The Transforming West Cumbria (TWC) programme is set to continue its impactful work over the next two years, focusing on enhancing the health and wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in the region. This initiative is part of the Family Wellbeing strand, which has made significant strides since its launch three years ago.
The TWC programme, funded by Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) programme and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, was created following a 2019 study commissioned by Sellafield Ltd. The study revealed critical social issues, including 3,900 children living in poverty, one in seven households with incomes below £10,000 annually, and a higher number of children in care compared to other regions.
In September 2020, an initial grant of £600,000 was awarded to tackle these challenges through projects addressing domestic and sexual abuse, addiction, emotional resilience, and speech and language development. A report from November highlighted the achievements of these projects, noting support provided to 1,456 families and 2,709 children.
A new grant of £200,000 has now been allocated to five organisations to continue this vital work.
CADAS: Enhancing Family Support
CADAS Secures Funding to Continue Essential Family Support Services. This service aims to reduce the number of children entering care and improve life opportunities. It provides families affected by substance abuse with emotional resilience techniques and therapeutic strategies. A service user shared, “I now have better ways to manage my feelings and be a better mother. This assistance has had a profound impact.
Angie Milfull, West Cumbria Family Support Team Leader, commented, “The CADAS Family Support Service has significantly improved our communities. This funding has allowed us to enhance our service based on client needs.”
Howgill Family Centre: Advancing Early Childhood Development
Howgill Family Centre has been awarded funding to continue its programme that enhances speech and language skills in children up to four years old. Emphasising the importance of parental involvement, the project collaborates with local nurseries and conducts group sessions to foster early communication skills.
Faye Eldon, Chief Executive of Howgill Family Centre, stated, “The funding has enabled us to engage hundreds of parents and support their children’s early language development, positively impacting their future learning.”
Supporting Recovery from Abuse
Safety Net provides crucial support for those affected by abuse, offering counselling and therapy to children, adults, and families. Helen Davies, Senior Children and Young Person Therapist, said, “This funding allows us to continue offering essential services and to employ part-time therapists who assist families dealing with abuse and trauma.”
Providing Psychological Support
Together We has been awarded funding to expand its psychological interventions for families with children aged five to 17. Managing Director Sam Joughin remarked, “We are pleased to receive this support to continue our family interventions work, addressing the growing need for psychological support.”
Legal Assistance to Domestic Violence Victims
West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support, operating as The Freedom Project, will continue its McKenzie Friend project, providing legal assistance to domestic violence victims. Vicky Pike, Charity Manager, highlighted, “The funding will help us extend our support and train additional staff to reach more families.”
Community Impact
Tracey West, Senior Social Impact Manager at Sellafield, praised the programme, stating, “Hearing the positive outcomes from those impacted by our funding motivates us to develop more initiatives like Family wellbeing. Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, commented, “This extra funding will enhance our efforts to build vibrant communities in West Cumbria.”
Earlier this year, Sellafield Ltd also launched a Family Support Fund, offering grants up to £1,000 for essentials to families in financial hardship. Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund has supported over 380 families, benefiting around 800 children.
Lyn Cavaghan, Executive Officer at Always Another Way, noted, “The demand for this funding was high, and we were pleased to support so many families in need.”
https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/