April 28, 2017

At Cumbria CVS, we are entering a new phase of development as we head further into 2017. Here in the north of the county, we are looking forward to our move into Shaddongate Resource Centre and to welcoming tenants and service users to this excellent facility again. This move signifies a change in working practices for the team itself, but not our area focus or the delivery of services to our members and clients. Rest assured, that will remain the same.  Please see the article on CVS Services for full details of facilities available at the Centre.

Place Based Prevention Service
Between now and the end of May, the team at Cumbria CVS will be closing the Placed Based Services Program which has come to the end of its term.  The scheme was replaced by the Placed Based Prevention Service and will be delivered by alternative local providers.
I would like to thank all the partners who were involved in planning, implementing and reviewing the program which successfully supported many of the individuals across the county. We will be in touch with involved partners over the coming weeks with details of how the project will be formally closed and handed over to new providers.

General Election Announcement
Since last week’s announcement that there will be a General Election on 8 June 2017, some members of NCVO have been in touch asking what this means for their campaigning. Their main concern is about the Lobbying Act and how it will affect their ability to speak up and continue advocating for the changes they want to see.
This is because once an election is called, organisations enter into a pre-election period during which specific rules apply both in charity law and election law.

There is a range of guidance available designed to give support and guidance and answer any questions you may have about what this means for your charity.  NCVO: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/practical-support/information/campaigning/general-election-2017

Charity Commission:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/591355/Charities_Elections_and_Referendums_new.pdf

Organisations can also use the guidance available on our website: https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/giving-you-a-voice/cumbria-third-sector-network/

And finally, Cumbria Third Sector Network is hoping to hold a Cumbria-wide Question Time event on the afternoon of Monday 22 May 2017 at Rheged. Please hold the date free – further details will be confirmed in due course.

Laura Cadman
Chief Executive Officer
Cumbria CVS