Paying the rent helps charities deliver vital services Hundreds of charities and voluntary groups provide vital services to communities across Cumbria. Delivering those services requires funding and the groups rely on the generosity of funders and donors to enable them to continue their work. It takes time and effort to raise donations – which takes time away from delivering services – and many donors prefer to fund specific projects rather than provide the running costs that are needed to underpin a group’s work. As inflationary pressures hit running costs hard, it can be ever more difficult for groups to balance the bills as well as deliver services. The Vulture Club was formed by a group of local West Cumbrian volunteers who, through their own experience and participation within the field of addiction and recovery, saw a real need for support for people trying to recover from substance addiction. The use of art and cultural pursuits as diversionary activities prompted the name of Culture Vultures that quickly became Vulture Club. The club offers a safe, non-using environment where service users can engage in these activities and therapeutic sessions, to equip themselves with the tools needed to develop and sustain their recovery. It is very hard to stop taking substances and even harder to stay off them, and Vulture Club recognises the importance of a maintained recovery. This takes time and needs a stable and long-term approach that can be delivered in a suitable environment in safe and appropriate premises. The Foundation contributed a total of £5,000 from the Brian and Ann Clark Fund and the Shepley Group Grassroots Fund towards the rent for the club’s premises in Whitehaven. Colin Browne, Chair and Trustee of the Vulture Club, said: Giving hope and support to all victims of domestic abuse As well as being disempowered and isolated from family and friends, it is very common for victims of domestic abuse to have their finances restricted. Those victims are often on low incomes, in debt, and are living in rented properties that have been damaged by the perpetrator. This can all leave victims feeling trapped and unable to leave. Springfield Domestic Abuse Support in South Lakeland provides a full range of support to individuals impacted by domestic abuse. The Foundation provided £15,000 from the Cumberland Building Society Fund to fund a Poverty Lead Worker to provide tailored financial advice, support with budgeting, signposting to other support agencies, and help to find new accommodation and settle debts with previous landlords. Springfield’s Chief Executive, Tori O’Callaghan-Lake, said: “Of the 365 clients who accessed our services in the last financial year, around 40% required the help of the Poverty Lead Worker to help them improve their financial situation.” One client said: “I arrived with nothing. I have been supported to face my debts, which was a constant anxious feeling and a reason I probably stayed in the situation I was in. I feel like I can manage my money better and I was supported to get back into employment.” While the majority of victims are female, ONS figures suggest that every year one in three victims of domestic abuse are male. Cumbrian male victims were obliged to seek support elsewhere as there was no provision in the county. To address this, Springfield has opened the first safe house for male victims of domestic violence in Cumbria. The property identified needed significant renovation, so the Foundation provided £11,500 from the myLakeland Fund to replace the boiler and install security at the doors. The male safe house can accommodate three clients at any one time and began accepting referrals in August 2024. Tori said: “We will provide specialist support to the men to help them recover from the trauma and abuse they have experienced. Our Poverty Lead Worker will support them to claim their full benefit entitlement whilst also supporting them to budget and reduce any debts. “Throughout their stay with Springfield, the men will learn skills to live independently, thus enabling them to successfully resettle into the community and remain safe in their own home.” “The funding for the rent ensured we were able to keep our Health and Wellbeing centre open and running to support our service users. The support was crucial to us being able to continue operating over the last 12 months, supporting our members on their journey of recovery from addiction.” Tori O’Callaghan-Lake Artwork created by members of the Vulture Club 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 6 7
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