June 28, 2025

Judith Smale, our Volunteering Manager (Cumberland) delivered a one-day Volunteering as a Pathway into Employment Workshop in Whitehaven last week.

The session was part of the Skills and Enterprise Programme, which is funded by Copeland Community Fund and Sellafield Limited, and was attended by 10 unemployed people.

Representatives from Groundwork, Job Centre Plus and charities Citizens Advice Copeland, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, and Hospice at Home West Cumbria, also attended to speak about the work of their charities and local volunteering opportunities.

Judith gave an overview of the third sector, volunteering, training and support, volunteering and state benefits and how to register and search for volunteering opportunities through our Volunteering Portal.

Shelley Hewitson, Chief Officer at Copeland Citizens Advice, said: “It’s always fantastic to be given the opportunity to speak in the community about our services and the help we offer. As an independent charity we rely on voluntary support to provide the advice people need for the problems they face. This session was not only a great opportunity to promote our service but also the benefits of volunteering and the difference individuals can make within their communities.”

The session was also supported by one of our wonderful volunteers, Kate, who also shared her own experiences around the benefits of volunteering!

Thanks to all that attended.

You can read a more detailed report of the session in this case study