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Dear Member,

The wonderful team at Children NE have designed a bespoke course for North Cumbria to help teams and organisations identify and alleviate poverty-related barriers to healthcare access.

It is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to people in our community who will experience worse health and poorer access to help because of persistent systemic inequalities. It isn’t something of the past or of elsewhere- it is real, relevant and right here. Poverty is place based, meaning that it causes challenges particular to geographical and demographic area. This means that the rurality and low population density of Cumbria presents it’s own specific barriers that this training can help us identify.

The training is funded for North Cumbria NHS area, but if your team is Cumbria-wide or delivers in any of the North Cumbria/Cumberland areas please do book on. It is designed for anyone who has a role in helping/supporting people to navigate healthcare, access support or overcome healthcare challenges. With one in eight people in Cumbria living on less than £10,000 a year and one in ten experiencing fuel poverty, it’s highly likely that, whether we realize it or not, we come into contact with people facing serious financial hardship every day. 

This vital training would be ideally suited to link workers employed in primary care or the local authority or any of the VCFSE roles which formally and informally are so often a lifeline for people at times of their greatest need.

The three-hour Poverty Proofing ® training will help you to:

• Understand what ‘poverty’ is as both a concept and a lived reality
• Look beyond just the financial implications and see how a lifetime of disadvantage can impact people’s opportunities and even alter physiology
• Examine examples of barriers and have some discussion on what barriers you see in your own practice
• Learn how stigma and unconscious bias throws up an additional set of barriers- and how you can help dismantle this
• Formulate practical steps on how you can as an individual con contribute to improved systemic and societal healthy equity

Previous attendees have said:

“I found the first session to be informative & thought provoking around the affects & effects on lives of poverty here in Cumbria! Cumbria needs this learning so badly to move forward together”

To find out more about this event and to book on, please click here 

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. 

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

We understand that minimising the impact of poverty on healthcare provision is key to breaking the link between an individual’s income and their opportunity to live a long, healthy life. Our Poverty Proofing© team experts can support healthcare teams to listen to the experiences of their patients, staff and stakeholders on how poverty impacts them. We can then provide tailored guidance, built on evidence and tested methods, on what actions can support improvement in areas such as access, participation, experience and long-term engagement.

What will you gain from the training

Staff will gain understanding and awareness about:

-How poverty is defined
-Poverty statistics in a national and local context
-The causes and consequences of poverty
-The unconscious bias and stigma surrounding poverty
-The link between poverty and health outcomes
-How organisational practices can create barriers to accessing healthcare
-Why a whole system approach is needed when addressing health inequalities
-How the lived experience of individuals can be used to inform change

The two session dates are below

10th March 2026 9.30am-12.30pm

26th March 2026 12pm-3pm

To book your place, click the preferred date above.

A six-week course called ADHD & ME, which is designed to support those over the age of 18 who have a diagnosis of ADHD, or who are currently awaiting an assessment, to better understand their ADHD and identify their strengths.

To book onto the course, individuals simply need to call 01228 819 101 (option 2) and ask to speak to Jade Clifford.

We will be running sessions at the following locations:

• Raffles Cerebral Palsy Resource Centre
  Starting Monday 2nd February 2026, 10:00–13:00
  • 10:00–11:30: ADHD & ME
  • 11:30–12:00: Lunch break (please note lunch is not provided)
  • 12:00–13:00: Ikigai — our course focused on finding purpose
• Brampton Community Centre
  Starting Tuesday 3rd February 2026, 10:30–12:00
• Harraby Community Centre
  Starting Friday 6th February 2026, 10:30–12:00

In addition to this, we also run a weekly ADHD social group at iCan Wellness. If individuals are interested in attending, they would need to be registered with us. This can be completed during one of our Wellness Tours. To book, they can again contact us on 01228 819 101 (option 2) and ask to speak to me.

Please also note that the CNTW Lived Experience Programme is currently running its final cohort from 14th January(which is fully booked). After this, the sessions will no longer be delivered from iCan.

Including more information about the future of the VCSE/ICB relationship, strategic commissioning and procurement.

UYBO sessions are one-off group sessions, facilitated by trained bereavement volunteers, which take place over Zoom.

They provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space where you can talk about your loss and its impact, should you wish to.  We will support you to gain some understanding about your feelings, and what may help when navigating difficult days.

UYBO sessions

The session starts with a presentation and then moves into smaller group discussions with a trained bereavement volunteer, here you can explore the presentation content and how it may relate to you.

We know that group discussions can seem daunting, please be reassured that this is a safe and confidential space with other people who have experienced loss, many clients tell us how positive and comforting the group discussions have been.

You are welcome to bring along a family member or friend with you to the online session.

Type of UYBO Sessions

• UYBO mixed session- this session is for anyone who has been bereaved, no matter how long ago that bereavement was and is open to anyone aged over18 years.
• Bereavement by Suicide (BBS)- this session is open to anyone who is bereaved by suicide, who is aged over 18 years who has been bereaved for at least six months
• Understanding Your Childs Bereavement- this session is for parents and caregivers of children and young people aged under 18 years who have been bereaved. The session will give you the opportunity to find out about ways of supporting your children or young people who have been bereaved and to speak with other parents or carers supporting children and young people.

How to book?

Clients would need to register by calling 0808 808 1677. The webinar support is free of charge with a live volunteer and includes small group support: 

Understanding Your Bereavement Online (UYBO) - Cruse Bereavement Support

Walk-in support now available in town centre three days a week
Hope Haven is now offering walk-in support at the Senhouse Centre in Whitehaven every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:30am and 4:30pm.

Please can you help us spread the word? Two posters are attached to print and display.
Work is nearly complete on our King Street base
Work on our permanent base on King Street is nearly complete. We are expecting to open its doors to the public in March!

We began refurbishment of the building in April 2025. It has needed extensive work to transform the interior into a wellbeing hub, with a welcoming entrance, private rooms for one-to-one conversations, a physical treatment room, and an activity space on the first floor. (Pictured is the start of that process back in August last year.)

Once open, we will be able to offer walk-in support from this building every day of the year. There will also be a regular program of activities, support groups, and other sessions to help people stay well.

We will be sharing more information about when the building is due to open as soon as we can.

How to get support
Although this building isn't open yet, we're already supporting hundreds of people across Copeland with their mental health. We build the support each person needs around them, rather than them being passed between different services.
People can:
🚶 come and see us at the Senhouse Centre (3 Senhouse St, Whitehaven CA28 7ES) every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:30am and 4:30pm.
📞 call us on 01946 556 136, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
💻 book a video-call appointment online with our ‘Virtual Safe Haven’, slots available between 4pm-midnight every day with trained mental health and peer support workers. Book via the link at wcmhp.org.uk/hope-haven.
We’re committed to working together to improve mental health and wellbeing support across Copeland. If you’d like to discuss these updates in more detail, I’d be delighted to arrange a meeting with me or one of our team.

- Pamela Martyn, General Manger at Hope Haven (pamela.martyn@everyturn.org)

New and improved bus services across Cumberland. 

New services include a direct, more frequent link between Carlisle, the Cumberland Infirmary, Cockermouth, Whitehaven, and West Cumberland Hospital (#600), improved Whitehaven town routes (1/1A), and better connections to Cleator Moor (#22/22A). Additional routes will serve Hadrian’s Wall (#HW1), South Carlisle Health Centre and Carleton Clinic (#DR1), and Wigton/Anthorn to Carlisle (#71). 

Full timetables are available at www.cumberland.gov.uk/bus-timetables

Sports & Leisure Management Ltd who trade as Everyone Active a national leisure operator - was successful in the recent procurement to manage leisure facilities in the West of Cumberland.

The new 10-year contract will start in April 2026 and includes:

• Workington Leisure Centre
• Maryport Activity Centre
• Cockermouth Leisure Centre
• Keswick Leisure Centre
• Whitehaven Sports Centre
• Copeland Pools and Fitness Centre
• Cleator Moor Activity Centre (redeveloped facility)
• Millom Leisure Centre (new facility under development).

A key part of the new contract is the delivery of an Active Wellbeing programme and to support a new Cumberland wide Active Wellbeing Partnership. 

The programme targets health inequalities and will work in partnership with health and social care providers to support groups such as care experienced and cared for children.

The centres will continue to provide leisure, health and fitness facilities such as gyms, sports, swimming (lessons and public access)

Leisure sites in Carlisle - including The Sands Centre - do not form part of the new contract and will continue being managed on the council’s behalf by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), trading as Better.

We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our team to develop and deliver research that addresses the wider determinants of health. As part of our team, your work will be a part of a culture change, increasing Council staff confidence in using, sharing and creating new research evidence around the importance of the wider determinants of health. Co-production is key and you will be working with communities to ensure they have a clear voice throughout everything this research collaborative seeks to achieve.

A great new opportunity has arisen to play a key role in supporting autistic adults in Cumbria to thrive!
Triple A Project (All About Autism) is the primary third sector provider of autism services in Cumbria. We are passionate about supporting and enabling autistic adults to thrive, using peer led service design and delivery.
Services that Triple A offers include employment support, autism training and education, one-to-one autism specialist mentoring and social groups for autistic adults. We are also commissioned to run co-designed post-diagnosis “Discover Your Autism” delivered by autistic facilitators.

• Do you have valuable skills and experience in areas such as governance, safeguarding, finance or employment and human resources?
• Do you have valuable business or VCSE sector experience?
• Do you have experience of autism (either personal or professional) and a passion for helping autistic adults in Cumbria thrive?
• Do you understand the value and importance of primary stakeholder influence on design and delivery of supports and services?

If you feel as though some or all of this describes you, or you are able to contribute towards helping our organisation continuing meet its objectives successfully, safely, transparently and within budget - please contact us for further information or with any questions at the email address below:

admin@tripleaproject.org.uk

More information about the trustee role is available at the following web address: https://tripleaproject.org.uk/leadership/

Do you know a young person who could represent Cumberland as our next Member of Youth Parliament? 

We’re looking for young people aged 11–18 who live or study in Cumberland to take on this exciting role. It’s a fantastic opportunity to: 

• Have their voice heard locally, regionally and nationally 
• Build skills and experience 
• Help shape decisions and create positive change in Cumberland 

If you know someone who might be interested, please encourage them to get in touch: youth.voice@cumberland.gov.uk. 

Free Suicide Prevention Training for NHS Staff, Primary Care and Emergency Responders – Feb & March 2026

PAPYRUS have been contracted by the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Integrated Care Board, to provide fully funded (free) suicide prevention training to primary care, emergency responders and NHS staff in the North East and North Cumbria.

This training is available free to all NHS staff, GPs, nurses, pharmacists, police, ambulance, fire & rescue and other frontline staff supporting individuals at risk within the NENC ICB catchment area.

Our 3.5hr training, SPEAK (Suicide Prevention Explore, Ask, Keep-Safe) is an introduction to suicide prevention skills, the key objectives are:

• To consider the attitudes, myths, and stigma that surround suicide
• To recognise and explore the ‘signs’ that may indicate someone is having thoughts of suicide
• To encourage an open, safe and sensitive conversation about suicide with a person having thoughts of suicide
• To support a safety plan with someone thinking of suicide.

For all course dates and to book, sign up here

If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please get in touch at englandnorth@papyrus-uk.org

We are encouraging everyone to share their views on proposals for our 2026/27 budget.   

Like all councils, Cumberland faces significant financial challenges, including rising demand for services, inflation which is above 3%, and changes to government funding. By law, the council must set a balanced budget, which means making sometimes difficult decisions about services and council tax.   

To maintain essential services such as adult social care, children’s services, and waste management, the council is proposing a 2.99% increase in council tax and a 2% rise in adult social care levy which goes specifically towards things like residential care, supporting those recovering from illness, and services for those with learning and physical disabilities. Parish and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner precepts are set separately.   

As we move towards the new financial year 2026/27 and significant changes to the way that the two Integrated Care Boards or ICBs operate at a Place and regional level across Cumbria.

There will be changes in both North Cumbria NHS area and South Cumbria NHS areas. The changes will be slightly different in each area and clearly geography will also impact on some of the changes.

Final decisions regarding these changes will be confirmed following government papers due out by the end of January/early February 2026

SOUTH CUMBRIA NHS area – NEW Operating Model for Lancashire & South Cumbria ICB (see attachments)

As we move towards the new financial year 2026/27 and significant changes to the way that Integrated Care Boards or ICBs operate at a Place and regional level Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB have produced the attached information to describe the NEW operating model.

There are two significant areas of interest and impact to the third sector:

• Changes to Place Based areas (currently South Cumbria is considered a Place)
• New commissioning models

Changes to Place Based area

It is very likely that there will be a shift from the current "place" footprints to the larger acute trust footprints (ie, for us, from South Cumbria Place to Morecambe Bay Place area).

New Commissioning models

It is likely that the larger regional ICB bodies Lancashire & South Cumbria will commission on an ‘outcomes’ level rather than local operational/service level.

There are discussions that indicate that local commissioning might be devolved to a Provider Collaborative model (in which case NHS trusts are likely to be the lead/accountable body) rather than being retained by staff within the ICB and local to and with a South Cumbria remit.

Both of these changes require guidance/approval from government to progress. This guidance is due to come out before February 2026.

NORTH CUMBRIA NHS area – NEW Operating Model for North East & North Cumbria ICB (see attachments)

As we move towards the new financial year 2026/27 and significant changes to the way that Integrated Care Boards or ICBs operate at a Place and regional level North East and North Cumbria ICB have produced the attached set of slides to describe some of the NEW operating model and how this might impact on their relationship with the VCSE.

There are 3 areas of interest and impact to the third sector:

• Some very vague information about contracts currently in place with VCSE providers (slide 2)
• New commissioning models –
• Changes to Place Based areas (currently North Cumbria is considered a Place it is looking likely that we will join the current North Place-Based area )

New commissioning models

There is less clarity in these slides but it is likely a Provider Collaborative will manage commissioning at place in the future (worth reading some of the NHS 10 Year Plan document to find out more)

Changes to Place Based area

Currently North Cumbria is considered a Place-Based area. It is looking likely that in the future we may become a part of the current North Place-Based area. North Place-Based area - corresponds to the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) area and the local authorities of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland and South Tyneside)

Click here for Information about the future of the VCSE/ICB relationship, strategic commissioning and procurement.

Carlisle Library is operating a limited reception service, accessible via Level 3 of The Lanes car park. 

The following services will be available: 

• Book requests and returns 

Hearing aid batteries 

Bus pass applications 

Parking discs 

Blue badge forms 

Please note that browsing, study spaces, PC access and printing, regular events, and general access to the main library will not be available during this period. 

The remainder of Carlisle Library will remain closed because the new air handling units, which circulate warm air throughout the building, are not yet installed. This is part of the ongoing refurbishment work and not due to any heating fault or breakdown. Current temperatures make it unsuitable to open the space, and the council is committed to ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of visitors and staff. Essential services will continue to be available during this period to support the community.

Pride in Place is a long-term, community-led regeneration programme that empowers local areas to tackle the infrastructure, social, and civic challenges that matter most.

As part of the £5 billion nationwide initiative, the government's Pride in Place programme has allocated up to £20 million over 10 years to each of the three Cumberland neighbourhoods of:

• Raffles and Morton,
• Flimby, Ellenborough and Broughton Moor.
• Mirehouse, Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank, and Sandwith.

Neighbourhood Boards will be developed to bring local people, businesses, and community groups together to help shape the future of their area. Its main purpose is to make sure that Pride in Place projects reflect what matters most to the community.

The £20 million investment for each neighbourhood will be managed by local residents and community groups, not by central government. The funding aims to achieve three core objectives:

• Build stronger communities: Improve community cohesion and belonging by enhancing shared spaces.
• Create thriving places: Revitalize high streets and public spaces and improve amenities.
•  Empower people to take back control: Give local people a direct say in their community's future.

Could you be the chair of Pride in Place Programme Neighbourhood Board in the Mirehouse, Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank, and Sandwith area?

The role is part-time and flexible, requiring around 8–10 hours per month, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Applicants are asked to submit a CV and supporting statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining their connection to the area, relevant experience and vision for inclusive community leadership to communitydevelopment@cumberland.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 30 January, with interviews scheduled for February.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) has been awarded the contract to deliver modern, integrated sexual health services across the county of Cumbria for the next six years.

NCIC already provides sexual health services across the county; however, the new look service will be transformed to meet the evolving sexual health needs of the population. It reflects the three big shifts included in the NHS Ten Year Plan published last year.

The service will be providing a new digital platform that will speed up and improve access to services and reduce some of the traditional barriers that people encounter when accessing sexual health clinics. 

The service will focus on five key public health outcomes:

• Detecting chlamydia earlier
• Reducing underage pregnancies
• Reducing new transmissions of HIV and sexually transmitted infections
• Prescribing long-acting contraception
• Diagnosing people living with HIV at an earlier stage

The services current base in Hilltop Heights will be replaced with a new one in the Civic Centre in the near future.

To find out more about sexual health services provided by the Trust, please visit our website.

Share your experiences, ideas and feedback and help improve services and 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 or chat to one of the team at your local Family Hub. 

Thursday 12th February, 9am–12.30pm
The Durham Centre, Durham

The purpose of this event is to inform the development of an action plan that will drive measurable improvements in access to contraception across the North East and North Cumbria region. The aim of the event is to look at current practice, share some of the challenges, and find practical ways to make services more accessible and effective. By collaborating, we aim to strengthen care pathways, improve outreach, and share ideas that will help deliver better health outcomes for local communities.

Who should attend?
Commissioners and providers of contraception services including local government, healthcare clinicians, maternity, gynaecology, primary care, secondary care, pharmacy, voluntary and community services, ICB, and anyone with an interest in contraception services.

Reserve your place now!
Spaces are limited, so please book early to register your interest.

On Monday 2 February, Distington Walled Garden are opening the doors for a friendly Knit and Natter session.

Whether you want to learn how to knit or crochet, or simply come along for a crack and some company, you’ll be very welcome.

The session will run from 10am to 1pm and materials and know how are free. If you fancy a little treat while you craft, refreshments, scones, and cake will also be available to buy.

An open invite has gone out to landlords, letting agents, and housing professionals to attend two important events in March 2026 to learn about significant changes coming to the private rental sector under the Renters’ Rights Act. 

Event Details 

• Wednesday 18th March 2026 – Civic Centre, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM 

• Thursday 19th March 2026 – Allerdale House, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM 

Representatives from the DWP, Enforcement Team, Valuation Office, Trading Standards, Organised Crime Unit, and the Sustainable Warmth team will all be in attendance at the events. 

Including significant changes to the Service User and Carer Reference Group (SUCRG) and how it will operate in the future.

Mark Wear (National Lottery), Dr Suzanne Wilson & Dr Katherine Jewell (University of Lancashire)

Wednesday 11 February 2026, 1-2.30pm, Microsoft TEAMS 

Join Mark Wear (National Lottery), Dr Suzanne Wilson and Dr Katherine Jewell (University of Lancashire) as they introduce a new 5-year Lottery-funded project taking place in locations across Cumberland, which will use the Connected Communities approach as a vehicle for identifying funding priorities in local areas. The project has grown out of the Lottery’s commitment to become ‘more than a funder’, with the aspiration that the Connected Communities findings will form the foundation of future Lottery funding applications for projects that are identified in local communities. The webinar will outline the research and projects leading up to this initiative, provide an overview of the work to be undertaken over the course of the project, and discuss potential future applications of the approach within Lottery funding processes. This seminar is part of the series presented by the University of Lancashire’s Centre in Community Connectedness & Co-operation (4C), supported by the Institute for Planetary Resilience & Community Transformation (PACT).

 To secure a place, please register following this Eventbrite link: "More than a funder": Towards Community Driven Philanthropy Tickets, Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

 For more information, please don't hesitate to contact Suzanne Wilson (swilson21@lancashire.ac.uk) or Katherine Jewell (KJewell1@lancashire.ac.uk)

Help shape end-of-life care
Would you like to help shape future palliative or end-of-life care in your area?

Palliative care supports people who are living with an illness that unfortunately cannot be cured. This illness may be cancer but is more likely to be a long-term condition such as serious heart or lung disease where cure is not possible. It focuses on helping someone feel as comfortable as possible in body, mind and spirit, while also supporting their family and carers.  

End-of-life care is a form of palliative care given when a person is approaching the final stages of life.  

The North East and North Cumbria Healthwatch Network is supporting the NHS in the region to hear how people feel about discussing death, dying and the care they would want for themselves or their loved ones.  

Talking about death is something many people find difficult, but your views can make a genuine difference to how support is given at one of the most important moments in life. Your feedback will help shape plans for future services and support in the region.   

Dr Kathryn Hall, GP and clinical lead for palliative and end of life care for the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: 

“Every person deserves compassionate and respectful care when they need it most. By taking a few minutes to complete this survey, you can help health and care services understand what matters to people, what feels challenging and what could be improved.” 

The anonymous online survey asks for views on where you would like to receive palliative care, the most important aspects of end-of-life care to you, whether you have any written plans for your care and how you would like to be supported to find out about care options. 

You can take part in the survey by clicking the button below.

Health literacy is about people being able to access, understand, check and use information to make informed choices about their health. It also reflects what organisations can do to make this easier.

This event will bring together people from across the North East and North Cumbria who have an interest in health literacy. It provides an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved across the region so far and to explore priorities and next steps for the future.

The regional health literacy team will share lessons learned and resources developed over the past two years, alongside examples of good practice from across the system.

Speakers include:
• Ryan Swiers, Deputy Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, Sunderland City Council; former ICB Health Literacy Lead
• Professor Gill Rowlands, Clinical Director, Newcastle Inner West Primary Care Network; Emerita Professor of Primary Care, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University
• Dr Anastasia Trebacz, Senior Lecturer in Psychology for Medicine, School of Medicine
• Jack Holkham, Research Assistant, Health Literacy Team, School of Medicine University of Sunderland

This event aims to:
• share learning, best practice and resources from the regional health literacy project.
• create opportunities for people working in health and care to connect with others interested in health literacy.
• increase awareness of health literacy and what organisations can do to improve it.

Who should attend?
This event is open to anyone working in health and care in the North East and North Cumbria who has an interest in health literacy.

By the end of this event, delegates will be able to:
• understand the concept of health literacy and why it matters for improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
• recognise the role that organisations and systems play in supporting people’s health literacy.
• identify practical approaches and examples of good practice to improve health literacy in health and care settings.
• apply learning and resources from the regional health literacy project to their own roles and organisations.
• connect with others across the North East and North Cumbria to share learning and support future collaboration on health literacy.

Several Wellbeing courses are being held at Penrith Hospital. 

- Strategies for Wellbeing, 6-8pm 18th, 25th February, 4th & 11th March – 2026

- Wellbeing and Sleep - 6-8pm Tuesday 24^th March and 31^st March 2026

- Wellbeing and loss - 10am-12pm 26^th February, 5^th March and 12^th March

Advice on issues including benefits, employment, housing, consumer, and family/relationship matters.
Location: Appleby Medical Practice
Time: 11am – 1pm
Days: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month
Upcoming Sessions:

▪03 February 2026
▪17 February 2026
▪03 March 2026
▪17 March

Local authorities commission services that have a direct impact on communities — and social enterprises play a vital role in delivering that impact.

We’re inviting social enterprises, charities, and VCSE organisations to attend Working with the Council: Commissioning and Contracts, a practical session focused on helping mission-led organisations understand how councils commission services and award contracts.

This session will help you:
• Understand how local authority commissioning works
• Learn how councils assess social value and community impact
• Prepare for public sector contract opportunities
• Build sustainable relationships with local authorities

Event dates:
• Tuesday, 24 February 2026
• Wednesday, 4 March 2026

If your organisation is mission-led and looking to strengthen its role in delivering services locally, this session will provide valuable insight and practical guidance.

For further information, please select an event below.

Botcherby Community Centre, Carlisle. Tuesday, 24th February

Workington Golf Club, Workington. Wednesday, 4th March

Included in the newsletter is

• Follow Up: 13th January Meeting

• Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Youth Services in Westmorland and Furness

• Youth Work Training Enrolments Opening Soon

• Greater Manchester - Youth Worker Degree Apprenticeship

• The Man I Want to Become Project

• Co-Research Collective and creating a Cumberland Youth Strategy

• South Copeland Volunteer Open Day

• NCIC to deliver NEW LOOK integrated sexual health service across Cumbria

Health Information Week 2026 - #HIW2026

Running from 19-25 January, Health Information Week champions accessible, quality health information across England. This national campaign unites NHS teams, libraries, voluntary organisations and communities around five daily themes:

• Monday 19 January: Children and Young People
• Tuesday 20 January: Translated Patient Information
• Wednesday 21 January: Women's Health
• Thursday 22 January: Mental Health
• Friday 23 January: Winter Health

Quality information empowers people to manage their health proactively and access the right care at the right time. Visit Health Information Week to explore campaign materials and discover how teams can participate.

Social Prescribing Day – save the date

This year’s Social Prescribing Day will take place on 26 March. This is a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about social prescribing and the role of link workers. Colleagues can take part by holding events or drop-in sessions or posting about their work on social media. Find out more about how to get involved.

A quick spotlight on the  Research Partnerships work at VONNE.

The work aims to connect health and care researchers and the VCSE sector, providing the support, guidance and resources needed to form reciprocal and sustainable partnerships for research. The work is funded and guided by colleagues at the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR).

In 2025, the work supported 38 individual enquiries from researchers and VCSE organisations with opportunity sharing, partnership building, and guidance on how to engage effectively with communities in research. Much of this work is ongoing, and is informed by the principles of the NIHR Community Engagement Toolkit. We will be sharing resources to accompany the toolkit very soon, which should give practical ways to put the principles into action.

Free Introduction to Health & Care Research 4^th February 2026 (sign up by 28.01.2026), and will be co-delivered by VONNE and a colleague at the NIHR ARC. It is open to anyone representing a VCSE organisation in the NENC region with an interest in, or experience of, health and care research. To sign up for the February session, please visit: An Introduction to Health and Care Research - training 

A Research Partnerships Network has been established, which is open to anyone in a VCSE sector or research role across the NENC region.

Signing up to our research-themed mailing list, through our online form here, allows network members to receive a new Research Partnerships bulletin which will be distributed bi-monthly throughout 2026. The purpose of the bulletin is to showcase opportunities for research collaborations, relevant news and funding, highlight upcoming training and events, feature key topics and best practice through blogs, and more. 

This Grief Cafe is in collaboration of Westmorland Libraries and Adult Learning. 

We provide a safe space for people to come together to chat. We can support you through the difficult times. Everyone is welcome to come and go as they please. 

Venue- Penrith Library 

When - Wednesday 11th February 2026 & Wednesday 11th March 2026 1pm-3pm

The Healthwatch Cumberland team would like to share some exciting news to kick off 2026.

Do you know the 5 ways to wellbeing?

• Connection
• Physical activity
• Learning new skills
• Giving to others
• Mindfulness/being present

From February we are launching Wellbeing Drop In’s at Carlisle Restore, Castle St. The sessions will take place on the 1^st Friday of each month, 10am-12pm, (unless stated otherwise) and will provide a space to be mindful, get creative and chat to the Healthwatch Cumberland team about your wellbeing.

We would love for you to join us!

• Friday 6^th February, 10am-12pm at Restore Carlisle
• Friday 6^th March, 10am-12pm at Restore Carlisle
• Friday 3^rd April, 10am-12pm at restore Carlisle

February: Letting the light back into the darker months.

Our very first Wellbeing Drop In will take place on Friday 6^th February, 10am-12pm at Carlisle Restore. The theme of February’s session is based around light and feeling uplifted as we carry on into this new year. We will be making clay tealight holders and reconnecting with ourselves as we take a moment to reflect and be mindful.

March: I collage my experience.

Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s ‘I paint my experience,’ the Healthwatch Cumberland team will be leading a collage session aimed at encouraging self expression and creativity. There’s no need to be a master painter! This session will take place on Friday 6^th March, 10am-12pm at Carlisle Restore.

April: Spring paper crafts.

The soothing art of paper folding if the perfect way to be mindful whilst learning a new skill during Stress Awareness Month. Come along to create some cards or origami flowers. This session will take place on Friday 3^rd April, 10am-12pm.

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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