August 7, 2024

Gareth Cavanagh, our Development Officer for Allerdale, is back with an update on support he’s been providing in the area, and finding funding has been at the top of the list of requests:

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Funding has been the focus for my work in recent weeks and no doubt it has been the same for colleagues across the Third Sector.

You may recall from my first blog that I supported Maryport Bowling Club with their funding application to Cumbria Community Foundation.

I was really pleased to see that their application was successful and they will receive a contribution towards refurbishments at their bowling green and clubhouse on Mealpot Road.

Further funding is needed towards their project so I have since provided them with bid writing support on a further application to the Lakes to Sea Community Panel.

Northside Community Centre is another organisation which has come back to me for support with bid writing. I supported their application for funding to the Workington Together Community Panel which they hoped would fund equipment to support their soup kitchen.

Their bid was successful and they are now working with me on a funding application to Cumbria Community Foundation.

On Tuesday July 9, I was part of the Cumbria CVS team behind the West Cumbria Funding Fair in Workington. It was great to see so many new and familiar faces from across the Third Sector.

Our funding fair was an opportunity for community groups, Community Interest Companies and small charities in the area to meet with funders. Organisations like Cumbria Community Foundation; Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership and Coalfields Regeneration Trust spoke to groups about the grants available and the type of activity they would fund.

It was great to facilitate those conversations, playing a small part in the positive work that they could lead to and catch-up with a few familiar faces on the day.

My work around volunteering in Allerdale is continuing. On July 23, I took part in conversations involving NHS and Third Sector professionals. Discussions explored good practice around supported volunteering and work placements.

I have also been busy organising an event where you can find out about the volunteering opportunities in your area. It takes place at The Oval Centre on Friday September 13th from 11.30am until 12.30pm, lunch will be provided and you are welcome to come for as long as you would like. An Eventbrite for volunteer bookings will be online soon!