July 18, 2023

Our Chief Executive, David Allen, met up with Tim Farron MP (Westmorland and Lonsdale) at his constituency office in Kendal recently (6 July). Tim had previously asked us to support the establishment of a new voluntary organisation for Kendal and to work with one of his constituents. This meeting was to update on progress, but also to discuss Cumbria CVS activity in the South Lakeland area and further afield.

Discussions centred on the challenges experienced by voluntary and community organisations during the pandemic and cost of living crisis – as well as the implications of NHS and Local Government Reform. They also spoke of the importance of improved public transport systems and accessible, affordable housing in the area – and how the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector could become involved. Tim recognised that the cost-of-living crisis was impacting many people across his constituency – demonstrated through those members who previously donated to local food banks now needing their support.

Tim was particularly interested to learn more about our work leading the South Lakeland Poverty Truth Commission and our Community Connectors project – and was keen to learn more about how we might be able to strengthen links with members of vulnerable communities and to improve their influence. Tim was also supportive of our proposals to further develop support to voluntary groups in South Lakeland through our current bid to UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Westmorland and Furness – all areas we will continue to liaise on.