Dear Members

Welcome to another great copy of Cumbria CVS Health and Wellbeing Bulletin.

Don’t forget to share the bulletin with other staff and volunteers within your organisation, even better encourage them to sign up to receive it on a regular basis.

We have a great community of readers who share loads of information and opportunities. The readership always hovers around 800 individuals as people come and go in and out of appropriate roles. Members of our two health and wellbeing networks (Cumbria Action for Health and Cumbria Mental Health Provider Forum) receive the Health & Wellbeing Bulletin FREE of charge on a fortnightly basis.

We are always delighted to welcome new members and happy for multiple members of staff from an organisation to sign up as members of either or both networks. Whilst our focus is always on third sector organisations, membership of our networks is open to all: staff and volunteers from third sector organisations (no matter what size), people working in the NHS, social care, children’s services, public health or other statutory sector organisations or in the private sector (home care, care homes, pharmacies etc).
To join, click here and select either Action for Health, Mental Health Provider Forum or both from the email options available.

As a member of networks you may also receive occasional NEWS FLASHES with urgent, important or time sensitive information that we feel needs promoting outside the usual cycle of Bulletins.

We always look forward to hearing from readers/members and would be specially interested to hear from you if you are new to the bulletin and have ideas on how to improve content and readability. Contact Holly, Clare or Sarah (see contact details below) with your ideas.

Re-visiting recent copies of Cumbria CVS Health & Wellbeing Bulletin
We now regularly upload our Health & Wellbeing bulletin on to the Cumbria CVS website. So, if you want to revisit a particularly good article and have lost track of the bulletin copy it came from in the depths of your email in-box just head to this section of the website and read it again:
https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/health-wellbeing/network-e-newletters/

We currently have copies going back to late July 2025. In the future we will be keeping a maximum of 10 back copies so that we don’t overload our rather elderly website and we’re not hanging on to old and out of date information.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming NEW network members.

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

A networking event for link workers and voluntary sector organisations in North Cumbria NHS area with a focus on money and practical support. Link workers will learn more about the support available to people who are in the area, and what some of the barriers and challenges might be to accessing it.
A networking event for link workers and voluntary sector organisations in North Cumbria NHS area with a focus on money and practical support.

Link workers will learn more about the support available to people who are in the area, and what some of the barriers and challenges might be to accessing it.

A light buffet lunch will be provided free of charge on arrival.
Link workers will be able to find out more about third sector services across North Cumbria, whilst VCFSE organisations will be able to find out more about the role link workers can play in helping people access their services

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?
17th November 2025 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/

Clinical HealthPathways why are they important to the third sector & why you should get involved?

HealthPathways is an on-line resource which offers clinicians locally agreed information about health issues and conditions to make the right decisions, together with patients, at the point of care.
HealthPathways is designed and written for use during a GP consultation. Each pathway provides clear and concise guidance for assessing and managing a patient with a particular symptom or condition and who and how to refer them on for further tests and information. IMPORTANTLY Pathways also include information about other services including third sector organisations who can offer support and information to patients and their carers.
Content is developed collaboratively by general practitioners, hospital clinicians, and a wide range of other professionals including staff from the third sector. Each pathway is evidence-informed, but also reflects how services are delivered locally.

Third sector organisations can get involved in 2 ways:
1. Every fortnight new Pathways are published in draft form. You can get involved in commenting or asking for information to be added to the Pathway document. See below for the latest list.
2. Most important we want you to check through the Pathways and add your organisation’s information/website details to the Patient Information and/or Staff Information sections if you think it would be useful for GPs and other health staff to give patients your information
Username: NCumbria
Password: Partnership
Other pathways that have recently been published for comments/additions are:

Eczema in Children

Floaters, Flashes, Retinal Detachment

Long QT Syndrome

Infective Conjunctivitis

This year’s report showcases the power of working together to enable more people to be more active across Cumbria. From strategic partnerships to grassroots initiatives, the report highlights how collaboration has been at the heart of our efforts to tackle inactivity and promote healthier, more active lives.
• 3606 young people trained through Bikeability – an accredited national training programme to provide skills and confidence for pupils to navigate the roads safely via bicycle
• £31,659 awarded to 9 organisations through the Reconditioning Fund supporting older adults to be more active
We've Published Our Annual Report 2024-25: A Year Of Collaboration - Active Cumbria
Case Studies include:
Better Breathers, Carlisle to help bridge the gap between pulmonary rehabilitation and long-term physical activity for their patients. Many individuals completing rehab were reluctant to engage in mainstream fitness activities due to concerns about their capabilities. As a result, some became inactive and began to experience recurring health issues
Finding Your Feet Together – Safe Falls Project at Kendal Dojo
The Find Your Feet sessions are designed not as traditional ‘falls prevention,’ but as a way to give older adults the tools to respond and recover safely if they do fall. Using adapted judo techniques, participants learn practical skills such as how to keep balance, tuck the chin when falling backwards, fall forward without using hands, and roll to rise safely

The session is for those who are interested in, or involved with, providing care for people with learning disabilities and autism, who have palliative or end of life care needs. It will include presentations, case studies and shared learning from experts across the region.
The session will be facilitated by:
For further information about the session, please contact: england.neyphysicalhealthandltc@nhs.net

To register follow this link

Regular updates on performance and finance were provided alongside the ICB's annual complaints report.

Sam Allen (CEO) delivered her report chief executive report. Updating on the ICB strategic commissioning transition programme, the confirmation of Stockton and Sunderland in the first wave of the national Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, the new NHS Oversight Framework for 2025/26 provider scores and rankings, and the launch of the Boost People's Hub.

In a packed agenda, the Board also considered a presentation on community service waiting lists, the end-of-programme report on the Primary Care Access Recovery Plan, ICB General Practice engagement, the winter plan, and an overview of the ICB's £19m Health and Growth Accelerator programme – WorkWell, which is getting underway this month. You can view the agenda and watch the discussions on our website.

A report about the meeting from our regional VCSE Representative Lisa Taylor will follow shortly

In partnership with the region's Healthwatch, the organisation that acts as a voice for communities, we’ve launched a survey to gather feedback on three specific NHS services designed to help people access care more quickly and conveniently: the NHS App, Pharmacy First scheme and GP extended access service.

As we gear up for winter, helping people to feel better faster is really important. So, we are keen to highlight these fantastic services, but we also want to hear about people’s experiences through a short survey. Feedback will show us where we can do better and help us improve patient experiences. Please take part in the survey and share it with friends and family. Healthwatch will be out and about around the region, also gathering views.

As of the 1st October, everyone eligible for the free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can now book their appointment on the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119.

A large network of opportunities offering appointments are in place GP practices and community pharmacies.

Those eligible for a free flu vaccine include:
• people over 65
• children
• pregnant women
• carers
• care home residents
• frontline staff
• people with certain long-term health conditions
COVID-19 vaccinations are available for people:
• aged 75 and over
• anyone with a weakened immune system
• care home residents

Please help spread the word with friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage anyone eligible to come forward.

Stoptober is back for 2025, and Westmorland and Furness Council is offering more support than ever to help people quit smoking for good this October and into the future.
Quitting smoking helps you breathe easier, feel better, save money, and live longer.

If you live in Westmorland and Furness, there is now a range of free stop smoking support available, whether you have tried to quit before, or are thinking about it for the first time.

The council’s dedicated Stop Smoking service offers expert advice and personalised care to help individuals quit smoking and achieve lasting health improvements. The team provides 12 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – including patches, lozenges and vapes.

Alternatively, individuals can go direct to local participating pharmacies for a personalised quit plan and up to 12 weeks of free NRT.
Find out more about the support available

Carents is the UK’s national organisation dedicated to supporting adult children who care for their ageing parents. This hidden group - known as carents (pronounced care-nts) - represents 57% of all carers in the UK, yet remains largely unrecognised by the current system.

Follow the link for more information:
Carents: Supporting Those Caring for Elderly Parents | Carents

Here’s hoping that you have heard about the NEW WorkWell service launched in Cumbria at the beginning of October. To support the ongoing development of this service people who may have used and/or want to use the service are being asked to complete a survey.

WorkWell is a new service. It will help people with health problems to:
• stay in work, or
• get back to work.

We know that more people in North East and North Cumbria are out of work due to poor health than in most other parts of the country. We want to change that.

Your views can help shape the developing service. Please fill in our WorkWell survey and share it with others. The survey is open until 3rd November. If you need any help filling in the survey, please contact nencicb.involve@nhs.net

Follow the link below to find out more about WorkWell in North Cumbria:
https://cumbriahealth.co.uk/workwell-north-cumbria/

Follow the link below to find out more about WorkWell in South Cumbria:
https://cumbriahealth.co.uk/workwell/

Cumbria CVS Volunteering Fair 22.10.2025
Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 11am - 1pm
Penrith Leisure Centre, Southend Rd, Penrith CA11 8JH

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

You and your service users are invited to attend a Volunteering Fair in the sports hall at Penrith Leisure Centre to discover new and exciting volunteering journeys.

The following health & care organisations will be attending , showcasing their opportunities to join them, with chance to ask questions, find out more about their work, and learn how to sign up as a volunteer.
• Healthwatch
• Cumbria Family Support
• Safety Net
• Carer Support Carlisle and Eden
• AbilityNet
• Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden
• Cumbria Deaf and Hearing Loss Service
• Growing Well
• Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland
• The Glenmore Trust

Full details are here: https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/events/3371

Held Monday 29.09.2025

An opportunity to meet NCICs NEW CEO Trudie Davies and to begin to understand how she will deliver NCIC services in the future. There was also an opportunity to hear more about the Imperial College nd University of Cumbria Pears School of Medicine in Carlisle.

Follow the link to read more about the event and to watch the recording:

Chief Executive sets out ambition to reimagine healthcare at Annual Members Meeting :: North Cumbria Integrated Care

CumbriaMed Research Webinar on Obesity - Thursday 30 October, 12:30-13:30

Speakers:
• Prof Tricia Tan - “Action of GLP-1 Agonists on Appetite”
Professor of Practice in Metabolic Medicine & Endocrinology, Imperial College London; Consultant in Diabetes & Metabolic Medicine, Imperial NHS Trust; Clinical Lead, North West London Pathology.
A metabolic medicine specialist with a focus on obesity and diabetes, Prof Tan researches and evaluates the roles of gut hormones, including GLP 1 agonists, in suppressing appetite and supporting weight management.

• Dr Ishara Ranathunga - “Obesity Management: Tier 3 Weight Management Service”
Consultant Endocrinologist and Associate Specialist in Diabetes and Endocrinology, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
An obesity care specialist delivering the Tier 3 Weight Management Service, Dr Ranathunga leads a multidisciplinary, non surgical intensive medical programme for adults with obesity, focusing on integrated behavioural, dietary, and medical support.
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)

Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment invites you to join the next Holistic Employment Meeting on Thursday, 6th November.

The H.E.M will take place at Cumbria CVS, Shaddongate, Carlisle, with spotlight speakers and lunch included. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet with others who provide supported employment services, coming together as one group, all working towards the same goal, but in our own unique ways. You can find out more about other services and providers in the local area, as well as share with others the work you do. 

To find out more and book your place below or send us an email to stepforward@cumbriacvs.org.uk

If you have any evidence or expertise in supporting health and care staff, the government would like to hear from you as part of consultation on the new 10 Year Workforce Plan. It will build on the 10 Year Health Plan to set out how we will deliver a new workforce model with staff who are aligned with the future direction of reform and have real hope for the future. 

The government wants to hear from anyone with relevant evidence, including:

• trade unions
• royal colleges
• employers
• charities
• those with expertise by experience

10 Year Workforce Plan - call for evidence document - GOV.UK

10 Year Workforce Plan: call for evidence - Department of Health and Social Care

A series of online support sessions are being offered for adults who have recently been diagnosed with a long term condition. The Just Diagnosed - Living Well Support Session is run by a team of NHS Psychological Therapists for adults living in North Cumbria. It is suitable for those who wish to know more about the psychological and emotional impact of a new diagnosis, alongside learning some strategies and tools that may help them to manage. This session is an information, education and advice session and not a ‘therapy group’.

We’re excited to welcome you to the Pain Café, a warm and welcoming community initiative designed to support those living with persistent pain. Hosted at Brampton Community Centre, this informal gathering offers a space for connection, conversation, and shared resources.

Whether you're seeking peer support, practical tips, or simply a place to talk with others who understand the daily challenges of chronic pain, the Pain Café is here for you.

We encourage local organisations to help spread the word and refer individuals who may benefit from attending.

🗓️ Next Session: •Thursday, 23rd October
🕧 Time: 12:30 – 14:00
📍 Location: Brampton Community Centre
🎟️ Free to attend – no registration needed

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence global initiative runs annually from the 25th of November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and runs until the 10th of December (Human Rights Day).
It aims to raise awareness, challenge attitudes, and mobilise action to end violence against women and girls in all its forms.

Gender-based violence affects individuals across all communities, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. It includes physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse and can happen in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
The campaign is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating safer environments and supporting survivors

Family Matters therapy sessions to start at Penrith Family Hub

The council is one of six local authorities taking part in a national pilot programme to work with families who need therapeutic support.

The latest latest news from Cockermouth Linking Lives.

Westlakes Nursing Event
Ignite your potential
Thursday 16 October, 5pm – 7pm
Start your new career as a registered nurse. Join us at our Westlakes Nursing Event to explore our Nursing courses.
Ready to make a difference?
Whether you’re just starting your nursing career or considering a career change into healthcare, our dedicated West Cumbria campus offers flexible programmes tailored to your journey. 

Introducing the National Centre for Social Prescribing Data and Analysis
Tuesday 21st October, 12-1pm, free and online

In our first Centre webinar, Prof Daisy Fancourt will join NASP CEO Charlotte Osborn-Forde to review the major developments in social prescribing research from the past year. Learn more about the Centre and register for the event below.

These seminars are designed for people who work with, or advocate for autistic people.

We are starting with two vital half-day sessions on Autism & Suicide Prevention this November:

Barrow – Tuesday 11 November 2025
Workington – Thursday 13 November 2025

Learning outcomes:

• Recognise signs that an autistic person may be having thoughts of suicide and respond safely and clearly.
• Understand and use plain, predictable communication to reduce sensory/processing barriers.
• Understand autism-friendly approaches to self-harm self-help/self-management.
• Building support in your own setting and know where to signpost for further help.
• Include lived experience in safe, respectful and purposeful ways.

Duration: Half-day (Registration from 9 am, Seminars 9:30 am – 1 pm)
Cost: £39 + fees (refreshments included, lunch not provided)

All profits go directly back into suicide prevention work in Cumbria.

Sessions will be delivered by the Every Life Matters team, with a workshop led by Helen Storey MBE, an award-winning leader in autism projects and advocacy.

Book Barrow – 11 Nov

Book Workington – 13 Nov

If you need to arrange an invoice or PO number before booking, please just get in touch at training@every-life-matters.org.uk

For adults and families with children that have Cerebral Palsy. We offer friendly and confidential support in the community by helping with all aspects of life including form filling, applying for funding, inter agency working and home visits for those alone or struggling with issues.
Cumbria Cerebral Palsy also has the 'Resource Day Centre' for adults with a variety of disabilities, based in Carlisle. Please contact us for day rates.
OFFERING FREE LIFT AND 1 TO 1 SUPPORT FOR WINTER FLU JAB
This winter we are offering people with Cerebral Palsy 1 to 1 personal support with transport to attend medical appointments such as getting the WINTER FLU and COVID VACCINATIONS.

If you or someone you know has Cerebral Palsy, or for more information please get in touch:

Janet Gordon Adult Community Support Worker: janet.gordon@cumbriacerebralpalsy.net Tel: 07733 203 945
Jude Armitage Families/ Children Support Worker: jude.artmitage@cumbriacerebralpalsy.net Tel: 07715 079429
Deborah Hields Day Centre Manager: Deborah.Hields@cumbriacerebralpalsy.net Tel: 01228 549449

The service also includes support to families, carers, professionals and other organisations.
• Welfare benefits and housing issues
• Employment including Access to Work
• Access to Council services
• Advice and support to access BSL Interpreting
• Support to access social, leisure and community activities
• Information regarding local/national services, activities,
• Training and opportunities available
Services are offered face to face or remotely, depending on individual need or preference.

Information, Advice and Guidance drop-ins
• Carlisle Library
• Cornerstone Cafe in Denton Carlisle
• Whitehaven Library
• Tinnitus Support Group at the Samaritans in Whitehaven

For further information about BID Services or any of our services contact
Tel 01768 868510
Email cumbria@bid.org.uk
Equipment Service
Mobile 07702 941994
Information, Advice & Support
Mobile 07745 540182

Here in the Health Partnerships Team, we are keen to provide your organisations, your staff, your volunteers and the people you work with & for the best possible information about support on offer during Winter.  

We are starting to create a special WINTER edition of the Health & Wellbeing Bulletin.

We want to cram the Bulletin full of the most useful information about services and where to get help. To make sure this special WINTER edition works as well as possible we need your help.

Let us know if you are providing special Winter services and give us loads information.

Are you:

• Running a Warm Hub/Warm Sport
• Extending your opening hours
• Running special Winter benefit clinics to help maximise household income to cope with Winter bills
• Running and/or supporting people to access emergency winter fuel grants
• Running and/or supporting people to access services that help people get grants for new heating equipment
• Offering transport to access vaccination clinics
• Helping people with shopping during the winter months
• Running food pantries, foodbanks, cheap no cost cafes people can access during Winter

We’d love to hear from you.

We also want to hear from you if there are Winter themed services you want to know more about.

Finally, please let us know if you send out a regular Newsletter or Bulletin to the people you support and care for. Do you want some easy read information about Winter Support? We are part of an All-System Winter Comms group with staff from the NHS, pharmacies, social care and public health so can access all sorts of useful information and ask for it to be written in easy read formats.

We very much look forward to hearing from you:

Clare Edwards             claree@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Holly Ferguson            hollyf@cumbria.org.uk

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:

Newsletters (get our monthly e-bulletin first)
Focus on Funding online - the latest funding opportunities
Governance Support
Add your organisation to our member's directory and searchable map
Advice
Policy Templates
Training and events
Funding support
Networks
Free job adverts
Volunteering support
Right to vote at our AGM

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!