September 10, 2026

Kat Hercberg is our South Copeland Development Officer, supporting communities across the area from Thwaites to Drigg, including Millom, Bootle, Corney, Eskdale, and the Duddon Valley.

Find out who Kat has been helping over the summer, and how you can have a chat in-person in October to get support.

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I am now over 3 months into my role as South Copeland Development Officer with Cumbria CVS. I have been supporting VCFSE’s and community groups with funding, volunteer recruitment and business planning, I have supported 18 groups within this time period.

I’ve been out and about meeting people across South Copeland. I attended an official opening of Muncaster Community Garden, it was a beautiful sunny day and they provided us with delicious scones. The garden is now open to volunteers, alongside their community shed which has a vast array of tools and skilled volunteers. I also had a tour of Alexander House Community Care Hub in Bootle, they are looking for funding to finish a renovation. They aim to open a community space as well as providing accommodation for independent living, it looks fantastic and I suspect it will be a well-used space.

I’ve also worked with village halls, heritage buildings, community groups and conservation charities. I’ve been helping recruit volunteers and providing opportunities for collaboration, as well as finding suitable funding pots.

I am working alongside my colleagues on delivering Environmental and Sustainability Policy training, with the first session scheduled for the 22nd September.

If you’d like a chat I will be holding a drop in session at Alexander House Community Care Hub in Bootle on the 8th October 13:00 – 15:00. No need to book just drop in, open to organisations looking for support or an individuals looking for volunteering opportunities. I can help with setting up a new voluntary group or charity, grant funding opportunities, governance, business planning and sustainability, and volunteer management.

Or alternatively get in touch via email kat.hercberg@cumbria.cvs.org.uk