October 30, 2024

Gareth Cavanagh, our Development Officer for Allerdale, is back with an update on support he’s been providing in the area, comfort-zone pushing public speaking, and events coming up:

Work is continuing at pace on the Supporting Allerdale project. The role never fails to ask questions of me and push me out of my comfort zone – in a good way!

Public speaking has never been comfortable for me, at least not when I’m doing it to a large group. However, sometimes this role calls for it as one of the aspects of support we provide to groups in Allerdale is training.

Between July and October, I have had a number of opportunities for public speaking in different forms. This has included, delivering trustee training to a West Cumbrian charity, speaking to a room full of third sector organisations, and giving a presentation to colleagues in our team meeting.

I am also working towards a Level 3 qualification in Education and Training to benefit this aspect of my work.

I always feel at least a little bit nervous when I am about to present, the severity just varies depending on how serious or important the presentation and setting feels. However, I am enjoying the challenge that this gives me and the feeling of accomplishment after delivering a presentation that was well received.

There has been a lot of demand for funding support from community organisations across my patch in recent weeks. It has been really rewarding to help charities and community groups find funding to expand their work or deliver an exciting new project.

This aspect of my work means that I get to hear about really exciting developments in the area and be a part of bringing them to life. It is great to use my love of writing to make these projects sound appealing to funders.

I am also playing a part in the Volunteering Works project which is being delivered by Cumbria CVS. As part of this programme, we are hosting information sessions and taster days in Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland.

Volunteering Works is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Cumberland Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. The project promotes the opportunities in the charity sector, both paid and voluntary and raises awareness of volunteering as a pathway into employment.

The Volunteer Information Session for Workington takes place on November 13 from 10am until 2.30pm followed by a Volunteering Taster Day on November 26, this will be led by Workington Nature Partnership at Harrington Nature Reserve and takes place from 9.30am until 2pm.

I am carrying out volunteering drop-ins at Workington Library and Workington Job Centre to let people know about these sessions. For information on the sessions taking place elsewhere in Cumberland, visit our website