West Cumbria Opportunities & Challenges 2025 2 3 Executive Summary The first West Cumbria Opportunities and Challenges report was produced in 2019. It laid the foundation for the creation of the successful ‘Transforming West Cumbria’ social investment programme, funded by Sellafield Ltd, which targeted resourcing and support to many communities across West Cumbria and helped local charitable organisations to plan more effectively and advocate for support. Vitally, it helped funders, local authorities and companies focus their investment. However, much has changed since 2019. An unprecedented pandemic alongside a major cost-of-living crisis has touched the lives of every resident and community organisation across West Cumbria exacerbating existing disadvantage and creating new, additional hardship for many. This updated report for 2025 draws upon reputable data sources and stakeholder consultations to provide a summary of the current opportunities and challenges facing our communities. Commissioned by Sellafield Ltd it has been independently produced by Cumbria Community Foundation and serves as a complementary document to Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Strategy (2024). The report is accompanied by an interactive dashboard that is regularly updated to reflect the most current data used throughout this report. You can view the dashboard here: https://tinyurl.com/west-cumbria-dashboard Importantly, the report highlights ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of these unprecedented events, which have helped prevent the situation from becoming even more difficult. It also identifies opportunities for social impact investors to target their efforts and help our communities to thrive. Headline findings are presented around six themes which are summarised as follows: GROWING UP The experiences a child has during their formative years and as they transition to adulthood can significantly influence their future outcomes. Most schools in West Cumbria are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Additional investments have provided muchneeded support, e.g. Cumberland Council’s first Family Hub, Sellafield Ltd’s Transforming West Cumbria Family Wellbeing programme and supply chain initiatives aimed at helping to raise the aspirations of young people in schools. However, the cost-of-living crisis has meant that 7,081 children in West Cumbria (aged 0-19) now live in relative low income families, with a rising number accessing free school meals. There has been a significant increase in referrals to mental health services for young people, and the rate of children in care exceeds the national average. Autism, speech language and communication needs are also on the rise. Additionally, concerns about young people’s health persist, as obesity rates remain higher than the national average. EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS West Cumbria is internationally recognised as a centre of nuclear expertise, offering well-paid jobs, high-quality skills development and supply chain opportunities. Award winning further education providers work in partnership with business and industry to meet labour market needs. This is complemented by a thriving visitor economy and major regeneration initiatives. However, only 36.2% of working age people are qualified to Level 4 or above, lower than the national average. The number of people claiming Universal Credit is rising, and the rate of those out of work due to ill health has reached a record high. In addition, the region faces further challenges from an aging population and the outward migration of young people, which could impact the labour market both now and in the future. LIVING West Cumbria is one of the best places to live, boasting two world heritage sites, an area of outstanding natural beauty, world class visitor attractions and strong sense of community. House prices and crime rates remain lower than national averages, and there is a sporting and cultural offer that appeals to both residents and visitors alike. But daily life can be challenging for many people in West Cumbria, with some residents struggling to access the very assets and landscapes that make the area so attractive. An increasing number of people are ‘just about managing’ and are at risk of falling into significant financial hardship, particularly while mortgage and credit payments remain high. Households on low incomes, whether from work or benefits, have endured substantial increases in the cost of essential items like food and energy, leaving many in or on the edge of poverty. HEALTH AND WELLBEING The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, as well as their access to financial resources and social networks are important determinants of health and wellbeing. Health problems are compounded by poverty, resulting in health inequity. West Cumbria continues to demonstrate significantly high levels of chronic illnesses and has seen a growing mental health crisis. Rates of drug related deaths, self-harm and suicide are exceptionally high. The combined impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has negatively affected many factors that contribute to good health, including an increase in domestic violence. The region’s aging population poses significant current and future public health challenges. Additionally, several measures of disability in the area are above the national average. AGEING WELL For many older people, later life can be hugely enjoyable - presenting opportunities to volunteer, take up new hobbies and reap the rewards of years spent working and raising families. In contrast, there are concerning levels of poverty among some older people, who struggle to heat their homes and afford nutritious food. With a super-ageing population, the region has higher rates of long-term illness and disability, including a growing prevalence of dementia. West Cumbria also has higher than average rates of people providing unpaid care to those with long-term physical or mental health conditions related to aging. STRONG AND CONNECTED COMMUNITIES West Cumbria’s strong sense of community spirit has helped many people navigate the challenges of the last few years. Working collaboratively to address issues has become the norm and VCSE (voluntary, community and social enterprise) organisations have helped to tackle a wide range of social, environmental and local economic issues. However, demands on the VCSE sector are increasing as the need for services rise and resources become more limited. Together we can make a positive difference. This refreshed report highlights that despite the many opportunities that West Cumbria has to offer, too many people live in poverty or face challenges and too few achieve their potential. However, these inequalities can be tackled if collective resources are directed towards activities and community assets that address critical social issues. The solutions to the challenges lie within the people and organisations in our communities. To achieve significant and lasting social change and economic resilience, all stakeholders must work together, with purpose, commitment and in new ways, recognising that each of us has a role to play in helping our communities thrive.
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