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Dear Members

Welcome back everyone - it’s 2026 and the start of another year for the Cumbria CVS Health & Wellbeing Bulletin Team.

I hope you all managed to put your feet up for some time over the festive period and have come back with enthusiasm for 2026.

The festive period isn’t always kind to us all and can be a difficult time for many. This is true not just for all the vulnerable people you, your staff and volunteers and the fantastic projects and services support but can also be difficult for staff and volunteers delivering health and care services too. Perhaps this period has exacerbated mental health or mental wellbeing concerns, highlighted dependency/addiction issues, financial problems or workplace ‘burnout’ or maybe the winter weather has increased respiratory issues, joint and muscles problems and mobility concerns.

If you are aware that any of the staff, you manage and/or work alongside need some help to get through a difficult period perhaps you could think about supporting them to connect with one of the following services.

Please take some time out to think about your staff, volunteers and Trustees and to share with them some of the great opportunities in Cumbria to support them at work:

WorkWell South Cumbria – open to people in paid employment

A light touch, early-intervention service available to anyone aged 18 years or over with a health condition who:

• Needs support to remain in work
• Needs support managing a health condition in order to return to work from a sickness absence
• Needs support to (re)start work and has been unemployed due to a health condition (less than 6 months out of work)

The team of WorkWell Coaches will offer individualised support for approximately 12 weeks which will include:

• A person-centred, holistic initial assessment to identify barriers to employment
• The production of strive-to-work/thrive-in-work plan, with clear objectives that address physical, psychological and social needs
• Employer liaison, if the participant consents, to share the work plan and provide work related advice
• Advice for employers on workplace adjustments
• Personalised work and health support to take stock of progress and recommend further actions and activities
• GP liaison, if the participant consents, to share the work plan and better support the Fit Note process

Referrals

Individuals can refer themselves or can be referred by Employers, Employability Services, GPs and other Healthcare Services and Voluntary Sector Organisations/Partners.

For referrals contact Cumbria Health on:

Email: WorkWell@cumbriahealth.nhs.uk

Or use the online referral form on the website:

Website: https://www.bayanchornetwork.co.uk/projects/workwell/

WorkWell North Cumbria – open to people in paid employment

• A programme funded by North East & North Cumbria ICB. The project is here to help people stay in work or get back to work.
• Set up in October 2025 this initiative is delivered by Cumbria Health in partnership with a number of 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. 

People using the service will be matched with their own Work Coach, who will help:

• create a plan that fits their needs. Individuals get to choose from support with health, wellbeing, finances, and more, and can connect staff with local experts for any extra help they might need, gently guiding them as they work towards returning to work. 
• A Work & Health Coach can support staff to talk to their employer about any adjustments or flexible working arrangements they might need to help them stay in or return to work.

Referrals

Individuals can refer themselves or can be referred by Employers, Employability Services, GPs and other Healthcare Services and Voluntary Sector Organisations/Partners.

Use the online referral form on the website:

https://cumbriahealth.co.uk/workwell-north-cumbria/

North Cumbria health and care staff Wellbeing Hub – open to all who work in health and care as a staff member or volunteer

Confidential support for health and care staff including staff and volunteers working in the third sector

If you work in health or social care in the North East or North Cumbria and need support, help is available for you. The hub provides you with free, confidential support.

The Hub offers:

• An appointment with an experienced mental health professional.
• Up to three short support sessions after your first meeting.
• Guidance to other services if you need more help.

Get in touch

• Complete the online form
• Email hubstheword@cntw.nhs.uk
• Leave a confidential message on 0191 223 2030

Someone will get back to you within a working day or so. Appointments are usually held via video or phone, making it convenient for you.

Please do share this information with your staff and volunteers where appropriate or be kind to yourself and take some time to consider all these services and what they might offer you.

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.

When

4th, February 2026 from 09:30 to 13:00

Location

Wigton Market Hall
Church Street
Wigton, CA7 9AA

Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness 2025 highlights.

Our online lunch and learn bi-monthly webinars aim to bring together carers and professionals from across the country in an informal atmosphere to collaborate, learn, and drive the identification and support for unpaid carers.

Join Helen Bolt, Family Services Manager and former M-PACT Project Lead at Sheffield Young Carers Project, to explore how addiction in the family affects young people and how they can identify and respond effectively to this often-hidden group.

Drawing on experience of supporting young people impacted by familial substance misuse since 2019, this session shares key learning both from the individual support they offer young people and whole family support through their Family Project and the M-PACT whole-family group programme. Introducing practical tools, including the Finding My Way Workbook.

The session recognises the challenges of breaking down barriers with complex families and highlights the positive impact this can have for children, families, and the wider community. Reducing stigma and increasing confidence that supports earlier identification and more meaningful support.

You can register for this webinar via this link: Unpaid Carers Bi-Monthly Lunch and Learn Webinar: Supporting People with Drug and Alcohol Misuse | NHS England Events

2026 wellbeing events at Mind Over Mountains

Our wellbeing events are suitable for anyone who self identifies as struggling or surviving on the Mental Health Continuum. They are not suitable for individuals in mental health crisis.

The consultation document is now available at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/budget and will run until 16 January 2026.

Funding update - Friday 19 December: Statement from Westmorland and Furness Council on Government funding allocation for 2026/27

Free, confidential advice sessions for people affected by domestic abuse will continue throughout 2026 following a highly successful first year.

Held at Penrith Library on the first Monday of each month from 10am to 3pm, the drop-in sessions are open to anyone aged 16 or over, whether seeking support for themselves or guidance on behalf of a friend, relative or colleague.

Attendees have received specialist help from Victim Support and Council professionals, including safety planning, accessing health services, exploring safe accommodation, understanding legal protections, identifying long-term support options and navigating the criminal justice system. Victim Support, which has worked with the Council to deliver the service this year, will continue its involvement and from January 2026, Kendal-based domestic abuse charity Springfield will also join the partnership, bringing additional expertise for people affected by domestic abuse.

On the first Monday of each month (with the exception of Tuesday 5 May to avoid the Bank Holiday) people can turn up at Penrith Library anytime between 10am and 3pm and ask for Alice where you will then be taken to a private room to talk confidentially with a Domestic Abuse Specialist.

The Young People’s Steering Group offers an opportunity to speak up, share ideas, take action, and make real change happen in the area.

What’s involved?

Being part of the steering group includes regular meetings and opportunities to:

• Make sure young people’s voices are heard
• Help shape local decisions
• Work with leaders and organisations
• Make a difference in your community
• Meet new people, learn new skills, and have fun

Anyone interested in becoming part of the steering group can contact:

E: rightsandparticipation.waf@cumbria.gov.uk

T: 07392 129220

All War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation payments will now be fully disregarded when assessing DFG applications. This change removes financial barriers that previously affected a small number of applicants who were required to contribute toward the cost of essential home adaptations.

Most veterans already receive the full grant; however, for those who did not, this update will ensure greater fairness and improved access to the support they need to live safely and independently at home.

Residents who would like more information, or who wish to share this update with someone who may benefit, can contact grants@cumberland.gov.uk.

Support for the Armed Forces community in Westmorland and Furness has been strengthened with the appointment of a dedicated Welfare Officer based at Furness General Hospital in Barrow.

Working alongside the hospital’s Discharge Team this new role will help improve access to specialist support for those dealing with physical injuries, mental health issues and other challenges that can cause or exasperate poor wellbeing and may be linked to their time in service. Mark Kenny has now taken up the post, working alongside the hospital’s Discharge Team and in partnership with the council’s Adult Social Care Team to provide practical and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families and carers.

The position is part of a partnership between Westmorland and Furness Council, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) and the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS).

Funding for the role has been provided through Westmorland and Furness Council and DMWS, with thanks to grants from the Army Benevolent Fund, Royal Navy Royal Marine Charity, the Veterans’ Foundation and Army Central Fund.

The hunt is on for a new Chair to lead the Board at the North Cumbria Integrated Care Foundation Trust that runs hospitals and health services in North Cumbria.

The Chair role is crucial to the leadership of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, overseeing the strategic direction and culture of the organisation, building local relationships and holding the Chief Executive and other Executive Directors to account for performance.

The post became vacant after the previous Chair, Steven Morgan, stepped down because of ill health.

Candidates will be expected to have considerable board level experience of leading in large complex organisations and be able to demonstrate a commitment to the values and principles of the NHS.

The three day per week role attracts a salary of £51,400 per annum and the appointment will be for 2 to 4 years subject to an annual performance review by the Trust’s Governors’ Council.

Find out more here.

The Employment Rights Bill introduced a new day-one right to unpaid bereavement leave for employees who experience the loss of a loved one, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

We are seeking views to ensure the new entitlement is shaped with the needs of employees and employers at the forefront. This consultation seeks views on:

• eligibility criteria
• types of pregnancy loss in scope
• when and how bereavement leave can be taken
• notice and evidence requirements

We welcome views from all stakeholders, particularly those with insight into this sensitive and personal topic. This may include charities, individuals with lived experience, and employers.

This consultation closes at 11:59pm 15 January 2026.

Click here for more information.

The British Standards Institution have published new guidance on suicide and the workplace. This guidance will support you to:
Identify and manage suicide risk in the workplace.

• Strengthen workplace policies and culture around suicide awareness.
• Have confident, consistent and compassionate conversations about suicide in workplace settings.
• And embed clear processes to support and communicate with staff and families after suicide loss.

Click here to download the guidance

The New Year is a great time to join others giving quitting a go. If you need that bit of extra help, find out advice and support from our Stop Smoking team, and how to access local pharmacy Nicotine Replacement Therapies on our website.

Stop Smoking Support Team

If you use stop smoking aids alongside support to change your behaviour and habits, you can double your chances of quitting for good.

Our friendly community-based Stop Smoking team offers expert advice and personalised care to help you quit smoking and achieve lasting health improvements.

The team can also provide 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as:

• patches
• lozenges
• vapes

NRT gives your body lower amounts of nicotine, but without the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes. They help you deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you’re quitting smoking.

Contact the team

You can contact the service yourself - you do not need a referral from a doctor. 

Once you've contacted us, one of our Stop Smoking support team will get back to you. They'll explain what we offer and discuss the best way forward for you.

Contact our Stop Smoking support team

This is a gentle reminder that the application window for the Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) closes next Monday 12^th January.

If you require any support in this final week before the window closes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Sarah at Cumbria Community Foundation or myself. Full information about the fund is available here: Cumbria Community Foundation - Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter

Joint statement from SENDAC and Westmorland & Furness Local Authority regarding parent carer forum arrangements following local government reorganisation. 

Become a Parent or Carer Champion. Share your experiences, ideas and feedback with the Family Hubs team – and help make a real difference for local families.
As a Champion, you can:
• Influence how local services are designed and delivered.
• Make sure families’ voices are heard.
• Meet other parents and carers in
your area.
• Help create positive change in
your community.
Interested?
Email parentandcarerchampions@cumberland.gov.uk

The University of Cumbria is launching a major research project to improve mental health research across the region. To make sure we get it right we need to be guided by your lived experience.

Who are we looking for?

We invite you to join our new research group if you are from Cumbria and:

• Have personal experience of mental health challenges or emotional distress.
• Care for a family member or friend who has faced these challenges.
• Are passionate about improving local mental health services

We are especially keen to hear from people in rural and coastal areas, young people, people with learning disabilities and autistic people, and those from agricultural communities.

What’s involved?

As an advisory group member, you will:

• Share your views in regular meetings
• Guide research to focus on what truly matters
• Ensure community voices are at the heart of the project

What’s in it for you?

• Payment for your time and expertise
• Full reimbursement for travel
• Support and training to help you feel confident and develop in your role

Want to find out more?

For a friendly, no obligation chat, please contact:

Alexis Quinn (Lived Experience Lead)

Email: a.quinn@restraintreductionnetwork.org

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: Health Inequalities
Date: Thursday 22 January 2026
Time: 12:30–13:30
Location: Zoom (registration required)
Register: tinyurl.com/pcsm-webi6

Speakers:
• Prof Judith Rankin OBE - Professor of Maternal and Child Health, Newcastle University, and Co-Lead of the NIHR Challenge Maternity Disparities Consortium.
"NIHR Maternal Health Inequalities Research Programme"
Judith works in maternal and child health research and has a long-standing interest in health inequalities affecting women and babies. Her research includes maternal risk factors, congenital anomalies, and the experiences of underserved families when trying to access maternity and child health services.
• Prof Joy Duxbury OBE - Professor of Mental Health and Director of Research for the Institute of Health, University of Cumbria.
"Thinking Mental Health Inequalities"
Joy is a mental health nurse by background and a clinical academic. Her career has centred on improving mental-health care for people whose voices are often overlooked, including those in rural or disadvantaged settings. She brings expertise in trauma-informed practice, involving people with lived experience, and reducing reliance on restrictive or coercive interventions.
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)

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.

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