Opportunities & Challenges CARLISLE: A Community Needs Report 2025 www.cumbriafoundation.org
Having seen the impact of the reports Cumbria Community Foundation have prepared over the years, I have been keen that we prepare one for Carlisle to complement those for West Cumbria (2019) and Furness (2021). Contents Foreword _ _____________________________________________________________________________________3 Introduction____________________________________________________________________________________4 Carlisle in Profile_ _____________________________________________________________________________5 Opportunities and Challenges _ _______________________________________________________________6 Carlisle Voices _________________________________________________________________________________8 Growing Up _ __________________________________________________________________________________10 Employment, Economy and Skills _ ___________________________________________________________21 Living In Carlisle ______________________________________________________________________________30 Ageing Well ___________________________________________________________________________________43 Health and Wellbeing _ _______________________________________________________________________54 Strong and Connected Communities _ ________________________________________________________64 Summary_ _____________________________________________________________________________________76 How to get involved___________________________________________________________________________77 Cumbria Community Foundation _____________________________________________________________78 Acknowledgements _ _________________________________________________________________________79 I came to Carlisle in 1989, found it welcoming and a great place to live and work. Following a 42-year career working in local government across Cumbria, I joined the Community Foundation Grants Committee and became a Trustee in 2018. I often say, “it’s the best job I’ve ever taken on”. I’ve been a Rotarian for over 30 years and have become involved in a range of community activities in Carlisle and across the wider region. Many of these activities have been health related including leading our local Dementia Action Alliance, now as part of the Age Friendly Carlisle project. This report has captured the views and voices of hundreds of local people, all deeply committed to where they live and combined it with the most up-to-date statistics. The report highlights the challenges facing our communities and the opportunities to make a difference. Carlisle has much to offer, it has a diverse economy, is well placed on the national transport network, good schools, a growing educational offer, hardworking people, a beautiful setting, deep and fascinating history, a diverse mix of community groups and charities and a great sense of community. However, sitting alongside this is growing poverty, alarming increases in mental ill health and major differences in life expectancy, low pay, increased risks of flooding linked to climate change, an ageing population and a charity sector under great strain as it seeks to respond to these issues. The people of Carlisle have raised some challenging provocations to help shape the future of the area: • We need to improve the range and quality of employment opportunities to grow our economy and retain our people. • We need to celebrate and recognise just how special Carlisle is. • Some suggest we have a democratic deficit. Should Carlisle have a town council? • We need to build on the City of Sanctuary to help Carlisle be as welcoming and diverse as possible. • The wish to build on our cultural and leisure opportunities to retain and attract more people. Should we have a new, dedicated theatre? • How do we take advantage of our remarkable landscape to promote healthier lifestyles and mental health? • We need to prepare better for future climate events such as flooding. • We need to support and nurture our charities and community groups so that they can thrive and play a growing role in the life of the area. • We have great educational and training opportunities in the area and should make the most of them. • The report highlights a need for Carlisle to find its voice and identity. We encourage you to take up the challenge and work together to clearly articulate who we are and what we can become. I have learnt much about the issues facing our communities across the county and how sometimes relatively small financial interventions can make a big difference. At the same time, many of the issues we face should ideally be better supported by statutory authorities, but this is not always possible. Voluntary sector colleagues must step in to help and advise the most vulnerable in our communities and ensure we have sustainable local facilities available. It is my belief that this report can be a catalyst for our local leaders, communities and organisations to consider how to work together even more effectively - to help build on our opportunities and address our challenges. Kevin Walsh BEM Trustee, Cumbria Community Foundation Foreword KEVIN WALSH Trustee Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 2 3
Introduction This report describes the circumstances in which the people of Carlisle and surrounding rural areas live, their challenges and their opportunities. It uses key factual information to provide a summary of social needs, barriers to success and community issues. It brings together comprehensive statistics that describe all aspects of the area, and includes ‘Carlisle Voices’ – extracts from interviews with influential local people; the results of conversations with more than 30 people; focus groups with charity leaders; discussions with young people; and a survey that attracted more than 400 responses. Together they describe what they believe is special about life in Carlisle and district, what needs to be done to improve the area and what makes them most proud. The report also contains a range of case studies of community projects and organisations that address some of the area’s most pressing issues. The creation of this independent report has been led by Cumbria Community Foundation, a charity whose primary objective is to address disadvantage and strengthen communities across Cumbria. It does this by promoting philanthropy and managing a growing portfolio of grant making funds. It has raised and distributed in excess of £70m across the county since 1999 and is home to more than 120 individual and corporate philanthropic grant making funds. This report is the fourth in a series created by the Community Foundation and follows the successful Cumbria Revealed (2017), West Cumbria: Opportunities and Challenges (2019) and Furness: Opportunities and Challenges (2021) reports. In July 2024, the Foundation launched the creation of this report to more than 50 representatives of organisations and individuals from the community. They set the tone for the report and assisted in promoting the conversations and research that underpin the findings. The report has several roles. It is a resource for local charities to plan their work and inform bids for funding. It is a reference document for professionals in the public sector planning services and developing regeneration plans. It provides a focus for charitable funders both local and national that wish to prioritise how they invest in the community and it is a call to action for existing and future philanthropists to give generously and strategically in support of the people of the area. Special thanks to members of the Steering Group that supported the creation of the report. Membership involved representation from senior figures from the public, private and charitable sectors – they are listed in full on page 79. Andy Beeforth OBE Chief Executive, Cumbria Community Foundation ANDY BEEFORTH Chief Executive Carlisle in Profile Size: 402 square miles1 Population: around 110,000 (21.7% aged 65 and over, 17% aged 15 and under)2 Population density: 106 residents per square kilometre3 Average House Price: £165,7614 Unemployment rate: 2.7% (March 2025)5 Life Expectancy 2020-22: for men 77.3 years, for women 81.5 years6 Multiple deprivation: 4 Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) fall within the 10% most deprived areas in England; these communities are located within: Belle Vue; Upperby; Morton; and Botcherby7 Carlisle is situated in the North West of England. It is bordered by Scotland to the north, Northumberland to the east, the Eden Valley to the south and Allerdale to the west. Carlisle is closer to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh (98 miles away) than it is to the English capital of London (308) miles away. Carlisle is made up of Carlisle city – the only city in Cumbria – with smaller towns including Longtown and Brampton and number of smaller villages. Carlisle also has a large rural area, with some of the most sparsely populated and remote communities in the UK, particularly in the communities situated between Brampton and Longtown and the Scottish and Northumberland borders. Often referred to as the “Great Border City”, at various points in history Carlisle has been in either English or Scottish territories. The Romans, Vikings and the Border Reivers all lived in Carlisle, leaving behind a rich history and cultural heritage including Hadrian’s Wall, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Carlisle is also a picturesque area with two areas of outstanding natural beauty – with parts of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and North Pennines National Landscape in Carlisle. Three rivers – the Eden, Caldew and the Petteril – converge in Carlisle city, the River Esk flows through Longtown and the River Irthing flows near Brampton. Carlisle also has a range of important countryside attractions including the Settle-Carlisle Line and the Cumbria Way National Trail. In 2023 Carlisle district was replaced by Cumberland Council, which covers the geographical footprint of three former districts: Allerdale, Copeland and Carlisle. The new council took on the functions previously performed by these district councils and Cumbria County Council. 1 Carlisle City Council, Area statistics, (Carlisle 1042 square km = 402 square miles) https://www.carlisle.gov.uk/carlisle-business/Why-Carlisle/Area-Statistics 2 Office for National Statistics, How life has changed in Carlisle: Census 2021, https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censusareachanges/E07000028/ 3 Dataset provided by Census 2021 estimates classify usual residents in England and Wales by population density (number of usual residents per square kilometre). The estimates are as at Census Day, 21 March 2021, https://www.ons.gov.uk/datasets/TS006/editions/2021/versions/4/filter-outputs/1275b246-2b59-473a-8a53-7a5b064d99e4#get-data 4 Figures quoted are from Rightmove and are correct at the time of writing. Please note that the statistics change regularly. https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/carlisle. html?country=england&searchLocation=Carlisle 5 Cumberland Intelligence Observatory, Labour Market Briefing, April 2025: Labour Market Briefing 6 Life Expectancy at birth 3 year range (2020-22) Department of Health and Social Care, Local Authority Health Profiles: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/health-profiles/ data#page/1/ati/301/are/E07000028 7 Cumberland Council, Carlisle Narrative Summary, July 2021: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/536/671/4674/17217/43937115157.pdf Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 4 5
CARLISLE IN PROFILE: OPPORTUNITIES CARLISLE IN PROFILE: CHALLENGES Diverse and strong economy: Carlisle generates a 1/4 of Cumbria’s economic output, £2.83bn Gross Added Value a growing university and the new Pears Cumbria School of Medicine An ambitious educational sector, with capacity to grow its population and economy on an environmentally sustainable footprint A compact city, Borderlands, St Cuthberts Garden Village, Southern Link Road, Carlisle Station, the Citadel, Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone Major investment providing foundations for future prosperity: Affordable housing: average house prices in Carlisle are low, at £165,761 A town council for Carlisle: a call to provide a voice and focus for the city A place of positive ideas, contributors speak with energy and imagination about how Carlisle could be improved Well connected by road and rail, traffic can flow well, increasingly cycle friendly and London is just over 3 hours by train Devolution: a Cumbrian Mayor should lobby for funds for Carlisle and the issues identified in this report A city with rich Roman and Border heritage that underpins tourism, £715m into the local economy, nearly 8 million visitors per annum and over 7,000 employees A skilled and willing workforce, Cumberland has a higherthan-average progression into apprenticeships and workers have a positive attitude and approach Ready access to parks and the countryside for exercise and peace: Two World Heritage landscapes; the English Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall nearby Good schools: 92% of primary and 50% of secondary schools rated as Good. A welcoming and safe city with a strong sense of community and pride in place. Nearly 1 in 5 named “feeling safe in my neighbourhood” as one of the top three things about living here. A place refugees choose to call home A rich and diverse community sector, with 323 constituted voluntary and community organisations contributing widely to the quality of community life and volunteering opportunities Poverty fundamentally impacts on people’s health and wellbeing. The lowest Gross Domestic Household income of anywhere in Cumbria at £17,724, only 81.8% of the UK average. Planned benefit changes will increase the number of people in poverty Mental health crisis: more than 40,000 people, or 18% of the adult population, have depression, over 1/3 higher than the England average Suicide: Cumberland has the 4th highest rate of all local authorities in England for the number of lives lost to suicide Obesity: almost a 1/3 of adults in Cumberland are obese. Almost a 1/4 of children in Reception and a 1/3 of children in Year 6 are overweight or obese An ageing population and workforce: 21.71% were aged 65 in 2021 and the proportion of older people is growing fast Life expectancy varied by 7.2 years for women and 8.9 years for men between the highest and lowest wards Voluntary and Community Sector under extreme pressure caused by reduction in funding and rapidly growing demand for services A bigger city offer: people want ‘more and better’ shops, more nightlife and more arts and culture Gaps in youth provision especially in Longtown, Belle Vue, Morton, Denton Holme and Yewdale Climate change: high flood risk in particular communities Deep rural communities: life can be very hard in the remote rural areas of borderland Carlisle with high energy and travel costs, long travel times to services and lower incomes Democratic deficit: no town council means Carlisle misses out on a local democratic voice Intolerance: people in Carlisle have experienced attacks motivated by race, sexuality and gender-identity hatred Gambling and debt: in 2024, Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden supported 593 people with 3,072 debt issues Drug related deaths: deaths related to drug poisoning, including drug misuse are nearly 3 times the national rate Limited employment opportunities: low skilled, low paid work which limits career progression and attractiveness to families considering relocation to the area Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 6 7
Carlisle Voices Cumbria’s Economic Strategy to 2045 sets out an ambition for “a modern and entrepreneurial economy where world-leading sector strengths and an outstanding natural environment drive shared prosperity for all people and places”. A significant constraint to achieving an increasingly prosperous Cumbria relates to the size and shape of our current and future workforce, especially in respect of our workforce numbers, skills types and the proportion of high-level skills. There are multiple approaches to increase the workforce size and skill level from supporting more of our young people to enter employment, education and training, as well as those that are economically inactive due to poor health or caring responsibilities, through to attracting more people to come to study and work. The provision of apprenticeships across our county is a key driver to equip new and existing members of the workforce with the skills for our economy to thrive, from level 2 all the way up to postgraduate level 7. In 2025 it is pleasing to see education and training providers across Cumbria expanding their offer. This includes apprenticeships for those already in the workforce to advance their career and gain a degree, in areas such as Project Management, Nursing, Youth Work, Teaching, Paramedic Science, Forestry and Advanced Clinical Practice and to degree level. The opportunities for our young people, and those in the workforce, are many, whether studying in colleges, on campuses or in the workplace. One of our key challenges is to ensure they are supported and signposted to access and realise them. Professor Julie Mennell DL, Vice Chancellor, University of Cumbria Our vision at Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) is ‘for young people to feel seen, valued and heard’. A vision we know many others share with us, and indeed many are already backing. The vision purposely places young people as the judges of its delivery – it is they who need to feel the vision in action, anchored in our understanding that young people have a Caroline Taylor-Beswick, Chief Executive, Carlisle Youth Zone distinct perspective and insight into how this will be (or could be) experienced by them. It is also anchored in our understanding that ‘youth is an actual life stage’; not one to be rushed or simply transitioned through. But one to be respected, harnessed, supported and fulfilled in and of its own right. Carlisle has a proud history of recognising this, standing strongly together to ensure young people have a range of opportunities to realise their passions and their purpose, alongside access to support in spaces and places which are right for them, especially in times of challenge. As we look forward, there are significant challenges ahead; some new, some shifting, some ongoing. And, there are significant opportunities too; many built on the strong foundations we have worked hard to establish, and others ready to be newly harnessed. We look forward to playing our part in responding. I grew up in a rural community that was hardworking; passionate about the landscape; compassionate towards their neighbours with a community spirit full of fun; an active, supportive and safe environment for growing families. Today, rural and agricultural communities in Cumbria are at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges that threaten their sustainability and wellbeing, including changes in government agricultural policies Julie Wannop, Co-owner and Managing Director, Eden Golf Club and inheritance tax for farmers, mental health concerns, rising suicide rates, and increased cost of living. Our rural communities are home to a growing population of older people who are experiencing poverty and loneliness. The cost of living, including housing and transportation, is disproportionately high compared to income levels for many people, causing hardship or forcing people to move away. The countryside lacks diverse job opportunities, leading to economic instability and reliance on low-paying agricultural jobs. The pressures of running a rural business include financial uncertainty, market fluctuations, and the demands of maintaining a family can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Stigma surrounding mental health can prevent proud individuals from seeking help, while rural isolation can make it difficult to access support services. I find it heart breaking to see the demise of our remote and beautiful rural spirit and communities. Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 8 9
GROWING UP This chapter presents the views of children and young people living in Carlisle. It considers the aspects of life they currently enjoy and value, including their positivity about where they live. The chapter also presents their reflections on the issues that trouble them, including the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on their families, the legacy of their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic and their fears for the future. Interwoven with the thoughts of children and young people are views from local youth organisations and their reflections on some of the most troubling statistics. These include child poverty, unstable family circumstances, and a lack of comprehensive youth services across all of Carlisle. A lot of young people don’t go to school post-covid and they are struggling to interact with each other. Kids are often in a bubble, and they don’t socialise as much as they did pre-Covid. Lots of young people are not in school now and this has got worse. The cost-of-living crisis is also affecting kids and there’s been a massive increase in holiday hunger. Voluntary Sector Representative • Positive perceptions of Carlisle: Children and young people suggest that they like Carlisle for having everything close together, kind and friendly people, and the outdoor spaces, including the castle. However, they would like to see more shops and things to do. • Committed youth organisations: Carlisle has several widely respected youth organisations, that play a crucial role supporting, empowering and developing young people. Some youth organisations are also addressing the long-term consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, particularly with regard to mental health. • Encouraging school performance: 92% of primary schools and 50% of secondary schools are rated as ‘Good’ in their latest Ofsted reports, with one school – the Richard Rose Morton Academy – winning the best secondary school category at the Golden Apple Awards 2024.1 • Civic citizens: Young people are praised for their willingness to engage in community life, contributing their time, energy and enthusiasm to improve the local environment and the lives of others. OPPORTUNITIES • Growing mental health issues: Dramatic rise in referrals for children and young people’s mental health services with higher rates of hospital admissions related to mental health challenges and self-harm than regional and national averages. • Fear of crime: From conversations with children and young people in Carlisle, there is a perceived fear of crime. Despite Carlisle generally being a safe place to live, children and young people report not feeling safe, particularly at night, expressing concerns about antisocial behaviour, drug misuse and knife crime. They also have concerns about hate crime directed towards those who are neurodiverse, and those who have differing ethnicities or differing sexual identities. • Cost-of-living crisis: Children and young people are aware of the cost-ofliving crisis and how it is affecting their families, with some suggesting that they are actively changing their behaviours to support their parents and carers during difficult times. • Obesity: While the statistics are broadly in line with national averages, Carlisle still has almost a quarter of children in Reception year and a third of children in Year 6 being classified as overweight or obese. • Gaps in youth provision: Despite the positive work undertaken by organisations such as Carlisle Youth Zone, the Rock and Brampton Community Centre, there are some concerns about a lack of youth provision in other areas of Carlisle including Longtown, Bellevue, Morton, Denton Holme and Yewdale and the limited transport links that allow young people to attend activities. • Negative perceptions of Carlisle as a vibrant city: Young people report that Carlisle doesn’t have a ‘city feel’ and lacks the shops, bars, restaurants and music venues present in other cities like Manchester and Glasgow. This encourages some to want to move away, even though they like their home town, and leads young people to call for a more vibrant cultural and leisure offer that would encourage them to remain in Carlisle. • Increasing child poverty: More and more children are living in households receiving Universal Credit and some areas of Carlisle have large percentages of children and young people living in poverty. • More children with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP): The number of children with an EHCP is increasing. In 2023-2024, 5.1% of children had an EHCP.2 • Concerning hospital admissions: Substance misuse among individuals aged 15 to 24 years in Cumberland is leading to hospital admission rates that are significantly higher than both national and regional averages. CHALLENGES There is no doubt that children and young people are navigating an increasingly complex tapestry of challenges, set within a context of growing inequality and deepening poverty. The impact of this is in clear view. Young people need and indeed deserve us to act, and crucially, to act with and alongside them. Young people are already telling us what they think will make a difference, our response must be anchored by their voice. There are strong foundations to build on, and Carlisle has a proud history of supporting our city’s young people so I am confident that together, including with young people, we can seize the available opportunities. Professor of Practice My students tell me they are concerned about night time safety and the night time economy. It is something that matters to them. They are often reluctant to be out in the evening unless for necessities, as they often feel unsafe after dark in Carlisle. Independent Researcher Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 10 11
Children and Young People in Carlisle 23,600 children and young people aged 0-19 live in Carlisle in 12,405 families, with Carlisle having the greatest number of 0-19-year-olds in Cumbria.3 In 2021, 21% of the population of Carlisle was aged 0-19, lower than the England percentage of 23.1%.4 16.5% of households in Carlisle in 2021 were single-family households with a cohabiting couple and dependent children (a reduction of 1.1% from 2011). 9.9% of households were lone parent households (no change since 2011).5 The percentage of children and young people aged 0-19 reduced between 2011 and 2021 in both Carlisle (-1.1%) and England (-0.9%). Population projections for Carlisle predict that between 2018 and 2028 the population of children and young people aged 0-19 will decline by 700 (-3%).6 CHILD POVERTY In 2022, 3,451 children (or 18.4%) lived in relative low-income families in Carlisle compared to 20.1% nationally. Rates were much higher in places like Botcherby and Harraby North ward where the percentage of children living in poverty was 28.8%.7 In August 2024, 8,425 children were living in Universal Credit households.8 The percentage of children and young people who are eligible for free school meals varies greatly between schools. Across all secondary schools in Carlisle, between 17.6% and 32.2% were eligible for Free School Meals in 2024.9 Currock and Upperby wards have the highest proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals at 35.3%.10 Results from Cumberland Council’s recent Food Insecurity Survey in 202411 also found that: In Secondary Schools In Primary Schools Students that do not qualify for free school meals are also struggling to afford meals and are running up debts on school payment systems. 79% are supporting families that are struggling financially around food. CHILDREN IN CARE AND CHILDREN AT RISK Using figures from 2020/2021, Carlisle had 67.9 looked after children per 10,000 population, slightly higher than the national rate of 67.12 But Carlisle had a higher number of children subject to child protection plans (58.6 per 10,000 of the population) when compared with Cumbria (53.8) and nationally (41).13 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE14 According to data from Cumberland Council obtained in 2024: • There are 52 primary schools across Carlisle of which 92% have achieved an Ofsted rating of good, 6% outstanding and 2% requires improvement. • Of the six secondary schools, 50% have an Ofsted rating of good, while 50% require improvement. Nationally, Ofsted found that during September to December 2023 on average 15% of state funded schools were classified as outstanding, 68% as good, 13% as requires improvement and 4% as inadequate.15 At present no secondary school in Carlisle is rated as Outstanding. • There is one Special School in Carlisle rated as Outstanding and 1 Pupil Referral Unit (not rated). • The destinations for young people finishing secondary education vary significantly between schools. However, further education, including sixth form colleges, is an important destination as is apprenticeships (between 1-13% compared to England average of 3%) and employment (5-10% compared to England average of 4%). • Persistent absences – defined as the percentage of pupils missing 10% or more of the mornings or afternoons they could attend – range from 31.2% to 35.9%16 in 2022 -2023 across Carlisle’s secondary schools. This is troubling, as such absences can often negatively shape the opportunities available for a young person in later life. There are also an increasing number of children and young people who are being home educated in Cumberland, increasing from 424 in June 2023 to 571 in March 2024.17 This trend is reflected nationally, and concerns are also being raised about why children are being home educated and whether their education needs are being met.18 The Covid-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption to children’s education with young children profoundly affected by the isolation caused by remote learning, social distancing and reduced opportunities for face-to-face interaction. Challenges within the home environment, including not being dry at night or spending too much time on personal devices, are also identified as manifesting in negative behaviours within the school environment – notably anxiety and anger likely stemming from prolonged isolation, and a lack of routine.19 Part of the charm of Carlisle is that it is small, you see people you know all the time and it’s like a village. It’s lovely for families. The primary and secondary schools are good too. Lots of people come back to Carlisle to raise their families. Voluntary Sector Representative 1Golden Apple Awards: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/24646997.newsquest-cumbria-host-golden-apple-awards-2024-kendal/ 2Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities dashboard, 2023-24 (Cumberland) https://www.cumbriaobservatory.org.uk/children/senddashboard/#:~:text=Special%20Educational%20Needs%20and%20Disabilities%20dashboard%2C%202023%2D24%20(Cumberland) 3Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Key Children and Young People Statistics: Profile: Cumbria and Districts, 2022 http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/ Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17219/4315312342.pdf 4How life has change in Carlisle: Census 2021, Office for National Statistics, https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censusareachanges/E07000028/ 5How life has changed in Carlisle: Census 2021 Office for National Statistics https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censusareachanges/E07000028/ 6Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Key Children and Young People Statistics: Profile: Cumbria and Districts 2022 http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17219/4315312342.pdf 7Children in low-income families: local area statistics 2014 to 2022: Department for Work and Pensions, 2023 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/children-in-low-income-familieslocal-area-statistics-2014-to-2022 8Labour Market Briefing September 2024: Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, December 2024 https://elibrary.cumbria.gov.uk/Content/ Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17224/45643131025.PDF 9https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Search?SelectedTab=Establishments 10Cumberland Council, Family Wellbeing Data Analysis Summary, February 2024. 11https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/food-cumberland-food-insecurity-survey-results 12Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Key Children and Young People Statistics: Profile: Cumbria and Districts, 2022 https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/ Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17219/4315312342.pdf 13Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Key Children and Young People Statistics: Profile: Cumbria and Districts, 2022 https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/ Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17219/4315312342.pdf 14https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/find-a-school-in-england#SearchSchools 15Official Statistics Main Findings: State-funded schools inspections and outcomes as at 31 December 2023, Ofsted, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/state-funded-schoolsinspections-and-outcomes-as-at-31-december-2023/main-findings-state-funded-schools-inspections-and-outcomes-as-at-31-december-2023#:~:text=Schools%20at%20their%20most%20 recent%20inspection,-90%25%20of%20all&text=90%25%20of%20all%20schools%20are%20now%20good%20or%20outstanding%2C%20a,83%25%20of%20secondary%20schools) 16https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk 17Home Education Statistics, Cumberland CSCP Safeguarding Group. 18The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/sep/21/crisis-uk-children-homeschooled-parents-pupils-schools 19Family Wellbeing Data Analysis Summary: Cumberland Council, 2024. 20Cumberland Council, Family Wellbeing Data Analysis Summary, February 2024. 21Young people are described as NEET if they are not in any form of education, employment or training. Those whose status is Not Known at the time of follow up are also classed as NEET. 22Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Labour Market Briefing, April 2025 https://elibrary.cumbria.gov.uk/Content/Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17224/45762121732.PDF 23Key Children and Young People Statistics Profile (Cumbria and Districts): Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, 2022 http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/ Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17219/4315312342.pdf 24Cumberland Council, Family Wellbeing Data Analysis Summary, February 2024. Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 12 13
EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLBEING SCHOOL-AGED READINESS QUESTIONNAIRE 202220 NEET YOUNG PEOPLE In February 2025, there were 92 16-17-year-olds in Carlisle classed as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)21 or whose status is Not Known (NK), with Carlisle having the highest NEET rate in Cumbria.22 SEND SUPPORT In 2021, the percentage of children receiving Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support in Carlisle was 12.1%, similar to the national average (12.2%) and the Cumbria average (11.9%). The percentage of pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or Statement of SEND was the same as the national average at 3.7%.23 Cumberland Council reports that the number of children with an EHCP has increased since 2019 and is predicting that the number of children will continue to increase in future years.24 In 2019-20 in Cumberland 3.5% of children had an EHCP. In 2023-24 this rose to 5.1%.25 The greatest primary need for pupils with an EHCP in Cumberland is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (34.4% of all pupils with an EHCP).26 PROPORTION OF PUPILS WITH AN EHCP BY PRIMARY NEED; CUMBERLAND AND ENGLAND 2023/24 Increasing rates of children with special educational needs are also leading to rising demands for clinical support. North Cumbria Integrated Care paediatric services for Autism Spectrum Disorders and speech and language difficulties has seen a six-fold increase in referrals in the last three years (2020-2023). Increasing demand has in turn led to rising waiting times, negatively impacting children and families.27 Physical Health EARLY YEARS AND MATERNAL HEALTH It is important that mothers, and their babies are healthy. In Cumberland, the rate of mothers smoking at the time of delivery is 7.9%, similar to the England average of 7.4%.28 The number of term babies with a low birth weight is also the same as the England average (2.9%)29. However, it is concerning that the number of babies in Cumberland whose first feed is breastmilk is low at 55.8% compared to the England average of 71.9%.30 CHILDHOOD OBESITY Childhood obesity is a product of many factors, including genetics, poverty, family habits and access to physical activity opportunities. In 2019/2020 the percentage of overweight and obese children in reception year was 23.2% in Carlisle (England 23%). For children in year 6 (aged 10 – 11 years) the percentage of children who were overweight or obese in 2019/2020 was 32.8% (national average of 35.2%).31 Whilst the figures for Carlisle are broadly in line with national averages, the percentages of children who are overweight and obese in both age categories are still high. It is concerning that so many children are overweight and obese, with childhood obesity increasing the risk of developing a range of health conditions in childhood and later life.32 25Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities dashboard, 2023-24 (Cumberland) https://www.cumbriaobservatory.org.uk/children/senddashboard/#:~:text=Special%20Educational%20Needs%20and%20Disabilities%20dashboard%2C%202023%2D24%20(Cumberland) 26Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) JSNA, Cumberland Council, 2024. 27What is “normal”, anyway? De-medicalising Mental Health and Neurodiversity: Cumberland Council, 2024, 28Smoking Status at Time of Delivery -Fingertips Public Health Profile, Department of Health and Social Care, 2023/2024 https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/health-profiles/ data#page/3/gid/8000073/pat/6/par/E12000002/ati/502/are/E06000063/iid/93085/age/1/sex/2/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/car-do-0 29Low Birth Weight of Term Babies 2022 - Fingertips Public Health Profile: Department of Health and Social Care, 2022 https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/babys#page/1/gid/1/pat/6/ par/E12000002/ati/502/are/E 06000063/iid/93932/age/309/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/car-ao-0_car-do-0 30Baby’s First Feed Breastmilk - Fingertips Public Health Profile: Department of Health and Social Care,2023/2024 https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/babys#page/1/gid/1/pat/6/par/ E12000002/ati/502/are/E06000063/iid/93932/age/309/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/car-ao-0_car-do-0 31Cumbria Intelligence Observatory, Key Children and Young People Statistics: Profile: Cumbria & Districts (2022) https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/536/671/4674/17217/17219/4315312342.pdf 32Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health: https://stateofchildhealth.rcpch.ac.uk/evidence/prevention-of-ill-health/healthy-weight/ 33Children and Young People Activity Data (Active Lives Survey): Sport England, 2023, https://activelives.sportengland.org/Home/ActivityData and Active Lives Children and Young People survey (2022-2023 academic year): Sport England, 2023 https://www.sportengland.org/news-and-inspiration/childrens-activity-levels-hold-firm-significant-challenges-remain Data from 1,692 responses between 01/06/22 - 30/09/22 Child appearing anxious Child appearing stressed/angry Family mental health problem affecting child Family physical health problem affecting child Displaying worrying behaviour 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 % Multi-Sensory Impairment Other Difficulty/Disability Moderate Learning Difficulty Hearing Impairment Visual Impairment Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulty Specific Learning Difficulty Physical Disability Social, Emotional and Mental Health Severe Learning Difficulty Speech, Language and Communications needs Autistic Spectrum Disorder Pupils with an EHCP by Primary Need England Cumberland Source: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in England; DIE; June 2024, Data does not include Independent Schools 34www.sportengland.org Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 14 15
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Only 47.8% of children (in 2022/2023 ) across the UK meet the physical activity levels recommended by the Chief Medical Officer. In Cumberland this was even worse with only 45.1% of children meeting this requirement.33 Women and girls, people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, people with disabilities, and those from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds have particularly low activity levels – a challenge that Active Cumbria and Sport England are working hard to address.34 VAPING A recent survey conducted by Cumberland Council revealed troubling statistics about vaping among school-aged children. Out of 5,114 pupils surveyed, 5% of primary school pupils in Year 6 had tried vaping, while the figure was significantly higher among secondary school pupils in Years 8 and 10, with 33% reporting they had experimented with vaping.35 ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE Worryingly in a recent survey across Cumberland, 24% of pupils of secondary age indicated that they had taken an alcoholic drink in the last 14 days.36 Hospital admissions due to substance misuse among individuals aged 15 to 24 years in Cumberland is significantly higher than both national and regional averages. Cumberland’s rate stands at 80.7 per 100,000 people, compared to 67.7 in the Northwest and 58.3 across England.37 MENTAL HEALTH Since 2019, there has been a dramatic rise in referrals for children and young people’s mental health services, with the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust seeing nearly a 100% increase in referrals between 2019 and 2022.38 This surge in demand has led to significant challenges, including long waiting times, limited service options, and difficulties in accessing specialist support. Additionally, reports indicate that many children and young people are grappling with loneliness, a trend that has continued to rise since the Covid-19 pandemic.39 Cumbria faces higher rates of hospital admissions related to mental health challenges and self-harm among young people compared to both regional and national averages. The rate of hospital admissions due to self-harm for those aged 10-24 in Cumbria is 464.8 per 100,000 population, significantly higher than the Northwest average of 346.6 and the national average of 319.40 Additionally, Cumbria has a higher rate of hospital admissions for mental health conditions in individuals under 18, with a rate of 110.4 per 100,000, compared to 86 in the Northwest and 80.8 across England.41 There has been a massive increase in referrals to our organisation for young people with mental health problems. We cannot cope with the demand. There are lots of cases of attempted suicide, self-harm, and domestic violence. We have also seen increases in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as transgender issues too. It’s quite a challenge for our workforce. Voluntary Sector Representative 35Vaping Factsheet for Professionals Working with Young People: Cumbria Youth Substance Misuse: Cumberland Council, 2023 https://cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/ Internet/537/38232/38404/45117145956.pdf 36Cumberland Council, Family Wellbeing Data Analysis Summary, February 2024. 37Department of Health and Social Care, Fingertips: Hospital admissions substance misuse 15 to 24 years (2020/21 – 2022-23) https://fingertips.phe.org.uk 38Being a Child in Cumberland – What we should focus on and what should we change: Cumberland Council, 2023). 39https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/press-release/younger-brits-report-higher-levels-of-loneliness/ 40Hospital admissions as a result of self-harm - 10-24 years 2022/2023: Public Health England, 2022, https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/ 41Hospital admissions for mental health conditions <18 years 2022/23: Public Health England, 2022, https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/ Carlisle Youth Zone Since opening its doors in April 2011, Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) has become a successful hub of support and opportunity for those aged seven to 18 (and up to 25 years old with additional needs). With a current membership of 3,000, CYZ reaches nearly one in five of Carlisle’s young people from its target demographic. CYZ’s purpose-built youth facility has a gym, music room, library, climbing wall, sports hall, café, arts area, dance space, and recreation zones. This enables CYZ’s youth workers, volunteers and mentors to create a fun, safe environment. Open six nights a week plus daytime at weekends, young people can meet friends, discover their talents, learn new skills and access support – all for just 50p per visit – with seven youth clubs available per week. Young people are at the heart of everything CYZ does, co-creating its offer to ensure it is responsive to their interests, aspirations and needs. This commitment to listening has resulted in an upward trend in attendance. Young people are stepping up to contribute both to CYZ and their wider community through Young Leadership programmes, conservation projects, and public art installations and performances. CYZ has an increasingly diverse membership and was named Organisational Champion at the 2024 Diverse Cumbria Awards. Its mantra of ‘no child missed’ provides focused engagement for young people needing more targeted youth support, including Young Carers, LGBTQ+, those experiencing mental health difficulties, SEND, care-experienced, and young people living in poverty. A CYZ representative said: “We are proud to be making such a robust and direct contribution to the life chances and wellbeing of Carlisle’s young people. We know from listening to young people and their families that providing the right support, at the right time, in spaces and places which feel safe has never been more needed.” “We have been alongside a generation of Carlisle already, and we are committed to the next. We are building a growing evidence base of the difference that consistent and reliable youth work makes. Our impact data from 2024 highlights significant and measurable contributions to building confidence, enhancing social and emotional skills, improving health and wellbeing, and growing aspirations.” “We are working with an increasing range of partners so that as young people’s needs and aspirations change, they can count on CYZ to be here – a space where they know they are seen, valued, and heard.” As a member recently said, ‘Youth Zone has consistently provided me with opportunities to grow as a person, both in my happiness and confidence, and in my skills and passions. Youth Zone is my second home.’” CASE STUDY Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 16 17
The Rock Youth Project The Rock Youth Project is a youth club which welcomes over 50 young people aged 7 to 19 each night. It provides quality, locally accessible youthwork across two sites, to young people from some of Carlisle’s more disadvantaged areas, offering a safe place, fun activities and someone to talk to. Young people from Currock, Upperby and Harraby access The Rock’s six different weekly youth clubs and activities. The project also supports families by providing a free laundry, a cybercafe and support to access benefits. Hannah Gill, The Rock’s Project Manager explained more about their work. “The Rock Youth Project has served as a vital resource in the local community for 18 years, offering a safe space, providing somewhere to go and providing free hot meals daily. We offer a diverse range of activities driven by a youth work curriculum that is developed by our members, including arts and crafts, cooking, sports, games, and essential life skills. We encourage social action initiatives that are created by our members and empower young individuals to create positive changes in their community. The Rock youth workers are committed to providing a listening ear and being a supportive presence for both children and young individuals.” There is a strong sense of community in the areas that The Rock works in, where people look out for each other. However, these areas can feel quite isolated from the rest of Carlisle, often due to the prohibitive cost of travelling to other areas. It’s very important to The Rock that cost is not a barrier to access for young people, so it offers all its activities free of charge. Those running the project highlighted the following issues of concern for the young people it supports: • The effects of Covid-19 and how young people are able to interact with each other • Young people not attending school • County lines / drugs and how young people are getting drawn into gangs • The cost-of-living crisis and worsening holiday hunger • Antisocial behaviour. Hannah Gill added: CASE STUDY The Rock Youth Project is dedicated to creating a safer environment and inspiring young people to believe that anything is achievable. We engage with young people in their communities, address challenges, and offer opportunities for them to acquire new skills, explore their interests, and gain selfawareness. Our mission is to empower them to express themselves and enjoy their youth. In a world where children grow up quickly due to technology, we prioritize allowing them to simply be kids. The Rock is committed to supporting all children, young people, and families in the community. PAC Therapy – Children and family support service Promoting Autonomy and Change (known as PAC Therapy) is a registered charity based in Carlisle, providing free counselling and therapy for children and young people who are affected by mental health, emotional and/ or interpersonal issues. PAC offers talking and non-verbal sessions through psychotherapeutic counselling, art psychotherapy and music therapy. The charity’s main source of funding is its contract with the local council which supports young people from Carlisle aged 13 to 19 from specific referral routes. PAC relies on funding from charitable sources to help those not covered by the contract including children aged 12 and under from the wider Carlisle district who don’t qualify for statutory funding or who can’t access the local CAMHS service. Charitable funding supports the work of PAC’s team of therapists which includes Art, Music & Talking Therapists who are all professionally qualified and accredited. A spokesperson for PAC said: “Such creative therapeutic services are rare in Cumbria as the training bodies are all quite far away, but these can be attractive therapy options for children and young people, with proven positive outcomes." “One young person who is attending 1:1 music therapy at PAC will not leave the house to attend school or to go anywhere. Coming to his session at PAC is the only thing he is currently able to do." CASE STUDY We have many young people like this who are complex and quite difficult to engage, but as the creative therapies are less intrusive and less reliant on being able to talk about feelings, they are particularly suitable to young people. PAC Therapy offers free counselling and therapy to children and young people in Carlisle Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 18 19
your-brochure-online.co.ukRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5NzM=