Annual Report 2018 /19 Background Copeland Community Fund is an agreement negotiated with the Government to recognise the service Copeland provides to the nation by hosting the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) close to the village of Drigg. LLWR give the Fund £1.5 m a year for every year that the repository is operating; in addition to an initial endowment of £10m.
Copeland Borough Council and Negotiations for the Fund were due Cumbria County Council adopted the to the work of Copeland Borough policy position that the community Council, Cumbria County Council package should be agreed before the and the Nuclear Decommissioning repository could continue to operate Authority. in the Borough. Since that time Partners of the Fund are the negotiation has taken place with the aforementioned in addition to LLWR. NDA on the need to establish a fund, The partners all have representatives how it would operate and what the of the Board alongside two level of contribution would be. independent members. This is the first arrangement of this A delegated panel comprising CCC, kind agreed in the UK although similar CBC and NDA representatives meet funds have been developed in other to receive applications and make parts of the world. decisions on grants under £25,000. The overriding principle is that the Fund is managed to provide a benefit to the residents of Copeland even after the Borough has ceased receiving waste. CHAIR Keith Hitchen The money received while the site is CCC COUNCILLOR operating is invested to provide long term future income. This income is then spent on an annual basis to offset negative impacts. In the first few years of operation the amounts available to spend were modest but they have grown gradually over time.
Board Members
Mike Starkie David Southward David Henderson CBC ELECTED MAYOR CCC COUNCILLOR INDEPENDENT
Dianne Richardson Dr Richard Cummings David Moore Karen Dickinson INDEPENDENT LLWR CBC COUNCILLOR NDA DEPUTY MAYOR
1 Chair’s Report This year saw the eighth year of funding from Copeland Community Fund to groups and organisations in the Copeland area. In June 2018 I was elected Chair of the Fund; following on from the previous Chair, David Moore, representing Copeland Borough Council. Sincere thanks must go to David for his commitment and excellent leadership over the previous two years. Keith Hitchen – Chair CCF I would like to focus on two very diverse projects in this report; one a heritage restoration project and the other a multi-million pound new build facility. Eskdale Corn Mill is a Grade II* listed building and is the last operating water-powered mill in It has been extremely encouraging to see the the Lake District National Park. Along with other emerging interest from different community buildings, such as a stable and cottage, it sits organisations and also some evolving alongside a packhorse bridge in the picturesque partnership activity. For example with the village of Boot, in the beautiful Eskdale valley. Rugby Football League who have plans to It was noted as an important feature in the create a hub for Rugby League within Cumbria. Lake District’s successful bid to achieve Both Eskdale Mill and Whitehaven Campus World Heritage Site status. will be valued community assets for many The project was allocated £93,000 by the Fund years to come. to improve the mill and surroundings for visitors, It is important to recognise that this year the with better facilities and interpretation to provide CCF team underwent a number of changes information about the history of the mill and the in personnel whilst maintaining the quality people who worked there. of services we have come to expect. The project has experienced a number of It is extremely encouraging to hear continued challenges along the way and is a great example positive feedback from applicants and grant of how the CCF development team can holders about the value they place on the collaborate with an applicant in resolving approachability of CCF team members, localised these. The Fund’s grant was a key factor in knowledge and levels of support available. leveraging in over £842,000 of national Heritage Lottery Fund funding and the CCF team worked This commitment to add value through the CCF closely with the Mill’s trustees and project team has also continued with the recruitment of managers over a number of years to ensure the Fund’s first apprentice Grants Officer, Maya the final project funding package was achieved. McGrady, who started working with the Fund in September 2018 whilst studying for a Level 3 The project to restore the mill is nearing Business Administration NVQ with Lakes completion and I look forward to seeing the College West Cumbria. Maya has been an waterwheels turning again at Eskdale in due impressive and valued addition to the team course. and a fine example of the exceptional talent Another major milestone this year has been we have in Copeland’s young people. the realisation of the Fund’s most significant Our Fund Team are always interested in investment to date with the official handover hearing about new projects and will in January 2019 of Whitehaven Campus. continue to offer vital support and advice The unprecedented £33 million investment in the to community groups about planning and campus came from a range of partners including managing your project as well as advice The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, about funding, and of course we are always Sellafield Sites Ltd, Copeland Community Fund, looking for new projects to fund. So get in and Cumbria County Council. touch and tell us about your project. The Fund’s investment of £3m is specific to the new community sports and leisure facilities Keith Hitchen – Chair which include a state of the art 4G pitch, sports hall, main theatre with multi-media facilities, CCC Councillor and CCF Chair hydrotherapy pool etc. These bring an exciting range of health and wellbeing benefits to the Copeland community.
2 Copeland Work & Skills Programme 2016-2019
INTRODUCTION The Copeland Work & Skills Partnership has now completed a three-year programme of activities (2016-2019) supported Copeland by Copeland Community Fund (CCF) and Copeland Borough Council. The “core programme” of delivery constituted Work & Skills five workstreams supporting Copeland residents into jobs, training or other workplace activities. At least a third of these individuals are known to have been offered employment due Programme to their participation. The programme is thought to have been good value for money and complemented other Partnership 2016 - 2019 initiatives.
176 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Q 176 individuals have engaged with a variety of workstreams . over the course of the Work & Skills programme . Q 14 individuals from Copeland have Nationally Recognised . Qualifications through completing a Level 2 Apprenticeship . Q 66 individuals from Copeland are more job ready through completing sector-based work academy programmes ...engaged in a variety Q 56 individuals from Copeland have been assisted into of workstreams employment or training courtesy of the programme’s Employability Fund Q 14 staff from partnership organisations have gained National Vocational Qualifications in Advice and Guidance Q 26 individuals from Copeland now have increased skills and knowledge through undertaking work experience 14 with local employers staff gained Q 63 individuals from Copeland were offered employment NVQ Advice and Guidance over the course of the Work & Skills programme
Case Study Stephen was keen to return to security work following a period of ill health. He was familiar with this line of work as this is where he had previous work experience and relevant skills. To be able to secure a job he sourced some training through Inspira for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) qualification with Three Kings Security in Whitehaven. He passed this training but then struggled to find any funds to allow him to apply for his Badge. This was made possible through Stephen’s work coach as he met the criteria for funding support through the Flexible Support Fund. His advisor at Phoenix Enterprise Centre then made an application to the Copeland Work & Skills Programme Employability Fund to support Stephen with ‘back to work’ costs in order to make the transition into work as smooth as possible. This included help with transport, food and household bills before Stephen received his first pay cheque. Stephen has now gained employment with Securitas as a Security Guard.
3 Active Cumbria
Whitehaven Parkrun Total Project Costs £8,800 Case Study One runner in particular, between Parkrun is extremely popular 75 -79 years of age was inspired to throughout the UK and has been take up running when his son who Total amount Awarded the inspiration for getting many had never ran before, entered the people from inactive to active. London Marathon. He was impressed with this but Whitehaven Park Run launched could not find anything nearby for £3,150 on 30th June 2018, stretches 5 himself, to do, until he found out kilometres from Whitehaven about The Whitehaven Parkrun. Cycle Track to Moor Row, out, During the non - stop rain and PROJECT LIFETIME and back, using the C2C cycle path, wind of Storm Callum on 13/10/18 and takes place every Saturday. May 2018 – Nov 2018 he ran his first ever Parkrun taking So far, over the 41 weeks from him 50.56 minutes. Telling himself June 2018 - March 2019, 887 “if he can run in this weather today registered runners have taken part. he can run any day.” 461 registered as home runners and After just 6 weeks, a new Personal 426 as tourists – running on average Best was achieved 43.55 minutes 3.11 times, totalling 2766 runs. reducing his time by 7 minutes. The oldest Whitehaven Park runner is He continues to be a regular in the 80 – 84 age category and has a runner since that, first day - Personal Best of 41.14 minutes. taking part in 21 runs so far. He is very modest about his Personal Whitehaven Parkrun have recruited Best time but is also confident he 58 volunteers that help to administer, will reduce his time even further organise and deliver the Parkrun on because the exercise that Parkrun a weekly basis and have volunteered gives him is of great benefit as well 324 times. as the support and camaraderie of the other runners.
WhitehaveN MOOR CYCLE track 5Km ROW
887 registered runners Totalling have taken part 2,766 runs 58x volunteers
4 AGE UK WEST CUMBRIA
Copeland Community Connections Total Project Costs £377,264
The Copeland Community Connections Project is managed and delivered by Age UK West Cumbria. Commencing in 2016, the overall aim of the Total amount Awarded project is to ‘improve wellbeing by supporting and equipping isolated individuals with the confidence and motivation to take part in local opportunities for socialising with others. Thereby preventing or reducing £148,716 the negative impacts which unaddressed loneliness can have on health and on an individual’s ability to maintain independent living’ PROJECT LIFETIME 4th July 2016 – 30th June 2019 Case Study Mr Smith had been active and involved in the Community playing sport locally in his earlier years but since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease he had become very isolated and sometimes did not see anyone all day until his wife came home from work. He was struggling with his memory and having difficulty holding conversation. All of this was having a negative impact on his confidence and self esteem. He felt he wanted to join a group specifically for Parkinson’s sufferers however there was nothing available in his local area. He reluctantly decided to join another group. Initially he was hesitant, but then he began to join in and enjoy the quizzes, conversations and activities. Mr Smith now also regularly attends “Singing for the brain “ group. Mr Smith says although initially it was not what he was looking for, he enjoys the group. He doesn’t feel self conscious because whilst the people there do not have Parkinsons they do have their own challenges and this helps him feel much more comfortable and regain confidence to the extent that he has met upQ with his old friends and former team mates. A Q A Q Through this project so far - A Q A Q ? ? ? A ? ? ?? ? ? 24,449 volunteer 471 local people have been assisted 1366 people have hours in their skills development accessed a community ? ? ? facility 5 ? ? ? west cumbria carers This project delivers one to one support; Support Workers work with young carers to create a bespoke programme. This provides opportunities to develop strategies that improve and maintain health and well-being, improve family relationships, increase their self-esteem and confidence and give them opportunities to talk about issues relating to their caring role. It also supports young carers to improve school attendance and achieve a Young Carers general improvement in their school work and educational potential. One to One Those supported have been identified that their caring role impacts on their school attendance, or struggle to manage school and homework, to attend Support extracurricular activities and who don’t get the best out of school life. Project Case Study Total Project Costs A Young Carer was referred to the Young Carers Project in 2016, he has a caring role for his Mum. He engaged well with the Young Carers project £19,517.87 and attended lots of trips and activities, met new friends who are also young carers and enjoys being part of the project. However his mum was admitted to hospital at the end of 2018. It was identified that he was struggling with her condition and her admission to hospital. The Young Carers Support Worker arranged to meet him in school and carry out 6 one to one support sessions. These sessions were organised Total amount Awarded with the young carer and the school head of year, so they could be carried out in school at a time that suited the young carer and didn’t coincide with £13,588 any core subjects. During their one to one sessions the Support Worker concentrated on activities to support emotional resilience. She completed a stress bucket PROJECT START LIFETIME activity with him where they looked at things that were making him feel stressed and then looked at filling the bucket up with things that would help 1 July 2018 – 30th June 2019 him when he feels stressed e.g. talking about how he feels, listening to music, playing football. It was then agreed by his Social Worker that he could return to his caring role which did increase, he told the Support Worker during his one to one sessions that he was struggling to concentrate at school because he was worrying about his mum he was also finding it difficult to complete his homework. The Support Worker liaised with his head of year and arranged for him to contact his mum at break time and lunchtime if he was feeling worried about her. They also arranged for him to attend homework club, so he had less to complete at home. After completing six one to one sessions, it was agreed a further 3 sessions would be invaluable to him. Once the 9 sessions were completed the Young Carer completed an evaluation form, he reported he was feeling more confident, his attendance at school had improved and he felt more positive about his caring role. He said that the one to one support helped to get his worries out of his head and that he thinks when you talk about your worries they can be sorted, but if you keep them in you will keep worrying about them. He is currently still subject to a child in need plan however at the last meeting it was discussed there were plans to step it down to an Early Help Plan.
Through this project so far - people have accessed a community facility young Carers 18 Young Carers have JULY received x1x1 support, 16 Young Carers have 14 Young Carers 2018 which they feel has had reported that x1 x1 support stress bucket activity have reported they to a positive impact on has made them feel good to promote personal now do better at MARCH their lives and caring roles about themselves resilience College / School 2019 6 Copeland Youth Providers Network
Development Worker Total Project Costs £31,705
Copeland Youth Providers’ Network has been established for a number of years and is comprised of all generic youthwork providers across Total amount Awarded the borough. It’s aim is to support neighbourhood youth work providers who deliver £13,867 direct face-to-face youth work within Copeland. The network have worked in partnership on projects that have benefitted young people locally. This includes the Friday Night Project where young people attended Friday night provision with the overall aim of reducing anti-social behaviour. PROJECT START date - September 2018 The ”Development Worker” project was conceived through an initial PROJECT End date - September 2020 discussion between representatives of The Network and Copeland Community Fund. The project supported the recruitment of a Development Worker who works directly with the youth work partners to improve the quality of youth project management in the Copeland Borough to a consistent standard. This will make the key neighbourhood youth work providers more sustainable in the longer term, more attractive to funders and ulti- mately improve the experience and opportunities for young people. The worker can also support any emerging youthwork provision in Copeland. Providers in the Copeland Youth Network deliver youth work activity for 8 -19 year olds in all key urban and rural areas of the borough – from Distington to Millom. This includes: 58 youth work sessions each week Regular weekly participation of 500+ young people 5,000 individuals using the services in a year
Through this project so far - 5,000 58 58 youth work young people have accessed sessions each week a community facility per year
7 Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team New Base Total Project Costs £642,800
Total amount Awarded £218,146
PROJECT LIFETIME Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team is one of 12 mountain rescue teams in Cumbria and the only team to have a base in Copeland. Each team has April 2016 – September 2019 its’ own operational area but all the teams work in partnership as and when necessary to meet the requirements of individual callouts and ensure adequate resources for the task. The team works in partnership with several public and charity sector partners including Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire & Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, Air Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard. The team was established in 1968 to save life and alleviate distress, primarily in upland or mountainous areas. The work that the team undertakes today, however, has evolved to include other areas such as swift water rescue and searches for vulnerable people. The new base became operational in August 2018 and was officially opened by the legendary fell-runner and Team Vice-President, Jos Naylor MBE in September 2018. The project is still ongoing to complete later this year and offers the team a modern, fit for purpose base which more effectively meets the needs of team members. For example, the base has significantly enhanced ergonomics and will deliver energy efficiencies through its heating system, which is supplied by a very efficient ground-source heat pump supplemented by roof-mounted PV panels. The new base also has benefits for partner organisations e.g. easier access from the main road with sufficient parking, enhanced communications, welfare and training facilities. There is also a mini-hill feature made from foundation spoil with trees and rocks to act as a training area and simulate difficult extrication / evacuation of casualties. In the furthest part of the land Wasdale Mountain away from the base there is a grass area that has planning permission for Rescue Team helicopter landing, if necessary.
one of over 100 incidents 24 hours a day/365 12 days per rescue teams in Cumbria year per year 8 Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
3 walkers rescued
incident took 5.3hrs 7 Wasdale team members involved
200
rescues Case Study John Hryb is a Team Leader for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team. As with many team members he is motivated by a “love of the mountains” and was encouraged by his wife to join the team three years ago having spent many years fellwalking for pleasure. John has taken part in over 200 rescues since joining the team. John is self employed and combines his volunteering role with running his own business. On Sunday 6th January 2019 the team were called by Cumbria Police about a group of 3 walkers who reported themselves cragfast in the Great Hell Gate area on Great Gable after taking a wrong turn on their descent. This was to be the first callout for 2019. The group’s precise position was established using PhoneFind then a small team, including John, went onto the fell to find the group. As would be expected for January the weather was cold, damp, misty and the rescue was conducted in the dark, starting just after 4 pm and ending after 9 pm. It took between 2 and 3 hours to reach the lost walkers and John was one of the first team members on the scene. The walkers were provided with helmets and warm clothing and then walked back to Wasdale via the Climbers Traverse path. One walker was “short-roped” off the mountain as she was extremely shaken by the experience and had lost confidence. All three walkers were extremely thankful for the team’s support on that cold January night. The incident took 5.3 hrs in total. There were 7 Wasdale team members involved and a total of 37 man hours. When asked for his opinion of the new base John said: “It’s a pleasure to operate from it. It’s a well designed, organised building which has benefited from significant input from team members, ensuring it’s fit for purpose.”
9 Whitehaven Campus
Whitehaven Campus Total Project Costs £32.8 million (for both education and community facilities)
In March 2017 the Copeland Community Fund Board formally approved an investment grant of £3m for the Whitehaven Campus Project for sport Total amount Awarded and leisure community facilities. Investment in the Campus came from a range of partners including the £3 million Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Sites Ltd, Copeland (invested for community facilities) Community Fund, and Cumbria County Council. The community facilities became available for public hire and use on 7 January 2019 with individual facilities including: PROJECT START date - March 2017 PROJECT end date - January 2019 Sports Facilities 4G Pitch, Sports Hall, Activity Studio, Tennis Courts, Low Impact Gym, Pool.
Arts Spaces A Theatre / Lecture space, Performing Arts space and Music/Drama space. Other facilities available include conference facilities, soft play and a sensory room. A new Community Development Manager, Sam French, was appointed and in post from the beginning of January 2019. Keith Hitchen, Chair of Copeland Community Fund Board, said: “It is exciting to see the fund’s investment of £3 million become a reality in terms of exceptional community sports and leisure facilities available for the whole of the Copeland area. “We would encourage members of the local community and community sports organisations to take full advantage of what should be an amazing community asset.”
Through this project so far - 4,500 V o l u n t e e r s
people have accessed 1,480 hours in operation since a community facility January 2019
10 Whitehaven Campus
Case Study 1 ((BOUNCE)) Whitehaven is a cardio and toning based workout on mini trampolines, that has become one of the biggest lets of the community facilities at Campus Whitehaven. These fast paced choreographed dance-cardio jumping routines are programmed to achieve rapid weight loss. Since moving ((BOUNCE)) Whitehaven to Campus ((BOUNCE)) has brought so many different walks Whitehaven, the class has seen a massive increase of life together, at Campus Whitehaven. They have in popularity. The timetable has grown due to more attendees who are active and come to classes to availability at the venue, meaning they reach out to change up their workout, but predominantly have 100+ attendees per week! attendees who are brand new to the world of exer- We see a lot more attendees committing to multiple cise. This has allowed new friendships to classes throughout the week, which is visible from be formed, which is amazing to see! their body transformations, their attitude to exer- Due to the growing popularity of ((BOUNCE)), there cising and healthy lifestyle, plus their engagement has now been an extension to include classes in with ((BOUNCE)) and the Campus on social media. Workington, with plans of growing the franchise The classes are child friendly too, so children are further afield to Carlisle, Kendal and Barrow. The welcome to come along and join in - childcare franchise is even in the process of offering classes should never be an issue! to local sports clubs and teams, for team building purposes as well as a change in fitness routine.
Case Study 2 A former student of St Benedict’s School, Kurtis joined Kurtis works within the team that is responsible for the Campus team in February 2019, as one of the Site the day to day operations of the Campus. As well as Assistant Managers. Having previously been a player everyday site maintenance such as groundswork, for a major local sports team, as well as working within internal care and security, Kurtis also helps out with the leisure and fitness industry, Kurtis has always had a lettings as and when they occur: from setting up rooms keen interest in physical activity, so the role of Assistant to clearing out spaces. He’s even recently learned how Facilities Manager was of particular interest to him due to maintain the Campus’ state of the art 4G pitch so to the ‘hands on’ and ‘active’ nature of the job. you’ll sometimes see him driving around on the tractor with his music playing! A valued team player, Kurtis always steps up to the plate and supports his team: being a qualified lifeguard, Kurtis was able to save the day and offer assistance to Mayfield School in the hydrotherapy pool last minute due to a staff illness, meaning lessons weren’t interrupted and students weren’t disappointed. Campus Whitehaven were proud that they were able to offer this role to a local Copeland resident, who is valued and highly regarded by staff, students and the community! The building of Campus Whitehaven created the need for extra site staff due to its size and the demand for hire of community facilities. It has been used by local community members as well as companies and organisations from Newcastle, Manchester and Leeds. This has brought funds into the local economy.
11 2018/19 Financials
Organisation Name Total Project Grant Amount Amount Annual Endowment 65,000 Black Combe (Whicham) Community Interest 18,225.00 13,669.00 Company - Silecroft Beach Cafe Mains Electricity Connection Cleator Moor Celtic - Pitch Drainage 105,924.00 25,000.00 Cumbria County Council - Active Cumbria 8,800.00 3,150.00 Parkrun Whitehaven Drigg Parish Council -Drigg Village Hall Roof project 39,170.00 17,170.00 Egremont Rugby Football Club Ltd - Installation 91,000.00 25,000.00 2018 /19 of a piped drainage system in the grass pitch Ennerdale Hub Ltd. - 90,000.00 25,000.00 Financials The Gather long-term sustainability Haig Angling Club - Redevelopment of 48,,308.00 25,000.00 Mirehouse Ponds, Paths and Woodlands Lamplugh Village Hall Committee - 631,998.00 25,000.00 Bringing People Together Millom Amateur Football Club - 80,598.00 25,000.00 Re-development of Changing Rooms, Garage & Ingress Project St Bees Priory Parochial Church Council - 27,436.00 9,581.00 New College Hall Project The Vulture Club - Creative Writing Project 86,889.00 36,815.00 Copeland Citizens Advice Bureau - 427,170.00 128,747.00 Copeland Financial Inclusion Project Cumbria Exchange Partnership 86,000.00 40,000.00 (Copeland Borough Council - hosts) - Cumbria Exchange Coordinator Role £ Realising Our Potential 199,274.00 99,274.00 £ Egremont Youth Partnership 109,787.00 48,037.00 Phoenix Youth Project - Core Staffing Costs 362,270.00 181,135.00 Safety Net (UK) - Copeland Schools Project 259,483.00 45,242.00 Total Project 2018/19 Financials Organisa Annual Endowment 65,000 Development Worker - Copeland Youth Provision Black Combe (Whicham) Community Interest Company ‐ SilecroW Distington Club for Young People - 54,500.00 25,000.00 Beach Cafe Mains Electricity Connec Cumbria County Council ‐ Ac Thursday, 30 July 2020 Whitehaven Commercial Park Moresby Parks Moresby Whitehaven CA28 8YD [email protected] Tel: 01946 598352 www.copelandcommunityfund.co.uk