West Cumbria Domestic Violence Known locally as the Freedom Project, West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support has been supporting families suffering from the trauma of domestic and sexual abuse since 1997. Its mission is to help stop the cycle of domestic abuse and it works with adult victims, children and young people and those that perpetrate abuse. On average, the charity supports over 500 people a year, however, demand for its services has steadily increased over the past few years, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity has grown by 122% and last year, referrals increased by 30%. The charity is the only organisation in the area that provides a free whole family approach with fully qualified professional counsellors. Services include emotional support, practical support, one-to-one counselling and group work. Vicky Pike, Charity Manager, said: “Demand for our services continues to rise. Last year, we supported 607 people. We have increased our staffing levels to help reach demand and allow people to receive immediate support once they reach out.” Sarah*, 22, contacted the Freedom Project after coming out of an abusive relationship. “Being able to speak through what happened helped me process the trauma in a safe and secure environment. I left every appointment feeling more and more like myself again. The advice has taught me a great deal about my relationships and self-worth. Before the support, I couldn’t see myself reaching 23, now I am planning far ahead into my future, and I can’t believe the difference in myself.” *name has been changed CASE STUDY West Cumbria Rivers Trust West Cumbria Rivers Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to restoring and enhancing 3,400 miles of streams, becks, and rivers across the region. Working closely with landowners, farmers, fishing clubs, businesses, communities, and schools, the Trust aims to revive local rivers and maintain their health for both people and wildlife. One of its initiatives, the Wild About Rivers programme, educates primary school pupils about their local rivers. Through interactive classroom activities, games, and field trips to the River Derwent or Ehen, children learn about river ecosystems, conservation, and natural flood management. They also get hands-on experience with basic fieldwork techniques. Another key project, A Wilder Walkmill, focuses on transforming Walkmill Community Woodland - a 36-hectare former coalmine near Moresby Parks - into a thriving habitat for wildlife and a welcoming space for the community. Over four years, the Trust will enhance accessibility, biodiversity, and community engagement through events and activities. This £2.3 million initiative is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sellafield’s social impact programme, SiX, and the Environment Agency. Volunteers play a vital role in the Trust’s work, participating in tree planting, invasive species control, wildlife surveys, willow spilling, and litter picking. A Project Officer said: “Several of our regular volunteers live alone and have expressed how valuable to their mental and physical health the volunteer events are. These provide them with the opportunity to get out of the house to socialise, undertake physical activities while benefiting the environment.” CASE STUDY 51 50 A volunteer testing the water quality at Derwentwater
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