Transforming lives Addressing the needs of our communities and the root causes of the problems that they face is at the heart of our work. We research the needs in our communities and publish what we find in reports such as the Furness Opportunities & Challenges Report. The data was drawn from a broad consultation with local people, as well as government statistics, and will be used by local organisations, community and charitable organisations to help plan how they will work together to support those in need. Promoting positive changes is a long and complex process, so we bring together people and organisations from across the county, with knowledge and lived experience, to draw on their experience to help us ensure we get grants to the right places. Sellafield Ltd’s continued commitment to the Transforming West Cumbria (TWC) social investment programme has proved to be vital. Funded through their Social Impact Multiplied SiX Programme, TWC gets to the root causes of inequality and confronts the issues holding back the most vulnerable in our communities. Already making an impact, TWC has helped build the capabilities and financial sustainability of voluntary and charitable groups in West Cumbria. One beneficiary of the Bedrock Awards commented that their journey had been “transformational.” The West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership has been a great success. Formed to fulfil a void in mental health provision in West Cumbria, the partnership has helped voluntary and charitable groups to collaborate and provide a range of low-level mental health and wellbeing services to both adults and children. Visit https://wcmhp.org.uk for more information. Another way we are ensuring our grants get to the right place is to ensure the voice of our communities is reflected in our grant making and our #CanDo youth advisory committee ensures our youth are heard. Trans fo rmi ng L i ves 4 Some of the #CanDo Youth Committee members (L-R: Gabby Atkinson, Amie Todhunter, Toni-Anne Wardle and Arran de Mello. Amie Todhunter, 22 from Whitehaven, said: “The #CanDo youth committee is a great way to socialise and meet new people while also helping to fund important and necessary youthled social action in West Cumbria. Meeting people with the same attitude and mindset has been really important as we’ve all come together from different areas and backgrounds to discuss significant ways to help groups create their own changes in their area.” I have really enjoyed being on the #CanDo committee. It has strengthened my confidence and communication skills, I have learned the real value of funding and helping young people and organisations with their work. - Toni-Anne Wardle, 19 from Whitehaven
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