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Dear Member

September so often feels like a time of new beginnings especially for those heading off to school or university for the first time and for their family and friends back at home supporting them and getting used to their absence.

For us in the Health Partnerships Team September is a time for us to take stock, to think about future work plans and to work with our network chairs Mary Smith and Geoff Joliffe to plan Cumbria Mental Health Provider Forum and Cumbria Action for Health meetings for the year.

When planning the network meetings, we always want to hear from you too. If you either have ideas for great speakers, things you want to know more about in the world of health and care in Cumbria and or you want to come and talk about the great work you and your organisation are delivering just send anyone on the Health Partnerships Team (below) a quick email. We are always pleased to find you a slot and give you some guidance about the audience and their interest in health and care.

We know that there are several new people and organisations who have signed up to the Bulletin over the Summer. We are truly glad to have you as readers of all the varied content we produce. But don’t forget, this Bulletin belongs to you too. So, if you want to introduce your organisation to all our readers (getting on for 900 at the last count) have any news about new services, changes to services or simply want to remind us of all of the great work you do just send us a quick email.

We have some great events coming up over the next months including network meetings.

You are welcome to book on to any of the events (all links are in the articles below) and the Health Partnerships Team very much look forward to seeing you at one or more of them 😊:

Cumbria Mental Health Provider Forum Wednesday 16^th September – it’s an in-person event in Tebay with a FREE lunch so a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and meet others from the sector

Introduction to The Picture In Cumberland Report  Wednesday 7^th October – an online event focusing on all the great data, research findings and information produced in the NEW HDRC Picture In Cumberland Report.

Cumbria Action for Health Tuesday 20th October – an in-person event in Penrith with a FREE lunch and a great opportunity to learn more about how Neighbourhood Health in Cumbria is developing.

Work & Health Link & Think Thursday 26^th November – an in-person event in Wigton building connections between third sector groups and social prescribing staff and providing updates on major work and health programmes.

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

Introduction to The Picture In Cumberland Report  - Online session 07.10.2026 10am to 11am  

This event focuses on all the great data, research findings and information produced in the NEW Picture In Cumberland Report.

The session will be led by staff from Cumberland HDRC who created the report. 

Covering the 7 themes selected by HDRC stakeholders (including the third sector) the session is a must for anyone involved in supporting and/or delivering services focused on or aligned to:

• Poverty
• Mental Health
• Neurodiversity
• Substance Use
• Obesity & Food Insecurity
• Cared for Children
• Pathways to Employment
• Access to Housing

You will be introduced to a range of key data from the Cumberland area and supported to understand how the data highlights key themes and significant issues of concern.

This session has been designed specifically for local third sector organisations.

You can read a copy of the report here:

www.cumberland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-08/the_picture_in_cumberland_health_inequalities_secondary_data_analysis_report.pdf

A joint event between Cumbria CVS, Cumberland Social Prescribing Team, and the Cumbria Combined Authority Work, Health, and Skills Team. The aim of the event is to enhance connectivity in the work and health space, providing updates on major programmes, landscape, and networking opportunities. All culminating in greater engagement with programmes. 

VCSE organisations and work and health programmes will be invited to bring stalls and pop up banners around the room.

Exact timings to be confirmed… 

Do you have a passion for health and care delivered in Cumbria by the third sector?

Do you want to get more involved in developing new concepts of Neighbourhood Health?

Do you want our health and care system to develop better services with people at their heart?

Could you be Cumbria Action for Health’s new CHAIR(s).

Cumbria has a vibrant and innovative third sector that delivers 1,000s of fantastic health and care services across the county.

Staff and volunteers are passionate about the work they do and work hard to ensure the services they provide make a difference to people from all walks of life in all of our communities.

It’s important that third sector organisations work together adding value to one another’s services. We also need to work together to make sure we reach right out into the remotest communities and the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods and ensure we grow and build new services where they are needed most.

Our services also need to be integrated with and to complement all the other services provided by our partners in the statutory and private sector.

That’s why Cumbria Action for Health is so important and why we need an enthusiastic new Chair or Chairs (job share) to lead the Network for the next 3 years. 

Are you:

• A powerful ambassador for all the great health and care services the third sector delivers in North Cumbria?
• Skilled at describing and delivering the third sector’s core skills of innovation, flexibility, working at pace, reach into disadvantaged communities?
• Skilled at working in and leading multi-agency initiatives?
• Passionate about providing the third sector with a pro-active, positive voice in health and care in Cumbria

We are looking for an individual and/or two individuals in a job share arrangement who currently works and/or volunteer within a third sector organisation that delivers health and/or care services in Cumbria and who has experience of leading partnerships, multi-agencies projects or Networks.

What is Cumbria Action for Health?

Cumbria Action for Health is a network of 100s of third sector organisations all of whom deliver health and care services in Cumbria. The network has been in operation for over 15 years.

It is a vibrant and lively group of staff and volunteers who value getting together to:

• promote their organisations & services
• find out about support, training, key contacts and good practice
• keep up to date on health and wellbeing issues
• find out about local, regional and national policies and access information which may affect groups and their beneficiaries
• influence decisions made in Cumbria regarding health and wellbeing through consultations, and by representing the network at strategic meetings
• provide an opportunity to develop and deliver a unified third sector voice in relation to health and care issues, concerns, governance and structures across the county

The network meets on alternate months of the year, with additional events held as necessary.

To view the information pack click HERE

 Click HERE to submit an application form.

For more information or if you would like to discuss the role please contact:

Clare Edwards – Health Partnerships Manager claree@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Deadline for application: 10am Monday 28^th September 2026.

Interviews/election will take place between 05.10.2026 and 26.10.2026.

The new Chair(s) will be announced during the week of 02.11.2026.

The successful candidate will have an induction period with the NEW Chair(s) assuming full responsibilities from 01.01.2027.

Carers UK and employment rights for carers

Last month, the Department for Business and Trade launched a new consultation on employment rights for carers which is seeking views on paid Carers’ Leave and other entitlements such as a right to return to work after caring for someone at the end of their life. Carers UK have long campaigned for stronger legal protections and flexibility for working carers. They have prepared a briefing for organisations wishing to respond to the consultation and are running a webinar on 4 August to explore the consultation and consider how, together, we can maximise its impact. Sign up here to attend the webinar.

Carlisle Drop-Ins to Try the Autism Simulator Via the VR Headset, Find out more about Autism and meet Team Autism.

Monday 14th September Stanwix Community Hall Church Street, Stanwix Carlisle CA3 9DJ
2pm - 5pm (4-5pm Autistic Adults only)

Tuesday 20th October Harraby Community Campus, Bowman Room Edgehill Road Carlisle CA1 3SN 2pm - 5pm (4-5pm Autistic Adults only)

Tuesday 3rd November Tullie Museum Castle St, Carlisle CA3 8TP in the Study Room
12 - 3pm (2-3pm Autistic Adults only)

The NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health delivered by Newcastle University and Partners have been working closely with stakeholders to strengthen research delivery support for public health research outside the NHS.

The support available through the pilot is tailored to your individual needs, from signposting through to hands-on support to set up and deliver public health research once you have been awarded funding. We will work closely with you to identify the areas where we can provide support for you and your project.

The project supports individuals experiencing both mental health difficulties and substance misuse issues, helping those with co-occurring conditions to engage with appropriate support and work towards their recovery goals.

SMMILES provides person-centred, trauma-informed support and works alongside individuals who may be facing complex challenges in their daily lives as a result of their mental health and substance use. The service aims to reduce isolation, strengthen community connections, improve wellbeing, and support long-term recovery.

We are keen to receive referrals from services working with people who may benefit from additional support around co-occurring mental health and substance misuse needs.

Please send completed referrals directly to:
smmiles@thewell2.co.uk

If you would like any further information about the project, referral criteria, or how SMMILES may be able to support the people you work with, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

This edition incudes:

• Information about FREE skills development for social prescribing link workers
• Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag – Primary care compliance webinar
• Introduction to Designing and Carrying out an Evaluation
• The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training

Things are continuing to grow, and we'd love you to be part of it. Our Parent Carer Forum development meetings are open to anyone who'd like to help shape the future of the forum.

If you'd like to get involved, get in touch with Laura for a chat; email laura.burling@contact.org.uk or call/text 07808774233

We've also got some parent carer connection events coming up, so pop these dates in your diary:

📍 Friday 18 September | 11am–1pm Penrith Rugby Club Lunch and wellbeing goodies included.

💻 Tuesday 22 September | 6.30–7.30pm Online get-together – email Laura for joining details

📍 Provisionally Friday 9 October | 12pm–2pm Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal Lunch and wellbeing goodies included.

We're also exploring a Barrow area event, so watch this space!

The new private Facebook group is now live: SEND Parents and Carers Community (Westmorland and Furness) | Facebook

Please answer the joining questions and feel free to share it with other parent carers. As the forum develops, the group will develop too, we want it to reflect the voice of parent carers.

To have a chat, contact Laura: Laura Burling (Contact Associate) Laura.burling@contact.org.uk | 07808 774233

Neu Way Support is for families in Furness and South Lakes. It gives advice, guidance and practical help for families of children and young people with neurodevelopmental differences. This includes children who may be autistic, have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or need extra support with how they learn, communicate or experience the world.

If you are worried about your child's development, it can be hard to know where to start. You may be waiting for an assessment, looking for advice, or trying to understand what support is available. Neu Way Support can help you find the right information and next steps. 

Who can use the service 

You can use Neu Way Support if you are: 

• starting to have questions about your child's needs 

• waiting for an assessment 

• waiting for a diagnosis 

• recently diagnosed 

• looking for practical advice and support 

• a parent, carer or family member who needs guidance 

You do not need a formal diagnosis to use the service. Support is based on your child's needs. 

Support available 

When you contact Neu Way Support, you will speak to a trained co-ordinator. They will listen to your concerns and help you understand the support available. 

You can get: 

• advice and guidance 

• practical strategies to use at home 

• information about local services 

• help while waiting for an assessment 

• support groups and workshops 

• links to trusted organisations in your area 

After your conversation, you will receive information and resources that match your family's needs. 

Benefits of the service 

Families often tell us that waiting for assessments can feel stressful and confusing. Neu Way Support helps families get advice and support earlier, so they do not have to face these challenges alone. 

The service aims to help families feel informed, supported and confident about what to do next. Neu Way Support in Furness and South Lakes will be provided by Triple A.

Contact details Tel: 0300 365 5030

An up to date (July 2026) list of organisations and services offering online and in-person bereavement support in Cumbria.

This edition includes:

• Opportunity to get involved shaping the future of children’s services
• Join CNTW at their Annual Celebration Event

CumbriaMed Research Webinar "Technology-Assisted Healthcare" - Thurs 24 September 2026, 12:30-13:30

The 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: Technology-Assisted Healthcare
Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
Time: 12:30-13:30
Location: Zoom (registration required)

Register: tinyurl.com/pcsm-webi13

Speakers:

• Mr Chris Rao - Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon, NCIC, and Honorary Clinical Research Fellow, Imperial College London.

“Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Current Practice and Future Ambitions”
Chris is a consultant surgeon at the Cumberland Infirmary who trained at Imperial and completed fellowships including minimally invasive surgery. His research looks at new surgical technology and practice, and he has also helped champion research and innovation in North Cumbria.

• Prof David Sharp - Professor of Neurology and Centre Director, UK DRI Care Research & Technology, Imperial College London.

 “Technology in Dementia Care”
David is a neurologist and researcher working on how brain science, imaging and technology can improve the lives of people living with dementia. He leads the UK DRI Care Research & Technology centre at Imperial, which develops new approaches to diagnosis, monitoring and support in dementia 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)

🗓️Thursday 15 October 10.30-12.30

📍Kendal Rugby Club, Shap Road, Kendal, LA9 6NY. 

On the day, talks will cover topics including carers assessments, Lasting Power of Attorney, carers’ counselling, local support services and more. Attendees will also have the chance to meet the Parkinson’s Local Adviser for the area and visit information stands from exhibitors including Parkinson’s UK’s Kendal Support Group, Age UK South Cumbria, Carer Support South Lakes, and Westmorland and Furness Carer Support Service.

A buffet lunch will be served from 12.30.

Carers may be a family member, partner, or friend, and both carers and people with Parkinson’s are welcome. Booking is essential.

To book your FREE place and lunch, please contact our team: contactnorthwest@parkinsons.org.uk or 0344 2253 628

The Newsletter includes:

• Latest Enter and View report, following a visit to Windermere Health Centre to hear directly from patients and observe the accessibility and environment of the practice
• New Ageing Well project which will particularly focus on the experiences of people living in farming and rural communities, areas experiencing greater health inequalities, as well as people using social care and unpaid carers

Farming can bring its own unique pressures, and sometimes knowing where to turn for support isn't easy.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) provides practical, financial and emotional support to farmers and people within the farming community.

Support includes:

• 🌱 One-to-one counselling and emotional support
• 💬 Online wellbeing support through Click & Chat
• 💷 Financial support and grants
• 📋 Benefits guidance and help accessing financial entitlements
• 🧠 Farming-focused mental health support

RABI also provides a free, confidential 24/7 helpline on 0800 188 4444.

Whether you're struggling financially, feeling overwhelmed or simply need someone to talk to, support is available.

Are you looking for a voluntary position where you can make a difference, or perhaps a new challenge? If so, an opportunity has arisen for a committed member of the public in Cumbria to help shape the safeguarding arrangements for adults with care and support needs.

Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board, which works in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council, is looking for a voluntary Lay Member to join the Board.

This is a rewarding opportunity to influence decision-making at a strategic level, contribute to meaningful change and ensure local people’s voices are heard. No previous safeguarding experience is required, and the role involves up to two days per month.

The Big Conversation on Care has now launched, and you are invited to share your views on adult social care. Whether you use care services, care for someone else, work in the sector, or have opinions on how care should work in the future, you can have your say and help shape the future of care.

Three of our communities are encouraging people to get involved in investing in their future. 

Raffles and Morton, Maryport South, and South Whitehaven will each receive £20m over 10 years from the government’s Pride in Place fund. 

They have now set up Neighbourhood Boards, chosen Chairs and started the work of asking the public how the money should be invested. 

You can find their websites here: 

• Raffles and Morton: https://rafflesandmorton.co.uk 
• Maryport South: https://maryportsouthprideinplace.org.uk/ 
• South Whitehaven: https://southwhitehavenpip.co.uk 

All three have ways you can give your views, either by a simple email or an online survey. They also have social media channels. 

If you live or work in any of these areas, get involved – Pride in Place funding is led by the community, so your views really matter. 

This edition includes information about:

• NCIC Annual General meeting -‘Hope and ambition – transforming healthcare in north Cumbria’ event (with presentation from CVS staff Carolyn Otley & Clare Edwards as part of the agenda)
• Waiting time improvements

Over 80 people and organisations recently voted for the shared Neighbourhood Health Vision in Cumberland. The fantastic response really reflects the continued high level of engagement and commitment from all across the partnership.

The winning vision is...:

Our vision is to create a neighbourhood health and care system where people, families and communities are at the heart of care, and our services are built to be integrated, preventative, and fair. Through trusted partnerships across health, care, our local voluntary and community partners, services will be delivered as close to home as possible. Together, we will build healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods by reducing inequality, strengthening communities, and enabling everyone in Cumberland to start well, live well, age well and die well.

This vision will now become an integral part of the Neighbourhood Health Plan, provide a shared sense of purpose and direction and act as our guide our ambitions, as we continue to shape and deliver Neighbourhood Health together in the months and years ahead.

Would you and your organisation like to have a better understanding of Autism? This half day “Understanding Autism” training will be delivered by Triple A All About Autism and is delivered in partnership between Bedrock Basics Project and AECOM.

The training is CPD accredited, is developed and delivered by autistic people and is rooted in lived experience informed professional best practice The training aims to equip you with a practical working knowledge of autism which you can then apply to your own practice in your organization. 

The North East and North Cumbria ICB NHS App ‘Tap the App’ campaign will be launching over the coming weeks.

The ICB communications team has developed a range of engaging materials that clearly communicate the key benefits of the NHS App, tailored specifically for audiences across the region. We hope this campaign will help increase awareness, understanding, uptake, and regular use of the NHS App throughout the region.

In the last edition of the Bulletin we highlighted an opportunity to respond to the 2 new contracting models that are being developed nationally to deliver neighbourhood health.

• Multi-neighbourhood Provider (MNP)
• Single Neighbourhood Provider (SNP)

This briefing from NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary & Community Action) helps us to understand how ICBs will move from service-by service commissioning to commissioning based on local population needs for neighbourhood health.

It also highlights that:

• There will be no new money and new ways of working will rely on local flexibility of existing resources
• Existing contracts will come to an end and procurement will follow the Provider Selection regime (PSR) and other rlevant procurement laws
• Arrangements will vary across the country reflecting local systems

2026/27 is a transition year for developing the new health and care landscape.

There is a real risk that the propose changes can destabilise funding and support to the sector resulting in the loss of of vital VCSE organisations and the services that they provide.

If you have missed this first consultation process (which closes 10.09.2026) don’t worry there is a further consultation planned for late 2026 on final details.

Cumberland Council Social Prescribing Newsletter for September 2026 providing the latest news and information. 

From 1 October, the NHS flu vaccination programme will extend to include more eligible groups, and seasonal COVID-19 vaccinations will begin for those at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill.

The below toolkit link includes ready-to-use content for websites, newsletters and social media, along with key messages and links to campaign assets.

Please use and adapt these materials to get the information out to the people you and your organisation support:

Flu and COVID-19 communications toolkit

Missed a previous edition? you can view all our past Health & Wellbeing bulletins by clicking the link below. 

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, Governance, 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!