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Dear Members

I’m sure it was only a few months ago that we were writing our last festive message to you all – but here we are all tangled up in tinsel and sprouts once again 😊

It’s been yet another year full of changes to our national and local health and care systems:

• The arrival of the NHS 10 Year Plan
• The proposed closure of NHS England (over a 2 year period)
• The proposed closure of Healthwatch (over a 2 year period)
• A further restructure and downsizing of both Lancashire & South Cumbria ICB and North East & North Cumbria ICB
• The emergence of Neighbourhood Health

As a Team we do try to make sense of all these changes and bring you the highlights that we think will impact on us here in Cumbria. We know it’s complex (we have headaches to prove it) and we know it is all happening at pace. So, if you and/or your staff and volunteers feel that you have missed something key over the course of the year please do give us a shout and we will try to help ‘Untangle the Spaghetti’.

Amongst all this change we must also celebrate some great new initiatives and opportunities that have the third sector at the centre of delivery and will support the health and wellbeing of people we work with:

• WorkWell in both North & South Cumbria (supporting people struggling with work and health)
• Connect to Work both North & South
• NEW work & health funds in the Barrow area (administered by Cumbria Community Foundation)
• New Neurodiversity and Emotional Wellbeing Service pilot for families in Cumberland
• Whitehaven Hope Haven

Well, that’s it for another year. As we say goodbye to 2025 can we thank you all for:

• Sharing information about new services, changes to services and opportunities for us to put in the Bulletin
• Joining us at Health Partnerships Team events
• Coming together for the great Cumbria Action for Health and Cumbria Mental Health Provider Forum meetings (online & in-person)
• Supporting elections for our fantastic representatives in North Cumbria ICCs and the election of the NEW Mental Health Provider Forum Chair

We are in awe of all the amazing work our third sector does. We are also proud to be working alongside such amazing people who represent our sector at the heart of our integrated health & care systems and who on a daily basis bang the drum and give voice to the key role we play supporting people’s health and wellbeing across Cumbria.  

We very much look forward to seeing and hearing from you in 2026.

Cheers

Clare, Holly and Sarah.

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 and information sharing event for link workers (social prescribers, health and wellbeing coaches, care coordinators and more) and any organisations who support people around work, wellbeing and health.

This could be as part of one of the big programs such as Work Well or Connect to Work, but equally it could be local, small scale and everything in between!
Link workers will find out more about the various programs and organisations that can help anyone struggling to balance health, wellbeing and work. VCFSE organisations can connect with the link workers who are well placed to support people into their services.

Tables are available for stalls but must be reserved in advance by emailing hollyf@cumbriacvs.org.uk.

Agenda to follow, but a networking buffet lunch will be provided free of charge from 12.30.

Every Life Matters are pleased to invite you to their next Suicide Prevention Conference, taking place on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, at Rheged, Penrith.

This year’s theme, “Take action. Prevent suicide.”, focuses on the practical steps we can all take to save lives and support those affected by suicide across Cumbria.

This full-day event brings together inspirational speakers, interactive workshops, and hands-on training to equip individuals, organisations, and community groups with the skills and confidence to help create a Suicide Safer Cumbria.

Whether you work in a school, a workplace, health or public services, the third or faith sectors, a sports club, or are attending as an individual – join us in our mission.

Your ticket includes:

• Keynote speakers
• Three sessions 
• Networking opportunities
• Lunch and refreshments

Early Bird Tickets – Now Available

Save £10 by booking before January 16th, 2026.

£85 – Private Sector

£65 – Charity, Community & Public Sectors

From January 17th 2026, tickets will be £95 / £75, you are strongly encouraged to book early to secure both your preferred sessions and the reduced rate.

Find out more and book your space HERE

Are you aged 18 or over, living in the UK, and have either no or low vision (even correctable vision)?

Are you curious about what the future might hold for blind and partially sighted people?

Do you have a desire to help shape the direction of RNIB, so that we are ready to meet the needs of people with sight loss in the future?

Do you feel comfortable thinking about the lives and needs of people whose experiences might be very different from your own?

If the answer is yes, we need to hear from you!

To find out more about the role, please email me at nicola.stanley-dickinson@rnib.org.uk and I’ll send you a copy of the role description

Interested in getting involved, please complete the following Microsoft form here

Northumbria University are exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding bone health and fall-related fractures after stroke to help inform the development of digital health interventions.

They are looking for:

• UK-based stroke survivors (aged 18+)
• Carers or family members
• Healthcare professionals working with stroke survivors

The survey takes just 10–15 minutes, and all participants are entered into a £50 prize draw.

Survey Links:

• For Healthcare Professionals:  https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/healthcare-professionals-survey
• For Carers:https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/carers-survey
• For Stroke Survivors:https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/stroke-survivors-survey

NASP's flipbook: Connecting the System Children and Young People's Social Prescribing in Action.

The link to their webpage with the flipbook is in the link below.

This is the second year MIND have shared their annual look at mental health in England and Wales. The report shows how people are doing, how services are working, and what still needs to change. With support from Centre for Mental Health and research partners, MIND have pulled together the clearest picture yet of mental health today.

The Big Mental Health Report is for anyone looking for trusted information on how mental health problems affect people in England and Wales.

In December, walk-in support will be available between 9:30am – 4:30pm on:

• Tuesday 9th
• Friday 12th
• Tuesday 16th
• Thursday 18th
• Friday 19th
• Tuesday 23rd
• Tuesday 30th
• Friday 2nd January

And from January 6th, people will be able to walk-in to the Senhouse Centre for support EVERY Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:30am – 4:30pm.
(We will shortly be distributing posters and other materials which you can share to help us promote this in the new year.)

We are here if someone is worried about their (or someone else’s) mental health or mood, needs help with physical health and fitness, to tackle drug or alcohol addiction, or advice on housing, work, or money problems.

People will get a warm welcome from one of our team, and we’ll listen to find out how we can help.

Since launching in March this year, Hope Haven now also offers:

• Telephone support open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 01946 556 136
• A ‘Virtual Safe Haven’, offering video-call appointments between 4pm-midnight every day with trained mental health and peer support workers, bookable any time online at https://wcmhp.org.uk/hope-haven
• Drop-in sessions and activities ranging from housing and benefits advice, support for carers, to wellbeing walks and chair-based exercise classes
• Community outreach such as monthly visits to care homes
• A Chatty Café every Friday 10am - midday at Cross’s Coffee Shop, helping to tackle loneliness

We’re still hard at work getting our main building on King Street ready to offer walk-in support every single day of the week - we’ll be sharing more updates about this soon.

But Hope Haven is more than just a building, and since March we’ve already supported over 550 people.

Follow Hope Haven on Facebook @HopeHavenCumbria, visit our webpage, or call us on 01946 556136 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Loads of great stuff coming up

Courses include:

• Introduction to Mindfulness
• Android smartphone for beginners
• iphone for beginners
• Getting started with NHS Apps
• E safety

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking the views of individuals and organisations about fair pay agreements.

This consultation aims to gather views from the sector on how to establish the best way to collectively agree a fair pay agreement.

We want to know how you think a fair pay agreement for adult social care workers should be agreed. Your answers will help DHSC understand what people think about:

• the group that talks about pay, called the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body
• the steps to agree pay
• who and what is included in the agreement
• how to solve problems if people disagree
• how to put the agreement in place
• how to make sure the rules are followed

The consultation is open for 15 weeks.

Follow this link for more information:

Fair pay agreement process in adult social care - GOV.UK

Interactive Workshop for the Voluntary and Community Sector (FREE)

With over 32% of UK adults unable to carry out basic digital tasks (68% of these living alone) it’s key that all our organisations understand about digital exclusion and it’s impact on health, care and isolation.

Digital access is now essential for everyday life — from managing money and healthcare to staying connected. But for many people, the digital world still feels out of reach.

It is genuinely a great workshop for laying that foundation of understanding around what Digital Exclusion is, who it affects and importantly, what we can collectively do to support them.

Workshop date: Wednesday 28 January 2026

Time: 09:30 – 11:30

Venue: Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven

Registration is essential. Click here to register.

New dementia resources from Skills for Care – available online

Explore our range of dementia resources to enhance care and support for people living with dementia and their carers. 

These resources have been developed to support the adult social care workforce including home care workers, care home staff, community teams and family carers. They aim to make dementia information more accessible, person-centred and practical for carers, professionals and community members.

With the right skills and knowledge, we can provide a good quality of life at every stage of the condition, allowing people living with dementia to remain active and engaged, for as long as possible.

Our resources cover the following areas:

• Prevention
• Before and after diagnosis
• Support
• Family carer's
• End of life

You can also take a look at our short videos which talk to people with lived experience about how they have adapted their communication style and the importance of non-verbal communication.

⇨ Explore our resources and join us in making a difference

Following recent Key findings

• On current trends, inequalities in health will persist over the next two decades: people in the 10% most deprived areas can expect to be diagnosed with major illness a decade earlier than people in the 10% least deprived areas.
• A small group of long-term conditions contribute to most of the observed health inequalities, out of which chronic pain, type 2 diabetes and anxiety and depression are projected to increase at a faster rate in the 10% most deprived areas by 2040.
• These conditions are typically managed in primary care, underlining the need to invest in general practice, particularly in the most deprived areas, and community-based services and focus on prevention and early intervention.
• Inequalities in working-age ill-health is also projected to persist. 80% of the increase in the number of working-age people living with major illness between 2019 and 2040 (from 3 million to 3.7 million) will be concentrated in more deprived areas (deciles 1–5).
• Action focused on risk factors linked to major illness is essential but insufficient on its own to tackle health inequalities. Making progress on inequalities in major illness will also require long-term effort across government and the economy to address the underlying causes of health inequality, such as poor housing, low income and insecure employment.

Trauma-Informed Practice Training
This full-day, in-person training is open to all staff, including support and frontline teams. It explores how trauma impacts the brain, body, and behaviour and how adopting a trauma-informed approach can improve the way we support individuals, communities, and each other at work.
Participants will reflect on applying trauma-informed principles in their own practice, services, and organisations.
Date & Location:
12 January 2026 (9am–4pm) – Kendal Town Hall, Assembly Room
Booking / Queries: Email WFSCPTraining@cumbria.gov.uk with your full name, job title, organisation and email address.
If you have any training requests, wish to offer a course to the partnership, or have any questions about our learning and development programme, please contact us at WFSCPTraining@cumbria.gov.uk. We welcome your input and are always keen to support the professional development of practitioners across Westmorland and Furness.

Active Cumbria have launched this year’s Live Longer Better festive campaign to encourage us all to buy better gifts for the older people in our lives this Christmas.

Live Longer Better ’12 days of Christmas’ suggests gift ideas to help the older adults we care about recondition, rejuvenate, and reduce their risk of dementia too.

No more socks, slippers and sweets! From a diary to dance classes and hand weights to trainers why not make 2025 the year you give gifts that enable the older adults in your life to Live Longer Better and improve their strength, skills, stamina, and suppleness.
Find more information and the full gift guide here 

The latest VONNE newsletter. 

Conference 2025 reflections, Autumn Budget and more in VONNE News

Community led art project reveals final piece.

On Wednesday 26 November, the Solway Coast National Landscape team, in partnership with Cumberland Council, proudly unveiled a new artwork celebrating the beauty and character of the Solway Coast.

The pharmacy holiday opening hours over Christmas published by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board can be found in the below document.

The Winter Warmth Fund provides financial support to those unable to afford to keep warm and well. Funds are raised through voluntary donations from individuals and local businesses.

For any young person aged 11–17 who wants help to quit smoking, vaping, or both, we’ll offer friendly, tailored support through one-to-one or small group sessions.

Option of 1:1 or small group support (e.g. if a few friends want to come together)

Support to quit, or 'pre-quit support' (if the young person isn't sure but is interested in stopping/reducing)

Weekly support for up to 8 weeks

One-off drop-in sessions also available

Usually at education setting/CADAS offices

Nicotine patches available for young people aged 12+ (if suitable)

For more information, email - louisew@cadas.co.uk

Cumberland Council are creating the new timetable for organisations to come and chat to residents about their groups and services at Carnegie Connections.

Please let me know which date/dates from the list below you are available, and I’ll book you in 11am-1pm. (This session run in the Carnegie Theatre, Finkle St, Workington, CA14 2BD.)
The bookings are taken first come, first served.
• 27th January
• 24th February
• 24th March
• 28th April
• 26th May
• 23rd June
• 28th July
• 25th August
• 22nd September
• 27th October
• 24th November
• 22nd December

(We limit this session to one group each time)

Please email Katie Rae for more information Katie.Rae@copeland.gov.uk

The RDN's Patient Engagement in Clinical Development (PECD) Service is holding an insight session to gather public feedback on a clinical trial into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). They are looking for people with lived experience, as a patient or parent/carer, of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or other acute leukaemias, who are willing to share their experiences and management of this condition.  

Members of the public who join the session will be reimbursed £67.50 to thank them for their time. 

The session is expected to take place in January 2026 and the deadline for people to apply to participate in this activity is Sunday 4th January 2026.

I have attached a number of different adverts/documents for your information. Please feel free to share these within your networks. 

For those who are interested in applying, a link to the application form can be found within the advert document below. 

Do you think that Medical Humanities approaches or methods could help you to better understand a critical issue in your practice? 

Applications have now opened for our Medical Humanities in Practice Research Fellowship scheme, which aims to support professionals and researchers from Health or Voluntary and Community sectors to develop research within the medical humanities. 

This year-long, funded Fellowship will enable you to develop or deliver a research project through a Medical Humanities lens on a critical issue encountered in your practice, while continuing your existing professional role. 

This scheme seeks to support development of new research questions and methods, new understandings of experiences of health and wellbeing and/or enable seldom heard groups to shape health and mental health research. 

Applications are particularly encouraged for research projects which set out to explore health challenges arising at the intersection of mental health and health inequalities.

The deadline for applications is 30 January 2026, 12:00 pm (noon). 

To find out more about the Fellowships and and how to apply visit

Penrith Town Council is pleased to launch the Penrith Community Awards, an annual programme organised by the Council’s Communities Committee to recognise the individuals and groups who contribute to the wellbeing, vitality, and community spirit of our town.
The Awards are designed to recognise:
• Individuals or groups who have made a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of Penrith residents
• People who support charitable or voluntary work in the town
• Individuals who volunteer or who have volunteered for Penrith Town Council
• Those who demonstrate exceptional citizenship and dedication to the local community
Nominations are made by the people of Penrith, who help identify the individuals and groups whose work deserves public recognition.
Closing date for nominations is 1st February 2026.
Prizes are:
• Community Recognition Award: £50 gift voucher, Civic Badge, and framed certificate
• Youth Community Recognition Award: £50 gift voucher, Civic Badge, and framed certificate
• Community Group Award: Framed certificate and a £150 donation to a charity selected by the winning group
Full details and nomination form are here: Penrith Town Council - Penrith Community Awards

CSAB host quarterly themed Practitioner Forum's. These events are facilitated by colleagues from across the partnership and use a case study to support learning through multi-agency discussion.
Some of the feedback received from previous forum events:
• "Highly informative session & very practicable in application"
• "There is a variety of knowledge in the forum"
• "The discussions in the break-out rooms were really useful"
• "Different ideas explored new avenues for access and support"

Forum’s take a themed approach using a case study with facilitated multi-agency discussion in a safe space.
The next Practitioner Forum event will explore 'Margaret's story', a lady with complex physical health needs, where there were some concerns about self-neglect.
Building on the success of previous Forums, we would like to invite practitioners and managers working in Cumbria to attend the Practitioner Forum which will take place online via MS Teams on 13th January, 2026 - 10am to 12noon. To book your place click this link.

The Forum will provide an opportunity to explore the challenges when working with adults who experience self-neglect and how working together as professionals across partner organisations can support to improve outcomes.

Facilitated discussion will provide opportunity to learn together;
• What has worked well/not from case studies
• Opportunity to reflect on practice
• Discussion time in a multi-agency forum
• Inform CPD requirements
• Identify barriers to partnership working and identify opportunities to improve outcomes through working together.

A guide with information in relation to Cumberland Carers.

We are seeking to support innovative projects that make a real difference for children and young people aged 10–18 in North Cumbria. The aim is to provide timely, compassionate support outside of regular hours, helping young people and their families through challenging times and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions. The service will focus on providing intensive, home-based support for children and young people who are at imminent risk of psychiatric hospital admission or have recently been discharged, ensuring timely intervention at critical moments when support is most needed.

Projects should:
• provide support across the North Cumbria NHS footprint be ready to help within 48 hours when a young person is in need.
• deliver focused mental health support, including home visits, to help young people feel safe and supported
• combine therapeutic interventions, family support, and crisis planning to create lasting positive change
• prioritise the safety and wellbeing of young people at every stage
• commit to the delivery and reporting standards to be set out at the Briefing session.

How much can you apply for?
• collaborative projects: up to £138,000
• individual organisations: up to £46,000

Closing date for applications and award notification:
• apply by: 23rd January 2026
• shortlisting: week beginning 2nd February
• shortlisted applicants present to panel: Week beginning 16 March 2026 (for shortlisted applicants)
• funding Decisions Announced: 23rd March 2026.
• project start date: 1st April 2026.
• additional reporting requirements will be added after/and discussed at the briefing session

Thanks to funding from NHS England, Newcastle University, working with the Health Literacy team for the North East and North Cumbria, are making improvements to the NHS Medical Document Readability Tool.

We know that lots of people are using it so we'd really value your feedback on it. We want to know what’s working well, what’s not working well and how we can make it better.

To let us know, please fill out this survey. It should take about 15 minutes.

We will use the responses to make changes to the tool. The changes might happen quickly or further down the line. We may not be able to do all of your suggestions but we'll definitely look at them all. 

The deadline for giving feedback is Saturday 31 January 2026. The survey will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide them yourself.

As the year draws to an end, we want to say a huge thank you for your incredible support—whether you’ve volunteered, donated, or attended our events. We couldn’t do it without you!

Click the link below to read about their upcoming events and opportunities. 

This is how you can access our services over Christmas and New Year.
Building opening times:
• Civic Centre, Carlisle: closed to the public from 4pm on Christmas Eve. Reopens at 9am on Friday 2 January.
• Cumbria House, Carlisle: closed to the public from 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed on bank holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
• Allerdale House, Workington: closed from 12noon on Wednesday 24 December. Reopens at 9am on Friday 2 January.
• Market Hall, Whitehaven: closed from 1pm on Wednesday 24 December. Reopens at 9am on Friday 2 January.
Online services will be available at www.cumberland.gov.uk
The main customer number (0300 373 3730) will be available until Wednesday 24 December but there will be a reduction in service from 12pm onwards.
It will reopen on Monday 29 December at 9am. Between Monday 29 December and Wednesday 31 December there will also be a reduction in service.
There will be a recorded message advising of the closure period and out of hours contact numbers for highways, registration, ceremonies, homelessness, and adults and children’s social care, should anyone be calling in an emergency.

We are still accepting responses to our questionnaire regarding peoples experiences of infant loss. Thank you to everyone who has already completed the forms or shared them. We are particularly keen to hear from more professionals who support families through loss. If you would prefer to have an informal chat, please contact Jo on 07434838562 or by email jo@togetherwe.uk.

Link to form for service user
https://forms.office.com/e/v3DCrMq3b7

Link to form for stakeholders
https://forms.office.com/e/Ywai5stHMy

Domestic Abuse Free Drop-in Sessons - are being held at Penrith library and available to anyone over 16years who needs information, support or advice about domestic abuse.
These sessions can also be attended by professionals who may be supporting individuals who wish to be provided with advice, support and details of referral pathways.
This Service will be available between 10:00 and 15:00 on the first Monday of each month please ask for Alice, and you will then be taken to a private room to talk confidentially with a Domestic Abuse Specialist.

Penrith Library 10:00-15:00

The North Cumbria NHS Work Well Service, part of the North East North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Health and Growth Programme, is a new initiative delivered by Cumbria Health in partnership with local support organisations.The service is designed to help people who are finding it difficult to remain in work or who are off sick due to a physical or mental health condition.

A talking group for connection, sharing and support. 

Third Monday of the month 10:00-12:00

Triple, Resource Centre Sandgate, Penrith, CA11 7TP

Need help with your energy? We’re here for you! Find out how to save energy and money, stay safe from carbon monoxide, and get extra help through the Priority Services Register.

Please contact us for help & advice:
Allerdale 01900 604735
Carlisle & Eden 0330 056 3037
Copeland 01946 693321

Thriving Women - 20-22nd Jan 2026. Colours Hub, Whitehaven

A neurodivergent- -and LGBTQ+ inclusive space

Are you unemployed and ready to return to work? 

Join our fully fundend 3 day personal development programme for empowerment, confidence and resilience. 

www.lakelandwellbeing.co.uk - 07810890528

The Oval Centre has joined the Warm Welcome campaign. Our #WarmWelcomeSpace is one of thousands of spaces all over the UK, offering everyone a friendly space to keep warm, connect and make new friends. 

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am. 

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!