March 28, 2017

Continuous change can be daunting, and with the retirement of Karen Bowen last week and the ever present pressure of securing funding, Cumbria CVS has recently had its share of uncertainty, as I am sure you have and your teams.  But here at Cumbria CVS we are embracing the opportunity that change brings and are taking some big leaps towards securing a more sustainable future including moving to Carlisle.

Shaddongate
Many of you will already be aware that Cumbria CVS is taking over as head tenant at Shaddongate Resource Centre in Carlisle at the end of May.
In addition to bringing our own staff team together, Shaddongate presents Cumbria CVS with a real opportunity to develop a local hub and bring together like minded charities under one roof. The building is fully accessible with a Change Place Facility (one of the only ones in the North West of England); has great conference facilities available to hire for events, meetings and training including a community hall, a board room and a training room and a fully fitted commercial kitchen. It also has office space for rent.
We would be really happy to hear from you if you are interested in using the building, joining us in this community hub or would simply like to pay us a visit.
Our doors will officially open at Shaddongate on Tuesday 30 May and we will be hosting a formal open day in early July and hope you can join us then, if not before.

Please note: To ensure a smooth move to Carlisle, Cumbria CVS will have some down time w/c 22 May 2017 and so your patience is appreciated. We will keep you updated of any changes.

Building Better Opportunities
Cumbria CVS has been successful in its bid to become the lead partner for the Barrow and South Lakes Building Better Opportunities programme.
Building Better Opportunities will engage with partners to deliver support for unemployed people in addressing specific barriers to employment.  Project participants will benefit from the skills, knowledge and contact from all the local partners through key workers, placements and specific support with anticipated outcomes of increased confidence, reduced social isolation, improved health and wellbeing, access to appropriate support, skills development, amongst others.
An initial meeting with pre-approved partners to launch the programme is planned for Friday 28 April 2017.
If you have any queries about the project please contact me on 01768 800350.

Au Revoir
And finally Karen Bowen would like to thank all friends and colleagues for their kind words, well wishes, cards and presents upon her retirement and wishes everyone all the very best for the future.

Laura Cadman
Chief Executive Officer
Cumbria CVS