Here’s the difference the funding has made to three local communities:

‘Team Tanzumbria’ youth exchange programme

Local charity, Cumbria Rungwe, provides a link between the communities of West Cumbria and Rungwe in Tanzania. It’s been running a successful youth exchange programme for over 30 years to give young people the chance to experience other cultures and the young people themselves get involved in fundraising activities. The charity’s work with young people from Workington and North Copeland includes peer mentoring and young leader development culture, as well as awareness raising and involvement in local West Cumbrian schools.

CCHA funding has helped reinvigorate this programme, which had to pause during the pandemic. Mary Kipling, Fundraiser, said: “The CCHA funding is being used for our first youth exchange programme in West Cumbria since the pandemic. We’re hosting a group from Rungwe, Tanzania, and the funding is helping us build a team of young people and community volunteers from West Cumbria and Rungwe - ‘Team Tanzumbria’. They’ll visit schools and community groups across the area, involving people of all ages and abilities in the joy of diversity and multiculturalism. Our young people and volunteers will gain skills, confidence, and an insight into how their own communities work.”

Supporting youth work

North Allerdale Development Trust Limited (NADT) in Wigton acts as a resource for young people of a range of ages to develop life skills, build confidence and to take part in society as independent and informed individuals.

More than 20 schools and organisations benefit from EIP, a youth work-led, emotional and social wellbeing programme for young people aged 8 to 16 that are struggling in education. 133 young people were supported in 2022 and the charity is facing increasing demand from primary school age group.

Rural outreach sessions started in April 2022 in response to local need. Sandra Keaveney, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The CCHA funding has helped NADT provide access to youth work in areas where young people have little or no access to facilities. This is so important as it gives young people the chance to meet friends, join activities and go somewhere safe.”

A lifeline for people with autism and their families

Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland (ASAAC) is a local support group for parent carers, relatives and friends of children and adults in Allerdale and Copeland who have, or are waiting for a diagnosis of, autism.

Based in Workington, this highly used service is a vital lifeline for many people supporting a family member with autism. Just some of the services offered by ASAAC include welcoming speakers from local organisations, arranging activities and group visits to local attractions, and providing training.

Shirley, Founder and Chair, said: “The funding from CCHA has made a huge difference. A three-year grant from a major funder was coming to an end and we wanted to be able to keep running all the clubs and activities we’ve set up because they’ve become a lifeline to people with autism, and their families. The new funding is helping us continue and we really are grateful to have been successful in receiving it.”

Kitting out community volunteers

Ford Park is a charity run park in Ulverston with lovely open spaces, nature trails, a playground, an orchard, walled garden and much more. Volunteers are at its heart, and with support from CCHA in October 2022, the team were kitted out with some much-needed new clothing and equipment as part of its inclusive volunteer programme.

Suzanne Edgley, Grants, Trust & Fundraising Officer at Ford Park, said: “The Castles & Coasts funding was very much appreciated by us as a charity, and by our amazing volunteers. Our volunteers are essential to the upkeep and development of our charity owned eight-acre community park. We really couldn’t do it without them, so being able to supply them with the necessary clothing and equipment to safely and effectively carry out jobs on the park is really important. It also makes them very visible in the park as volunteers proudly serving their community.