Summary Carlisle is an ancient historical city with a strong economy, with good transport links and significant investment to underpin its future. It is friendly and welcoming. People care for each other. It is also home to people living on low incomes, with concerning levels of poor general health and poor mental health. Rural communities face particular challenges. Carlisle is a proud but understated northern city. It has spent more time getting on with things than necessarily shouting about how great it is. This should change! The area is home to vibrant communities with people who care for each other and who actively volunteer. It has good schools and a growing educational offer. The economy is strong and diverse, its workers are praised for their dedication and the range of apprenticeships is also recognised. The area has land ready for housing and industrial development on a city footprint that is well suited to be environmentally sustainable. The Roman and Border heritage fascinates visitors and reminds us why Carlisle has long been a strategically important location. Our cathedral, museums, art gallery and castle are valuable assets. Unusually for Cumbria, the city of Carlisle has no local council, people have suggested this is both a gap and an opportunity to provide focus for the city. Carlisle enjoys parks and open spaces within the city and ready access to some of the most beautiful mountain and coastal landscapes in the UK. These are key assets in support of helping people increase their health and wellbeing. The charity and community sector has some standout organisations working hard to support local people. These organisations and members of the community have spoken with passion and creativity as to how the area can be improved. This is a place where people want to make things happen. Despite this positivity and assets, too many people live on low incomes, in poverty and with poor mental health. Too few achieve their full potential. This is a personal tragedy for those it affects and an issue for communities and businesses. Some people leave because of the lack of managerial or other senior positions and inward investment is limited by lack of diverse work opportunities. To retain workers and attract new the area needs to grow the number of senior and technical roles to offer a broader range of work. The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine is one key project that will both bolster the health economy and range of work. Parts of Carlisle have been seriously hit by flooding on three separate occasions in the last 20 years. Much has been done to protect those areas but others remain vulnerable. A major issue running through the case studies is the strain felt by local charities and community groups due to demands on their services, lack of volunteers and funding. Our growing population of older citizens, many of whom have great skills and experience and enjoy good health present an opportunity to strengthen our community organisations. Volunteering is good for the community and good for the volunteer. We have stand out charities supporting our children and young people and others promoting our heritage, arts and culture, backing sports people and our super ageing population. Not all needs are met, gaps in youth provision have been identified and lack of dedicated support for people affected by cancer and other life limiting illnesses has also been identified. If we work better and smarter and harness the talents, energy and resources within our communities we will make a measurable difference to the harsh statistics highlighted in this report. Andy Beeforth OBE Chief Executive, Cumbria Community Foundation How to get involved This report is the result of a shared commitment across Carlisle and district to improve the lives of the people of the area, grow the economy and opportunities for people through work and education. People and businesses are encouraged to engage actively in their communities, as good neighbours, as volunteers, as participants in local regeneration groups, community organisations and in local civic life. Cumbria Community Foundation is committed to the long-term support of the area and, alongside our partners in the public sector and Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service, is able to help direct people towards groups and initiatives that allow talents and energies to be best used. The Community Foundation provides a range of ways that people and businesses can provide financial support ranging from modest regular donations through to the creation of grantmaking funds either now or through a legacy gift. It has also developed programmes to nurture young entrepreneurs, support young people leaving care and support youth work and youth work training. To find out more please contact the office and ask to speak with a member of the Development team or visit www.cumbriafoundation.org. Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 76 77
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