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Dear Members

Many of you will have been watching with interest the discussions here in Cumbria around NHC ICB boundary alignment and possible changes to these boundaries across Cumbria.

If you need to catch up - you can read background information and documents about this in another article further into this edition of the Bulletin.

We are now starting to hear some more concrete conclusions to the strategic conversions and some likely outcomes of decisions being made at and by NHS England.

Below is a statement provided to us by senior managers within NENC ICB

It has today been confirmed that our boundary will be changing to be coterminous with Combined Authority boundaries by 2028.  For the North East and North Cumbria ICB this means that we will continue to align to the North East and Tees Valley Combined Authorities and the North Cumbria area will align to the Lancashire and Cumbria ICB.

The statement goes on to say:

We will work with our partners to ensure we understand the national requirements and agree a process to support an effective transition.

We know that in addition to this statement that Trudie Davies CEO at NCIC has also sent out a similar statement to staff and partners.

Whilst we now know that a decision has been made, we do not yet know what the detailed timeline for these changes will be. In earlier statements it was indicated that changes would take place from 01.04.2027 however the above statement suggests that this will be the start of a transition period with a final move taking place in 2028.

We are entering another period of significant change in governance and structures within health and care in Cumbria. The Health Partnerships team will do their best to keep the information flowing and to update you with all the latest information.

If you are unsure how this might affect your organisation, funding and/or services give the team a shout and we will do our best to help you understand things a little better.

We will update you all through both regular articles and information in the Bulletin and through presentation at both Cumbria Action for Health and Cumbria Mental Health Provider Forum meetings. 

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

If you’ve been away on leave or just missed all the news as you are just so busy please find below is a quick summary of what has been happening and why it matters.

This links into the news in the introduction to this Bulletin and fills in the gaps for those who have missed the story to date.

Back in June 2026 both ICBs covering the Cumbria footprint were sent a letter from NHS England asking them to :

Suggest minimum boundary changes necessary to your current footprint to align to strategic authority footprints, or

Explain why it is not ‘feasibly possible’ to amend your footprint to align to strategic authority footprints

Changes to the current boundaries 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

On 02.7.2026 Cumbria CVS held a meeting to gather the views of the third sector in Cumbria about this recent government request. A paper was produced from this meeting and shared with the CEO of NENC ICB and LSC ICB. This was added to wider stakeholder feedback and contributed to the final papers sent to NHS England by each ICB.

Final documents from NENC ICB and LSC ICB were submitted 14.07.2026

You can read these documents here:

• North-East & North Cumbria (NENC) ICB
• Lancashire & South Cumbria (LSC) ICB

The timeline currently indicates that we should hear in early Autumn where the future lies in relation to ICB boundaries in Cumbria. We should also get confirmation at that time about what changes will be implemented and what timetable will be followed. Current indications are that changes will be implemented in the new financial year 01.04.2027.

Cumberland Council are setting up a Making It Real Board and are looking for people with experience of Adult Social Care, including people who receive support and unpaid carers, to get involved.

This is an opportunity to work alongside senior leaders to help shape what needs to improve and how services develop. 

A Making It Real Board brings together people with experience of care and support and senior leaders to understand what is working, what is not, and what needs to change. 

As part of the Board, you would: 

• Share your experiences. 
• Say what works and what does not. 
• Help shape priorities for improvement. 
• See how your input leads to change. 

Meetings take place every three months, with opportunities to get involved in wider work if you choose. You don't need any qualifications or previous experience of being on a Board. What matters is your perspective, your honesty, and your willingness to work with others to improve things. 

The Council recognise and want to value people's time. There is the option of receiving a payment in recognition of your contribution, and this will be discussed with you so you can decide what feels right. 

Westmorland and Furness Council is going The Extra Mile for rural communities with the launch of a new flexible, bookable bus service designed to improve access to public transport in areas where conventional bus services are limited or not viable. 

The Extra Mile service allows passengers to book journeys when they need them, rather than relying on a fixed bus timetable or route.

The initial pilot scheme in and around Ulverston will go live on Monday 20.07.2026, with a second scheme for Penrith due to start later this year.

Using an app or telephone booking service, passengers can request journeys within the operating area, and the system matches requests to provide efficient shared transport. This means the bus travels where and when journeys are needed, helping connect rural communities with nearby towns and services.

Read more about the new service and download the app on the council's website

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
CARLISLE SEA CADET UNIT
(UNIT 394 OF THE SEA CADET CORPS)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Carlisle Sea Cadet unit (TS Cumberland) will be held in person at 1830hrs on Tuesday 4th August 2026 to conduct following business:-

AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Opening address or comments
3. Minutes of the last AGM for approval
4. Matters arising from minutes of the last AGM (4th September 2025)
5. Unit Chairperson’s Report
6. P&SA Chairperson’s Report.
7. Commanding Officer’s/Officer-in-Charge’s Report.
8. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts.
9. Election/Re-election of the Unit Management Team (UMT)* trustees
10. Any Other Business**

Anyone wishing to attend the AGM virtually should submit a request by email no later than 19.00 on 1st August 2026 (carlisleseacadets394@gmail.com) Please provide name and email address.

1. Election of the Unit Management Team (UMT) trustees – Individuals who are seeking election to the UMT must have their nomination proposed and seconded.
2. Nominations can only be accepted if they are submitted on the official nomination form which can be obtained by emailing a request to carlisleseacadets394@gmail.com
3. The criteria as to who is eligible to sit on the UMT can be found in the unit’s charity constitution via an email to the Unit Chairman.
4. Any waiving of these criteria is at the discretion of the Volunteer & Business Support Manager (VBSM).
5. All completed forms are to be emailed FAO Unit Chairman no later than 1900hrs Saturday 1st August 2026
6. Alternatively, they can be sent by post to Carlisle Sea Cadets, Nicholson Street, Currock, Carlisle. CA2 4AD or put in the letter box on the units’ gate at the unit address by the above date.

North East and North Cumbria ICB is in the process of migrating all contracts to the Atamis system, which is managed by the Department of Health and Social Care.

As part of this process, access to the previous Contrakta Provider Portal has now ceased.

All organisations requiring payment need to ensure that they register on the Atamis e-tendering platform: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. This will enable commissioners within the ICB to communicate with you as part of contract management. The system will also ensure that you receive notifications of any future opportunities.

NENC ICB/NHS also recommend that you register on the Government's Central Digital Platform: https://www.gov.uk/find-tender, particularly if you provide non-healthcare services.

The aim is that all contracts that are currently on Contrakta will be live on Atamis by 3 August 2026.  Further communications will be sent out before this date and once this has been done and from that point you will need to upload any documents you would have previously uploaded to Contrakta to Atamis instead.

If you have uploaded any documents to Contrakta since 16:30 on 1 July or have any to upload over the next few weeks, you are advised to upload them to Atamis when the communications mentioned above are issued.

If you have any further queries, please contact nencicb.procurement@nhs.net

The Newsletter includes:

• Loads of info about summer activities for all ages
• Borrow bags available from Hubs including book & associated activities
• FREE online courses on coparenting after separation
• Lots of free resources to help prepare children for starting reception years

Loads of great IT courses from the very basic to the more advanced.

Included in this edition:

Treatment trial for bipolar depression

Chance to get involved in NEW ASCEnD Trial, a UK-wide study investigating a potential new treatment for bipolar depression. CNTW is recruiting adults with bipolar depression to take part in this trail

New CNTW website

The new website is now live, offering a clearer design, improved navigation and easier access to our services.

The latest Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness Newsletter. 

This event brings together local charities, community organisations and support services, giving residents the opportunity to find out what help is available in their area, make new connections and enjoy a welcoming social space.

Together at the Movies will be taking place on the first Tuesday of every month at the Royalty Cinema, Bowness-on-Windermere. The sessions are free to attend and open to everyone, providing an opportunity to access information, meet local organisations and connect with others in the community.

The vision to open up Penrith Town Hall to complement and boost the town's cultural and creative sectors has taken a major step forward.

Cabinet today agreed the outline business case and progression of the town hall to a full business case later this financial year – creating an asset which will be well and widely used and Penrith can be proud of. 

Proposed in the outline business case are:   

• A flexible 100–120 seat performance and event space;
• Flexible creative and community spaces;
• Performance, rehearsal and education space for performing arts and community use;
• Youth and creative digital space provision;
• A café/bar and commercial kitchen to be run as a community kitchen;
• Digital skills and innovation spaces; and
• Rentable office and meeting space. 

Formal consultation will also begin on a proposal to move Penrith and Eden Museum service into the refurbished town hall. 

A detailed "full business case" will now be drawn up and brought back to Cabinet in December for final approval.  

Far too many people with a learning disability are still dying too young.

Why is this not headline news?

This report is supported and developed with and by the Staying Alive and Well group.

The group are people with a learning disability who have helped with the LeDeR report who think about what is in the report, and we help to make it easier to understand.

The group’s voices are important because they have a learning disability, who live it, and know it.

The group say:

‘The numbers in this report are not just numbers for us. This is very real to us. This is about people. People dying too young: that could be us. Our voices are important because we need to speak up for people who can’t speak up for themselves. We can help everyone to understand what it’s like to have a learning disability, and what you need to do to support us well.

Our voices are important because we can tell people what it’s like not to have the same support and care as everyone else. Sometimes we are discriminated against or not taken seriously. That makes us angry and upset.

We have worked on the LeDeR report for almost five years now, making accessible versions of the report for people with a learning disability. We are still shocked that we haven’t moved on that much. Every year, working on the report is difficult. It makes us think about our own lives and about our friends.

It’s scary to think what might happen to us.

We explained our feelings in last year’s foreword and the year before. Our feelings haven’t changed’

To find out more follow this link.

Combined 2024 LeDeR report

Carlisle Library will reopen on Tuesday 4 August, welcoming residents back to a transformed space designed for learning, creativity and community connection.

More than just a refurbished building, the new Carlisle Library has been reimagined as a place where residents of all ages can learn, discover, connect and thrive. The modern, welcoming environment will bring together library services, digital access, study facilities and adult learning opportunities, creating a vibrant hub for lifelong learning and community engagement.

When the doors reopen, visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of new and enhanced facilities, including:

• A vibrant children's zone featuring books, digital resources and welcoming spaces for young readers.
• Comfortable social areas where people can relax, meet and connect.
• Adult learning classrooms supporting digital literacy courses, skills development and practical workshops.
• Dedicated study spaces with private desks, charging points and digital resources.
• The renowned Jackson Collection, featuring thousands of rare and historic items dating back to the 1600s.

You are warmly invited to join us as we officially launch a new phase of work for the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North East and North Cumbria.

Date: Thursday 8 October 2026, 4pm until 6pm

Venue: The Common Room, Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE

This event will bring together our key partners to celebrate the start of our new programme of work (2026 until 2031).

We will share details of our refreshed research themes, new priorities, and opportunities for collaboration across the region. There will also be opportunities for networking and conversation, and light refreshments will be available.

A full agenda will be shared ahead of the event.

Please complete this short form to register

As July draws to a close, we look ahead to our much-loved Garden of Memories event, and we would be truly honoured to have you join us for this special occasion in support of your local hospice.

On Sunday 2nd August at 2:30 pm, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw warmly invite you to gather in our beautiful hospice garden to remember and celebrate the lives of those who remain forever in our hearts. Surrounded by elegant Forget-Me-Nots, bearing the names of loved ones, we will come together to reflect, remember and celebrate the enduring love that continues to bloom in our lives.

If you would like to make a donation and leave a personal tribute in our Garden of Memories, we would be delighted to include your dedication. You can do so by visiting:

https://www.edenvalleyhospice.org/support-us/events/garden-of-memories/

The service will conclude at approximately 3:15 pm, followed by light refreshments and an opportunity to pause, connect with others, and share treasured memories in a warm and supportive setting.

It would mean so much to have you with us. Please feel free to bring family and friends – everyone is welcome to join us as we come together to remember, celebrate and honour those who will always hold a special place in our hearts

Memories in Colour

First and Third Tuesday of the month - 11am -1pm

A welcoming space to connect through colouring, or just come to enjoy the free refreshment and a catch up. Age UK North Cumbria, Cumbria House, Murray Road, Workington, CA14 2AD

LoveAge and Thyme Lunch

Mondays 11.30am-1pm

Enjoy a light lunch and tea and coffee for £6. Please call or email to book your place. LoveAge and Thyme, 66 Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8DP. admin@ageuknorthcumbria.org.uk 01228 536673

Free Funded Places for Skills Bootcamp in Business and Leadership for Social Enterprise

This Skills Bootcamp is designed to support individuals living or working in Cumbria, who are employed within a social enterprise or a trading charity, and who are looking to develop practical leadership and management capability. This course is due to start in September 2026, a timetable is attached for your reference. Applications can be made via our website: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/cpd-and-short-courses/business/skills-bootcamp-in-business-and-leadership-for-social-enterprise/

Applications must be initiated by the applicant's employer or by the applicant themselves if they are self-employed. To be eligible for a place on the Skills Bootcamp participants must:

• be 19 or over on 1st August 2026 and should be resident in and working in Cumbria 
• complete an official application form, we will send participants a link to Aptem to complete their application. This will happen once their employer has completed the application on the webpage linked above and our administration team will create the Aptem account.
• have access to suitable equipment to participate in online classes.
• have Employer Support, including a contributing to fees. For SMEs, this is £306; for employers with over 250 staff, this is £918. Contributions are payable on enrolment, via our online store. A payment link will be provided on enrolment.  Skills Bootcamps are VAT exempt, so no VAT will be charged. For this course some participants are eligible for Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership funding to cover the employer contribution. To be eligible for Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership funding the social enterprise or trading charity must be based in Cumberland. Self-employed individuals are exempt from paying course fees and will be asked to provide evidence of self-employed status on application.  
• not have undertaken any other Skills Bootcamp since April 2026

If you have any questions about the course or your eligibility, please contact: uocskillsbootcamps@cumbria.ac.uk

Please feel free to pass onto others that you may think would be interested. Please note the free places are Cumberland only, there is a small fee for the remainder of the county.

Sofa to Saddle is a new app from British Cycling and Lloyds. It is an easy to follow, 8 step plan designed to help beginners and returning riders build confidence, create healthy habits, and fall in love with cycling. Think Couch to 5K, but bikes, and we need your help to make it a success! Sofa to Saddle - British Cycling | Sofa to Saddle

Why Sofa to Saddle:

• Go at your own pace: There are no strict deadlines or intense timeframes, keeping things completely low-pressure and achievable.
• No fancy kit required: You don’t need expensive clothes, lycra, or a top-tier bike. You can even rent or borrow a bike to get started.
• Fits around real life: Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or a working professional, the app easily fits into your schedule.
• No confusing jargon: Enjoy down-to-earth, friendly, and relatable guidance every step of the way.
• Boost your wellbeing: It's built for all activity levels, so you don't need to be fit to reap the physical and mental health benefits.

How you can help:

We have created a comprehensive Campaign Toolkit packed with ready-to-use resources that you can copy, paste, and share with your own members, customers,

databases, and social media followers.

By supporting this campaign, you can inspire someone to take that first step in their cycling journey.

Access the toolkit HERE and get involved in the launch using #SofaToSaddle

Let’s get Britain cycling, together!”

Wellbeing day at Penrith - A day for our community to come together, connect and feel supported. 

Saturday 15th August 10am-4pm 

Evergreen Hall Community Centre, Evergreen Way, Penrith, CA11 7YJ

Join Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to celebrate National Cycle Network Route 72 in Lowca. 

Friday 14th August, 5:30-7:30pm 

Meet outside Lowca Village Hall, CA28 6PT

- Complete a 1 hour guided walk at a gentle pace

- Learn print-making and etching techniques with Cumbrian based artist, Nanette Madan,

All abilities welcome - no experience or equipment required. Suitable for all ages, Under 18's must be supervised by an adult. 

Visit bitly/WalkLowca 

Included in this edition:

• A quick roundup for the latest Alliance Meeting 21.07.2026
• Important date for anyone interested in Neighbourhood Health in South Cumbria Neighbourhood Health Maturity Framework VCFSE Engagement Workshop

HOLD THE DATE - Wednesday 16 September, 10am - 12pm

• More Neighbourhood Health news in a blog by VCSE Alliance Chair: The Future of Healthcare is Already Happening in Our Communities
• Free monthly CPD (Continuing Professional Development) session for health and social care professionals and VCFSE workers, with a focus on therapeutic practice, attachment, trauma, neurodiversity, and social inclusion.

A new Supported Housing Strategy has been agreed, setting out plans to improve housing and support for residents across Cumberland, with the voices and experiences of local people at its heart. 

The new strategy focuses on preventing homelessness, reducing the need for repeated moves and helping people settle into long-term homes with the right support to live independently and thrive. 

Read the full Supported Housing Strategy online at www.cumberland.gov.uk/housing/housing-policies-and-strategies

Families across Cumberland can enjoy cheaper travel this summer thanks to a new offer allowing children aged five to 15 to travel free on participating bus services throughout August.  

Participating services include:  

• All Stagecoach services 

• Cumberland Council services (operated by Reays Coaches) - DR1, HW1, MD1, 68, C123 & 93S 

For further details and participating services, visit www.cumberland.gov.uk/bus-timetables 

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to ‘have your say’ in shaping the next stage of Westmorland and Furness’ first Local Plan.

The Local Plan is one of the most important documents produced by Westmorland and Furness Council. It carefully considers how many new homes and workplaces the area needs to grow. It considers the prosperity and sustainability of communities, whilst also protecting its local and historic character, landscapes, biodiversity and environment - for now and for future generations.   

The next stage of the process is a ‘Scoping Consultation’, which lasts for six weeks until 11 August.

Find out more about the Local Plan and have your say in the consultation

Come along to the Kirkby Stephen & Tebay Place Action Group (PAG) Drop-in Event and discover the projects, funding opportunities and community initiatives helping to make a difference across the area.

Wednesday 9 September 2026
Drop in anytime between 4.30pm and 6.00pm
Kirkby Stephen Sports & Social Club, Market Street, Kirkby Stephen

Meet local organisations, ask questions and hear about a range of projects, including:

✅ The proposed Kirkby Stephen Pump Track
✅ Empty Homes initiatives
✅ Sensory trails and nature-based activities
✅ Public transport updates
✅ Playpark improvements and community funding success stories
✅ Walkers are Welcome projects
✅ Northern Viaducts Trust and Encounter Eden CIC initiatives

A great opportunity to learn more about what your local Place Action Group has achieved, share your views, and connect with others working to improve the area.

Everyone who lives or works in the Kirkby Stephen and Tebay area is welcome.

Department for Work and Pensions want to break down the barriers that stop people from finding work, and that means meeting people where they are.

The Job Centres on Wheels bring Jobcentre Plus services to more communities in Furness and the South Lakes including rural areas and towns that don't have a jobcentre.

The mobile Jobcentres offer a range of services including job searching support, information on training opportunities, and advice for those with health conditions or disabilities.

They will also offer guidance on accessing childcare cost support.

Work coaches are available on-site, available to offer personalised support.

For the latest locations, see the website where schedules are published and updated regularly: Mobile Jobcentre Plus: Barrow timetable - JobHelp

For benefit payment enquiries, contact your nearest Jobcentre.

Published this week by the North East Autism Society, Hidden Barriers: Autism and GP Surgeries shares the voices of autistic people, families and doctors, highlighting sensory challenges, finding it hard to communicate their pain to a doctor, and sensitivity to touch as some of the things that can make a visit to the GP harder.

Additional you tube video - about hidden barriers for autistic patients using healthcare
Dr Kathy Petersen, NENC medical director for mental health, neurodivergence and learning disability, appears in a new film showing the challenges that autistic people can face when using healthcare.

The film is available on YouTube now.

Digital exclusion remains one of the most pressing and least visible forms of inequality in the UK.

Richard Heek's report draws on in-depth interviews with members of our Cumbria Digital Inclusion Network (CDIN) to offer lessons for practitioners, policymakers and funders working on digital inclusion.

Take a look at the Executive Summary or better still - read the full report and help share its findings.

Cumbrian research

North Cumbria’s health trust is inviting its members, partners and anyone interested in healthcare in the region to come and hear how it is transforming its services.

The ‘Hope and ambition – transforming healthcare in north Cumbria’ event will double as the Trust Annual General Meeting and will be an opportunity to quiz health leaders on their progress and plans for the future. The event will showcase innovations that are improving care for patients across North Cumbria, and set out an ambitious vision for the future of local health services. It will take place at the Cumberland Infirmary, at 5pm on Monday 12 October.

Places will be limited, but you can book your ticket now.

In this month's newsletter
• NIHR Visits Cumberland
• New CCR blog post: Researching democratic participation and health outcomes
• Project Officer Lianna shares an update on the growing CCR team
• New research skills training coming soon
• Cumberland Youth Matters
• NIHR Annual Report 2025/26
• Keep in touch

Brand-new Adult learning brochures - One for Westmorland and Furness Council area, and one for Cumberland Council. Learners are welcome to attend any of the courses in Cumbria, regardless of which council area they live in.

Eligible young people can now get a free NHS MenB vaccination to help protect against meningitis and septicaemia.  

You are eligible if you: 

• Finished Year 13 this summer and were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. 
• Are under 25 and starting university for the first time this autumn. 
• Are under 25 and starting an eligible residential further education course for the first time this autumn.  

The vaccine is given in two doses, at least four weeks apart, at a participating pharmacy.  

How to get vaccinated: 

Year 13 students: Book an appointment through the NHS national booking system: 

Book a MenB Vaccination Appointment

• Under 25s starting university or an eligible residential further education course: Arrange an appointment or walk into a local pharmacy. 

Find Out More

Included this month:

• Latest research on leading change across complex systems. Watch a recording of a recent presentation to discover key learning, reflect on the future of our learning community, and help shape what comes next.
• A new chapter for advance care planning - explore the learning available and join colleagues at the Celebrate, Share and Inspire event on 15 September to share innovation and good practice.
• Poverty Awareness Training

And…. So much more

Do you work or volunteer in health, social care or the VCSE sector?

Join a free online information session on 19 August to discover the confidential services available through the Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub.

Learn how the Hub can support your wellbeing, help you connect colleagues with valuable support, and promote healthier, more resilient workplaces.

FREE webinar 18.08.20266

Whether you work in prisons, in the community, or across both, this is your chance to get up to speed and ask questions directly.

Clinks is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday 18 August [10:00am–11:30am] to break down how the Act will be implemented, what is changing, what is on hold, and what the voluntary sector needs to know.

Register for the webinar here

If you have any questions in the meantime, get in touch with us at info@clinks.org

Westmorland and Furness Council’s public consultations into the future of residential care homes in Windermere and Alston close in just under two weeks, on Wednesday 19 August.

Organisations and individuals can read the consultation information and submit a response at the online consultation pages for Applethwaite Green in Windermere and Grisedale Croft in Alston, or to submit documents for a longer organisational response you can email them direct to care.consultation@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

We have made huge progress on HIV in England and Cumbria over the last couple of decades.  The national HIV Action Plan 2025-2030 sets out a collective commitment to one of the most ambitious public health goals of our time: ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030.

To support this ambition locally, Cumberland Council, working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and wider system partners,  is hosting a workshop to develop a new Cumbria wide HIV Action Plan.  We’d like to invite you to this in-person workshop which will be held in Carlisle city centre on Monday 5^th October 2026 from 10am to 1.00pm.

The workshop will bring together partners from across health, local government, the VCFSE sector and other system organisations to identify and agree the actions we should prioritise in Cumbria to support the ambition of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030, whilst improving outcomes for people living with HIV.  Achieving this ambition will require action across the whole system, and your experience and expertise will be invaluable in helping shape Cumbria's response.

An invitation will also be sent to you by Outlook – please do RSVP and, if possible, join us for this important discussion.

Jackie Dodd

Public Health Manager

jackie.dodd@cumberland.gov.uk

Our goal at Hope Haven has always been to provide mental health and wellbeing support that is truly accessible, breaking down barriers so people can get the help they need quickly and easily.
Between January - May 2026:
• Over 2000 people have received support from us.
• A quarter of those people had not engaged with CNTW’s NHS mental health services before.
Compared to the same period (January – May) last year:
⬇️ Admissions to CNTW's adult acute inpatient wards in North Cumbria have gone down by nearly a quarter (23%).
⬇️ Local NHS Community Treatment Team referrals are down by 20%.
⬇️ There has been a 30% drop in people attending West Cumberland Hospital A&E due to self-harm, and 15% fewer people attending due to mental health.

We believe these changes are because people can easily access help much earlier, so they’re not reaching crisis point as often - and if they do, Hope Haven can support them through that crisis too.
We will continue to monitor and evaluate how well Hope Haven is working, and the impact it is having.
Activity timetable
We now have a timetable of regular FREE wellbeing activities and groups. These take place at our main base on King Street and other community venues around Whitehaven and Copeland.
There’s something for everyone:
• Get moving with walking rugby, bellicon, chair-based exercise, and local walks.
• Learn more about yourself and find a sense of purpose with ‘ikigai’ workshops.
• Find support and encouragement from people with similar experiences, or just have a chat and make new friends, at support groups and our ‘chatty café’.
All of our activities are free-of-charge, safe, non-judgemental spaces to help people look after their wellbeing.
View the full timetable on our webpage. A new timetable is uploaded here each month. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest news and updates about activities.
You can help us to promote our activities by
• sharing our webpage in your own communications / newsletters
• sharing our posts on Facebook
• If you have a public waiting area with digital screens, reply to this email and we can provide you with an image to share. The Hope Haven team will also be distributing printed posters soon.
Walkthrough video
We know coming through the door of Hope Haven can be a big step.
We now have a walk-through video available, so people can take a look inside and see what to expect.
It also features some people who’ve come to Hope Haven talking about how it helped them.
Watch the video here.

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

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