FLOODING Rainfall patterns are changing as a result of climate change. One of the impacts of climate change is localised flooding.36 Carlisle’s geographical location means that several rivers flow through the area. Three rivers – the Eden, Caldew and Petteril – converge in Carlisle city, the River Esk flows through Longtown and the River Irthing flows near Brampton. In times of heavy rainfall, flooding has affected large swathes of Carlisle city and smaller surrounding villages, causing substantial damage and personal distress. By way of example, in 2015 Storm Desmond affected 2,186 residential and 184 business properties, touched an estimated 4,951 people and damaged 78.5km of Carlisle’s highway network.37 Although flood defences have been built, flooding remains an issue of concern for households and businesses, with calls for more to be done and for preventative measures to be implemented.38 This would include having well-resourced Emergency Response Groups that could help with flood preparedness, particularly for the support and evacuation of vulnerable people. With a changing climate, work to limit global warming whilst mitigating its devastating effects will be important for Carlisle in the future. Some of the challenges you see with the flooding in Carlisle are because areas have flooded repeatedly. People who have lived in houses that flood don’t want to stay there. You’ve got areas where a lot of houses have been sold at auction. You've got landlords who live in Manchester who don't really care a whole lot about how flood resilient their property is, or letting people know that they're in a flood zone. Community Worker 25Annual Report 2023/2024: The Freedom Project Cumbria, 2024. 26Crime Rate: https://crimerate.co.uk/ 27Using www.police.uk data. Please note areas quoted do not necessarily align with ward boundary definitions. 28The table includes figures from some of the most reported crimes. Other statistics are available through www.police.uk for each area shown including for example vehicle theft and public order (accessed 10 01 25). 29Question “Which three things would you like to see improve in Carlisle district? (Tick up to three)” 410 responses, 17.8% of answers (73 responses) were “Feeling Safe in My neighbourhood.” 30What is good about living in Carlisle District? (397 respondents, 629 answers), “Safe area” was stated in 5.6% of answers from 35 total answers. 31Dataset 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 32This dataset provided by Census 2021 estimates that 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/e6c3f110-c082-48cf-bc8d-f1beda052358#get-data 33https://campaignforbordersrail.org/campaigns/onwards/ 34Border Rambler https://www.borderramblerbus.co.uk/ 35Mental Health Risks to Farmers in the UK: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/43055/pdf/ 36Met Office: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/climate-change/effects-of-climate-change 37Flooding in Cumbria: December 2015 Impact Assessment, Cumbria County Council, 2018. 38https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/24752199.carlisle-mp-quizzes-environment-agency-carlisle-flood-defences/ Carlisle Key Carlisle Key supports young people in the community who are struggling to access safe housing. It works with those aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing practical support, advice, and advocacy to help them secure stable accommodation and work towards independent living. When a young person is between housing, they face significant stress, financial difficulties, and vulnerabilities. Without the right support, they may struggle to navigate housing options, maintain their wellbeing, or access education and employment. Chief Executive Officer Diana Vlad said: “We aim to reduce youth homelessness by supporting young people to access housing that is safe, supported, and long-term. This means working closely with them to assess their situation, explore housing options, education and work opportunities, and connect them with the right services.” Carlisle Key’s drop-in centre provides immediate, practical support, from housing advice to help with benefits, employment, wellbeing and counselling. It also offers supported accommodation for those who need additional stability before moving into independent housing. Diana said: “Throughout, we ensure young people have a voice in their own journey – whether that’s through one-to-one support, advocacy, or shaping the way our services work." “By listening, and working alongside them, we empower them to take control of their future. At Carlisle Key, we believe that every young person deserves a safe place to live and the support to build a brighter future. By providing access to stable housing and practical guidance, we help turn that belief into reality.” One young person supported by the charity said: Another added: CASE STUDY Carlisle Key go above and beyond for young people. They are fantastic and always there when you need help and support when you have no one else. They helped me get my life back on track. Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 38 39
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