Cumbria Community Foundation - Annual Review 2021

16 17 Hub at the heart of community life Over a third of residents in North Walney live in the top 20% of the most deprived parts of the country, with half of Walney South in the top 30%. At the heart of this community is the Walney Community Trust, set up in 2003. It’s a thriving hub of activity and supports all ages, including those struggling with poverty, addictions, loneliness, physical or mental health difficulties, the unemployed, ex-offenders and those with a lack of life skills and education. Support is provided in many ways including toddler groups and children’s activities attracting around 300 parents and children, free community meals and a food hub. It also provides youth clubs, life skills and educational courses, parenting courses, dependency courses, mental health workshops and other support groups including one for dads. The Trust has received grants totalling £19,480 over the past year towards its activities including its youth club, updating the computer suite, and providing low-level mental health support. “The computers have made a massive difference”, said one young man who recently left school. “I’ve been able to use them for online studies and meetings as well as schoolwork. I created my CV and applied for college. I don’t have computer and internet access at home, so coming to the centre has been brilliant.” Ros Harrison, Community Development Worker and Centre Manager, said: “COVID-19 changed people’s lives. Mine has been forever impacted with the overwhelming support we could pass on to our community through the financial support given, of which the Foundation played a big part. It’s been a hard time but one which has moulded a community closer together, emerging stronger and establishing firm relationships and lifelines for many.” GRANT STORY: THE KEPPLEWRAY TRUST GRANT STORY: WALNEY COMMUNITY TRUST Outdoor adventure for all The Kepplewray Trust operates an outdoor activities centre in Broughton-in-Furness and focusses on inclusion for all, particularly for young people living with the effects of disability, disadvantage or other barriers holding them back from mainstream outdoor activities. Each year, hundreds of participants from across Cumbria and the wider North West enjoy climbing, abseiling, bush craft, wild camping, archery, kayaking, raft-building and more, boosting their confidence, building skills, and gaining a sense of achievement. The centre offers tailor-made challenging residential and day courses to groups and individuals including schools, holiday clubs and local community groups. The charity offers a bursary scheme and a grant of £3,000 from the Kirkby Moor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund allowed more young people from low-income or disadvantaged groups to participate. Subsidies of at least 50% mean that daily activities are available from as little as £10, and residential activity breaks from £25. Lou Andrews, a youth worker at CancerCare supports young people affected by cancer or bereavement. After taking the group to the centre, she said: “We’ve seen smiles again, heard laughter and we’ve all appreciated the fun that we’ve been able to have together during the stresses and strains that the pandemic has brought into our lives. The days we spent doing team games and climbing have been magical and allowed our group to relax, enjoy nature, build relationships and get away from all the issues they are facing at home.” Nick Breton, Strategic Director at Kepplewray Trust, said: “We want to include and welcome many who can’t afford, or who haven’t experienced and benefitted from this type of challenge. Our bursary scheme is a huge step forward in this respect, allowing many hundreds of disadvantaged young people to come, many or most for their first time.” Volunteer, Shirley led the food pantry throughout the pandemic, packing and delivering food parcels, collecting prescriptions, and calling on people isolating.