Cumbria has a large and vibrant third sector, made up of organisations that play a huge role in the life of Cumbrian communities. These organisations range from community groups run entirely by volunteers to large local charities and social enterprises, some of which employ several hundred staff and have a multi-million pound turnover each year.  From the volunteers running our village halls and mountain rescue teams, to the specialist staff working in our hospices and children’s centres, life in Cumbria quite simply wouldn’t be the same without them. The people of Cumbria are at the core – people giving and receiving support, and increasing sustainability of our local economies, environment, culture and heritage.