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Dear Member,

As we emerge congealed and tacky from a week of heat, I just wanted to reflect on a busy few days for our team. And also to ponder why we, like many others, are so bad at remembering to record and share our triumphs. Even writing the word triumph makes me feel slightly queasy!

Last Wednesday we hosted our latest 'Link and Think' event, this time partnering with Healing Arts, Susie Tate Projects and Tullie Museum and Galleries to bring the worlds of health and the arts together.

Despite the searing heat, we had a fabulous day - connecting, thinking about what stops us working in partnership and coming together to find solutions. Find out more here https://padlet.com/cumbriacvs/arts-and-culture-link-and-think-north-cumbria-f8cfzacc78pggm9t

We know the arts have huge potential for improving health and wellbeing. Engaging with arts linked to slower pace of ageing - SBB is just one piece of a growing body of research showing just that. But the arts sector continues to be a less utilised and less understood force than, say, green social prescribing or physical activity. 

Connecting and building partnerships are the first steps towards realising this enormous potential. If you are interested in being part of the arts and health discussions in Cumbria, Susie Tate would love to hear from you: susie.tate@ncic.nhs.uk. 

Towards the end of the event Sarah disappeared off to present at a national webinar on data and outcomes in social prescribing - showcasing the great work being done in our county. You can catch up on the session here: NASP Webinar: Making outcomes meaningful: Understanding the importance of data capture and how to collect it | NASP

Now, given we had such a great day, with amazingly artistic and creative stalls and vibrant work, is this the only photo we managed to take?? I suspect the answer is we were too busy talking or doing to remember. Either that or we can blame the heat....

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

IMPORTANT MEETING – To gather 3rd Sector views on - Aligning NHS Boundaries with strategic authorities (Cumbria Combined Authority)

Thursday 02.07.2026 2.30pm to 3.30pm online Teams meeting

We are holding a meeting to gather the views of the third sector in Cumbria about the recent government request to NENC ICB (North East & North Cumbria ) and LSC ICB (Lancashire & South Cumbria) to consult on and respond to the Government’s commitment to aligning ICB footprints with strategic authorities.

Please read the attached letter here sent from Sam Allen Chief Executive of NENC ICB. This lays out what is being asked of each of the ICBs in Cumbria. We are awaiting a similar letter from the Chief Executive of LSC ICB.

In short this is a request to each of the ICBs to:

• Consider moving NHS ICB boundaries to better fit the NEW Cumbria Combined Authority boundaries
• Explain why it is not feasibly possible to amend the boundaries
• Engage with local partners and prepare a response for NHS England by 14.07.2026

This could result in changes including:

• A combined Cumbria NHS area attached to NENC ICB
• A combined Cumbria NHS area attached to LSC ICB
• Other smaller scale changes

You can book a place at the meeting by following the link below:

In the meantime, please do connect with Clare Edwards claree@cumbriacvs.org.uk if you would like more information or if you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to share thoughts/comments (emails only please).

Do you struggle to find good, reliable data about the people you work with and where they live? Could you do with good, reliable data to support project development or funding applications? Are you interested in learning more about specific issues like housing, employment, crime etc? Why not join us at this session?

7th, July 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00

Online via MS Teams

The Beginners Guide to the Cumbria Observatory will provide a brief introduction to the Cumbria Observatory and talk you through how to find the data and information most useful to you, your organisation and the people you work with.

What is the Cumbria Intelligence Observatory? 

The Observatory is a fantastic local website that brings together existing research and analysis resources throughout Cumbria. The site works jointly with partners, to provide information and intelligence. It’s all arrange in easy to locate sections that include:

• Ward profiles
• Population
• Children & Young people
• Housing
• Health & social care
• Crime & community safety
• Deprivation
• Economy & employment
• Environment
• HDRC

You can identify and source detailed profiles of geographic areas including Cumbria as a whole, the unitary council areas of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness, former districts, wards, LSOAs and a number of other geographies within Cumbria.

If you can’t make the session and/or want to do a bit of research before why not head to the website:

https://www.cumbriaobservatory.org.uk/

If you are a parent or carer, you can access free online courses through One Plus One to help you build stronger relationships and support your family life. 

The courses are short, easy to follow and designed to fit around busy schedules. You can dip in and out when it suits you. 

They offer simple, practical ideas to help you: 

•  build stronger relationships
• communicate more easily 
• handle everyday parenting challenges 

You can sign up anonymously at oneplusone.org.uk/parents.  

Join Raise: Cumbria Community Forest for practical days working outdoors and caring for woodlands. 

Seasonal activities include tree-planting, surveying and maintaining woodland. Join as many or as few sessions as you can. Dates vary across weekdays, weekends and locations across Cumbria.

Monday 6 July 2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Online

Register to join this learning event organised by NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care and the UK Health Security Agency to support individuals across the health and social care system to drive action on inclusion health and multiple disadvantage.

The session will showcase local best practice and introduce new resources co-developed by national organisations, integrated care boards, local authorities and partners from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

The latest Armed Forces newsletter brings together key information and updates for the Armed Forces community across Cumberland, including details about Armed Forces Day and other upcoming events taking place locally.

It also highlights the range of support available for serving personnel, veterans and their families, alongside local hubs, clubs and opportunities to connect with others.  

Great news - a Chair has now been appointed to the Raffles and Morton Neighbourhood Board. 

Local business owner Joshua Jenkins will lead the board in directing £20m of investment from the government's Pride in Place programme. 

Could you help? Find out more about Pride in Place and how you can get involved in Raffles and Morton.

Have a good old rummage through the Boost newsletter there are so many great courses and learning opportunities pretty much all of which are free to access.

Including:

Advance Care Planning - Deciding Right

This e-learning supports staff to deliver person-centred, legally compliant care decisions. Through interactive scenarios, it builds understanding of mental capacity, best interests, communication, documentation and teamwork. This helps to ensure consistent, compassionate care across settings.

Health Literacy update

The North East and North Cumbria Health Literacy Team has launched a new newsletter alongside free training and resources. From bite-sized webinars to advanced sessions, colleagues can build skills to communicate clearly, reduce inequalities and improve outcomes - supporting a more consistent, accessible approach in our region.

Supporting Patients after intensive care

People leaving intensive care often face ongoing physical and emotional challenges, with many feeling unsupported after discharge. This free VONNE online forum (14 July) brings together professionals to explore how stronger links between hospital and community services can improve recovery and support better outcomes

Examples of training on offer:

PROJECT ECHO - What is Deciding right? Advance Statement & Care Planning
9 July 2026, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, Online

Making Every Contact Count Training
10 July 2026, 9:15am - 10:15am, Online
Click here to view more dates...

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training: Tier 1 Interactive Session (NHS staff only)
13 July 2026, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Online
Click here to view more dates...

April - June 2026 Better Health update from GLL Westmorland and Furness

Working or volunteering in the NHS, social care or similar voluntary sector organisations can be demanding. If things feel tough, whether that is at work or home, you don't have to deal with it on your own.

The North East and North Cumbria staff wellbeing hub offers free, confidential support for anyone working in health or social care across our region.

The hub provides quick access to one‑to‑one support from an experienced mental health professional, along with up to three short follow-up sessions if needed. It can also help you find other services if you need longer-term support. You can talk about anything affecting your wellbeing, from stress and burnout to personal challenges.

Using the hub is simple and flexible. You can refer yourself and your employer will not be informed. Most appointments are carried out by phone or video, making it easier to fit around work and home life and you will usually hear back within a working day.

To access support, you can complete the online form, email hubstheword@cntw.nhs.uk, or call 0191 223 2030. Appointments will be arranged at a time that suits you.

What the hub offers

The hub gives you quick access to support from trained professionals:

• Talk to a mental health professional – you’ll get a one‑to‑one appointment to discuss what’s going on
• Short-term support sessions – usually up to three follow-up sessions after your first appointment
• Signposting to other services – if you need more or longer-term help, they guide you to the right place

This support is designed to be quick, compassionate, and easy to access, often with fast appointments and no long waiting lists

How it works

• You can self-refer
• It’s confidential, meaning your employer isn’t informed
• Most appointments are done by phone or video, so it’s flexible around your work
• The team aims to get back to you within one working day

What kind of support it covers

The hub can help with a wide range of issues, including:

• Stress or burnout
• Anxiety or low mood
• Work pressures
• Personal or home-related challenges

It also connects you with wider support options if needed, such as therapy or specialist services.

Included in this addition:

• Introduction from Stephen Singleton NEW Trust Chair
• NCIC rises 10 places in national league table
• NEW public governor opportunities coming up
• Annual General meeting save the date 05.10.2026

This year’s theme ‘Care equity: who gets care?’ explores how access to support is shaped and how lived experience can influence decisions. 

Co-production means working alongside people from the start so services reflect what matters in everyday life, such as feeling safe, supported and connected. 

Across Cumberland, people with lived experience, carers and community groups are already helping to shape services. The council’s Working Together in Adult Social Care and Housing report highlights this ongoing work. 

Want to share your experience of council services and be involved in shaping change in Cumberland? Contact us at coproduction@cumberland.gov.uk

Autism - It’s Part of Me” A CPD Accredited Course - Limited to 6 places per course
Come along to have a better understanding of your Autism and meet others Autistic adults who understand the difficulties you may experience. FREE of Charge

MARYPORT Saturday 25th July 11am - 3pm
The Settlement, High Street, Maryport CA15 6BQ
PENRITH Thursday 6th August 10am - 2pm
Church House, 19-24 Friargate, Penrith CA11 7XR

“Autism - It’s Part of Them”
A CPD Accredited Course for family members of Autistics - Limited to 15 places per course
Come along to have a better understanding of Autism, try the VR Headset Autism simulator to experience the audio and visual difficulties of Autistics and meet others who understand. FREE of Charge

JULY Thursday 9th 10.30am - 2.30pm MARYPORT
At The Settlement, High Street, Maryport CA15 6BQ
JULY Wednesday 15th 10am - 2pm PENRITH
At Church House, 19-24 Friargate, Penrith CA11 7XR
SEPTEMBER Thursday 3rd 10.30am - 2.30pm CARLISLE
At Crosby Street, Carlisle CA1 1DQ

TEXT Susan with date of course you want to attend with your name and email address to 07748350587

Experience what it may feel like to live with dementia. Guided reflection helps improve care, confidence and understanding.

Book your slot by sending an email stating which day and approx. time you’d
like to attend or pop in on the day and join a session if we have a space :
Joanne Rayson, Age Friendly Co-ordinator
joanne.rayson@ageuknorthcumbria.org.uk

Local services supporting people living with dementia and their carers will be on hand too.
Please arrive 5 or 10 minutes before your slot to complete registration.

Weds 8th July 2026 Water Street car park, Wigton 10am – 4pm
Weds 15th July 2026 Allerdale House car park, Workington 10am – 4pm

We're pleased to share a series of free family wellbeing courses delivered by the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership Recovery College. These sessions are designed to help parents, carers, children and young people and and family members build confidence, improve wellbeing, and develop practical strategies for managing everyday challenges.

Available courses, posters also attached.
🧠 Managing Stress and Worry (Online)
• Starts: Thursday 2 July 2026
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Time: 4:30pm–5:30pm
• Delivered online via Microsoft Teams
👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting Your Child's Mental Health (In Person)
• Starts: Thursday 2 July 2026
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Time: 5:30pm–6:30pm
• Location: Time to Change Community Centre, Kells, Whitehaven
💙 Emotional Resilience (Online)
• Starts: Friday 16 July 2026
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Time: 4:30pm–5:30pm
• Delivered online via Microsoft Teams
🤝 Emotional Resilience (Face-to-Face)
• Starts: Friday 17 July 2026
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Time: 4:30pm–5:30pm
• Venue: Time to Change Community Centre, Kells, Whitehaven, CA28 9AN

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
• 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!