Supporting Content
About
At a time when we’re being asked to work together, we will be sharing details of where you can find help and support from organisations and individuals in your area who are working hard to make things easier for you.
If you are in a position to help and have something that you’d like us to share, get in touch:
Email: [email protected] and put "Make a Difference" into the subject title.
Phone: 0800 111 4950
Useful Information - countywide
Cumbria County Council and partners have set up an emergency support service for people in the at-risk categories who don't have support available from friends, family, neighbours or who might find it hard to make contact with a support group in their area. The helpline can be accessed on 0800 783 1966 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5pm and 10am to 2pm at weekends) or via email on [email protected]. The service will also accept referrals from members of the public who may be concerned about people in their community.
There's more detailed information below about support in specific areas.
Here's a lockdown tear-jerker if ever there was one!
Cap the sheepdog was driven 300 miles to visit his former owner in a Cumbrian care home.
Click here to see the beautiful moment they were reunited.
What a brilliant way to get people to talk to each other!
During what can be a very lonely and isolating time, Kirkby Stephen is the place to be if you want to start up a conversation.
Click here to find out where to go if you're happy to chat.
This community garden was in danger of "going to pot" during lockdown.
Half of its members had to shield, but they found a way to keep things going.
Click here to find out what it means to them.
These four-legged friends have turned into fabulous fundraisers!
Max, Paddy and Harry have helped to raise more than £100,000 so far.
Click here to discover their story.
Meet the six year-old doing her bit to protect our marine life.
Sienna wanted people to help her clear rubbish off the local beach.
Click here to find out why.
Here's a really positive response to the mounds of litter left by tourists in the Lake District this summer.
We've seen some heartbreaking images of the rubbish that's been left behind, but there's a campaign to sort out the problem.
Click here to see how locals are determined to keep things beautiful.
How do you swim the length of Cumbria's only official lake?
Olivia and Max raised a lot of money for charity.
Click here to find out the secret of their "sweet" success!
This is a wonderful story about a chance find during a walk on the fells which started a journey to the other side of the world
Max found a serviceman's dog tag and set out to find who it belonged to.
Click here to find out where the search led him.
Can you guess what this is?
It grows in the fields, it can keep you warm, and now it seems that it's good for the garden too!
Click here to find out what it is!
It's amazing what little legs can do!
Robyn has cycled an astonishing 100 miles in just three days. Not bad considering she's only six years-old.
Click here to see her in action.
How amazing is this?
It turns out there are great benefits to not mowing your lawn!
Click here to see more.
Welcome to Gras-tonbury! The school with a festival feel!
Here's how one school has come up with a novel way of getting local children back into classes...but not necessarily classrooms!
Click here to see what they're doing, and to find out what the pupils think of it.
Really making a difference by getting people on the move.
Click here to find out how old and broken bikes are being given a new lease of life.
Lessons on lockdown. A vision for the future from one young woman.
Click here to find out the thoughts of 17 year-old Amy Bray.
From dark clouds come silver linings. A huge thank you from all of us to all of you who have helped to make a difference.
Click here to see a selection of just some of the stories we've highlighted since the start of lockdown.
Calling all fish enthusiasts. It doesn't get much fresher than this!
Click here to see how people in Maryport can turn back the clock and buy their fish at the dockside, fresh from the trawler!
What a lovely lockdown surprise for 9-year-old Finley!
Click here to see how the police made a young boy's dream come true.
A moment in time captured for new generations to see
Click here to see how one girl's "thank you" to NHS workers has turned into a lasting tribute from her whole town.
Flour is like gold dust at the moment. Everyone seems to be baking!
Click here to see how a 12th century corn mill is grinding back into action for the first time in decades to help supply home bakers.
"Someone's Nan's been sewing PPE!" - A poem written in lockdown
Click here to see a vivid portrayal of life in lockdown from Cumbrian poet, Matt Sowerby.
It was commissioned by BBC Cumbria as part of #makeadifferencepoem
6-year-old Pippah runs for miles in pyjamas and fancy dress...that's one way to make running fun!
Click here to see her in action.
A deserted back alley has been transformed into something truly beautiful.
Click here to see more of the colourful murals.
Have you seen much of your neighbours during lockdown?
Click here to see how Eddie Burrows isn't hiding away!
7 year-old Esmae is learning lots about animals in home school and she's also been writing brilliant poetry.
Click here to hear her work (and wait for the punchline!).
Jill was "celebrating" her 80th birthday alone in lockdown.
Click here to find out how we surprised her in the most wonderful way! Thank you to everyone involved.
An ex-nurse has chosen a very special name for a newly-born foal.
Click here to meet the latest arrival at Cumbrian Heavy Horses - Captain Tom!
How amazing is this painting of Captain (now Colonel) Tom Moore!
Click here to see how Carlisle artist Anthony Sunstorm Pullin turned this sketch into a wonderful portrait of the great man.
The brilliant Marjorie is stitching scrubs for health workers.
Click here to watch her in action!
This is the heartbreaking reality for nurses on the frontline treating patients with Covid-19.
Some patients get to return home. For those who don't, here's how nurses provide comfort in their final hours.
Click here to listen to Hannah, an ICU nurse in the North West.
10-year-old Layla has raised thousands for the NHS... and she's done it in the most brilliant way!
Click here to see how she's created "rainbow door bows" which are going like hot cakes!
What an amazing way to thank key workers!
Ruby is painting the town red...and blue...and yellow!
Click here to find out why, and see how others are joining in.
There's nothing like a bit of socially-distanced dancing to cheer you up!
Click here to see how one Carlisle street has been getting through lockdown.
Useful information - local support groups in Allerdale and Copeland
Age UK West Cumbria - Age UK West Cumbria - has set up two local helplines during the pandemic - 01900 233153 or 01900 233154. This is for information, advice and support to anyone aged 55+ in Allerdale and Copeland who is worried or struggling during this time (open weekdays 9am-4pm)
Other local groups who may be able to help:
Braithwaite Volunteers (covering Braithwaite, Thornthwaite and Newlands Valley) - 017687 53119
The Northern Fells Group (covering Ireby & Uldale, Boltons, Westward & Rosley, Sebergham & Welton, Caldbeck & Castle Sowerby). If you can volunteer or need support and live in . Call Simon Braithwaite on 016974 77196 or visit www.northernfellsgroup.org.uk
Coronavirus Community Group Shap, Cumbria
West Cumbria Support Group - 0333 33 55 22 6. They then put you in touch with your nearest local group.
Useful information - local support groups in Carlisle and Eden
Age UK in Carlisle and Eden says it's continuing to offer an essentials-only shop and prescription pick-up service for the most vulnerable who have no other means of accessing these. Age UK Carlisle and Eden or phone 01228 536673 and leave a message with your details. Please note it may take several working days to receive a response.
The Leave a Light On Facebook page - Leave A Light On (LALO) Coronavirus Community Support - which is mainly serving the north of the county - has a 24 hour helpline for anyone looking for advice and help with accommodation, home-schooling, financial and legal guidance and emergency repairs. They also deliver treat hampers to nominated deserving people. The helpline is 07586 456495
Other local groups who may be able to help:
Covid 19 Mutual Aid Armathwaite and Ainstable
Coronavirus Community Support Group Carlisle
Kirkby Stephen area covid 19/coronavirus support
Morland Coronavirus Community Support Group
There's a group covering Newbiggin and Dacre near Penrith. They can be contacted on 07546 082324
Coronavirus Community Support Penrith
SWWATCH (Scotby, Warwick, Wetheral and the Cooperative Hearts)
Useful information - local support groups in Barrow and South Lakeland
Age UK South Lakeland - Age UK South Lakeland - says it now has a range of services up and running for people over 55 who've been told they have to self-isolate and may be struggling to get help. This includes delivering shopping, medicines, hearing aid batteries, and books. Telephone befriending is also available. Call 030 300 30003
Other local groups who may be able to help:
The charity Cancer Care - CancerCare North Lancashire and South Cumbria - which provides support for people affected by cancer and bereavement in South Cumbria, offers practical support to its clients via 03330 150628
Ambleside Community vs. Coronavirus
Askam & Ireleth Coronavirus (COVID-19) Help & Information Page
The Barrow Hub via the County Council helpline - 0800 783 1966 or via email on [email protected] - It's open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5pm and 10am to 2pm at weekends.
Dalton with Newton Town Council
Grange Mutual Aid for Self Isolation Group
Grasmere (& surrounding) Covid Help
Kendal Coronavirus Support Page
Millom and district - the Town Council has an emergency phone line for people needing help - 07801 957541
Sedbergh & District Covid 19 Support
Useful information - mental health
We know that the lockdown will have an impact on everyone's mental well-being in one way or another. The NHS trust which provides mental health services in Cumbria has a wide range of downloadable leaflets to help with all sorts of issues. You can find them at nhs.uk/selfhelp
And for tips on how to keep on top of your mental well-being and cope with how you may feel while spending long hours at home, visit nhs.uk/oneyou
The Samaritans can be contacted via samaritans.org or by calling free on 116 123. They are very used to giving support over the phone.
The mental health charity Mind has various ways you can get in touch for help and support. The Mindline service is on 0300 561 000 (Monday to Friday 12 to 11pm, weekends and bank holidays 5-11pm). Or text 'Mind' to 81066followed by your question. Or for a webchat visit www.mindlinecumbria.org
The Cumbrian charity SAFA has a team of experienced counsellors to help anyone in the county who is feeling isolated, worried or anxious. It's open from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on 01229 832269
The mental health charity Mencap is launching a new online series on YouTube this week called MencapTV. Every day there will be activities to keep you entertained - it will include simple exercise routines and other activities for the whole family.
If you are an older person and looking for emotional support out of office hours - then you can ring Silverline on 0800 470 80 90. It's free and confidential and is staffed all day, every day.
The Together We not-for-profit group which offers mental and physical health and wellbeing support for women in West Cumbria is offering free virtual workouts, live streamed fitness classes and psycho-educational workshops on their website - togetherwe.co.uk
The organisation Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online support for young people.
Public Health England has lots of advice on how to look after your mental well-being during these difficult times. Things that can help include:
Maintaining relationships with friends and family via telephone, video calls or social media
Helping and supporting others
Doing things you enjoy
Setting a daily routine
Talking about your worries
Looking after your physical wellbeing
Making sure you get enough sleep
And not spending too long each day reading, watching or listening to the news
Useful information - for farmers
There are various kinds of support available for farmers.
The Farming Community Network offers a wide range of support via their Farmwellwebsite.You can also ring them on 03000 111 999.
The Farm Safety Foundation (also know as "Yellow Wellies") is a UK wide charity dedicated to raising awareness of farm safety and mental wellbeing in farmers - 01789 416065.
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (0808 281 9490 or 0300 111 4166 in Scotland) offers financial support, practical care and guidance to farming people of all ages, including farmers, farmworkers and dependents.
Forage Aid is a charity set up after extreme weather events to relieve the suffering of farm animals by providing feed, bedding and/or transportation.
Useful information - domestic abuse
Cumbria Police are reminding people that support is available for anyone suffering domestic abuse. They say they haven't seen a recorded rise in cases locally over the past few months, but the concern is that domestic abuse has become more hidden and is not being reported. In an emergency, always ring 999.
Cumbria Victim Supporthave staff available 24/7 on 08 08 16 89 111
Other organisations include Safety Net and Gateway 4 Women in North Cumbria, Springfield Domestic Abuse Support and Women's Community Matters in South Cumbria, and Women Out West in West Cumbria.
The Bridgeway and The Birchall Trust are also there to help victims of rape and sexual assault.
Most children are safe at home at the moment, but some may be more at risk while schools are closed. If you are a child who needs help, or if you are worried about a child in your community, you can contact:
Childline on 0800 1111
Cumbria Safeguarding Hub on 0333 2401727
And again, in an emergency, always call the police on 999.
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