’s health system and the drive to help embed physical activity within it?

We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team and help improve lives across Cumbria through physical activity.

Fixed Term to 31.3.2027

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Oliver Carswell by email at Oliver.Carswell@cumberland.gov.uk or phone 07747 756948.

Closing date: 25 May 2026

Find out more and apply via the Cumberland Council recruitment portal.

Be welcomed by BEE UNIQUE Area Rep Laura Beevis. 

Thursday 21st May 2026, 10.30am-11.30am

Arturo Lounge, Unit B1 and B2 new squares, Penrith, CA11 7FG

A supportive, friendly and welcoming enviornment to share expereinces and learn from each other. Find out about BEE UNIQUE Services. You are not alone! Children Welcome. 

For further information please email beeuniquecharity@gmail.com 

Our latest post has key updates, including funding and project opportunities, representative roles and working groups you might want to get involved in and much more.

The latest vacancies in Cumbria, from across the sector. You'll also find vacancies with Cumbria CVS here too.

Cumbria CVS offers a free membership service for Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations throughout Cumbria. This membership gives you access to our free services, including:

• Early access to our monthly e-bulletin newsletter
• Focus on Funding online - the latest funding opportunities
• Online Learning Programme (Volunteer Management, Funding and Business Support)
• Evaluation and research resources
• Add your organisation to our member's directory and searchable map
• Free or discounted access to online learning provided by external partner VSL Learning, including GDPR, Cyber Security, Safeguarding Adults, and Safeguarding Children
• Advertising of your job vacancies on our website
• Right to vote at our AGM
• Other resources and support in development, including priority/early booking for our training and events

If you want to receive the latest news, events and updates on:

General sector info for your area
Our volunteering network
Volunteering vacancies
Our Action for Health and Mental Health Provider Forum networks
Trustee network
+ more

You can sign up for individual newsletters and manage your subscriptions to our mailings, all in one place!