March 25, 2025

Gareth Cavanagh, our Development Officer for Allerdale, is back with a new blog, reflecting on a year of support in Allerdale, and move to covering Mid Copeland:

March brings my one-year work anniversary with Cumbria CVS and the end of the Supporting Allerdale project.

The past year has seen me support: West Cumbria Society for the Blind, West Cumbria Basketball Club, No Rainbows Without Rain, Allerdale Disability Association, Village Larder and Vulcan Park Bowling Club, to name just a few.

On March 31 my work in Allerdale will come to an end and from April 1, I start work on a new project covering Mid Copeland. Meanwhile, I will be providing additional Development Officer support to the existing project in South Copeland alongside my colleague Berry.

Both pieces of work will see me provide hands-on support to community organisations, building on the work I have done in Allerdale.

Taking-on the role of Development Officer has given me the opportunity to learn new skills in fundraising, charity governance and policy. I have also gained a new Level 3 qualification to improve my delivery in training sessions.

I am really looking forward to using these new skills and experience in support of social enterprises and charitable organisations in Mid Copeland (the Gosforth area) and in South Copeland (Millom and Millom Without).

I would encourage anyone who is looking for a new challenge professionally to consider moving into the charity sector, it has been incredibly rewarding for me.

If your charity, community group of CIC delivers services in Mid or South Copeland and you need support, please feel free to contact me by emailing: Gareth.cavanagh@cumbriacvs.org.uk or call: 07356 148808.

Cumbria CVS Development Officers can support local community organisations with: governance matters, finding funding, volunteer recruitment, policies and procedures as well as training.