People power has helped to choose 19 winners in the inaugural Community Choices campaign.

The worthy causes benefiting people across West Cumbria will enjoy a share of over £580,000-worth of funding.

They were named winners after achieving the most support in the people’s vote.

The scheme, launched by Sellafield Ltd in association with CN Group, CFM, Cumbria Community Foundation and Phoenix Enterprise Centre, was aimed at giving a financial boost to not-for-profit organisations and helping to raise their profile.

Community groups and organisations working across Allerdale and Copeland applied for the chance to win up to £50,000 through five categories – Improving Cumbria, Improving Health and Wellbeing, Improving Social Inclusion, Supporting Stronger Communities, and Supporting the Younger Generation.


Supporters were encouraged to visit the Community Choices website at www.decidingtogether.org where they could cast up to 10 votes.

Helen Fisher, head of social impact at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Community Choices is all about local people taking the future of their area into their own hands.

“It also gives those charities and community groups a fantastic platform to showcase the great work they do.”

THE WINNERS

Improving Cumbria

Save Scafell Pike – Nurture Lakeland

Creative Wellbeing Creative Energy! Allerdale, Copeland, Carlisle – Creative Wellbeing

ThisCumbrianGirlCan – Cumbria Rugby Union Football Club

Reimagine Rosehill – Rosehill Arts Trust

Improving Health and Wellbeing

Wigton Baths Needs Better Showers – Wigton Baths Trust

Fit for Life – Mirehouse Residents Group

Improving Accessibility – Watchtree Trails – Watchtree Wheelers

Seascale Community Fitness Centre Development – SASRA Ltd

Improving Social Inclusion

Adventure Training Equipment – 2199 (Workington) Air Squadron ATC

Healthy Hopes – Healthy Hopes Cumbria

Moving Forward to Employment – CROPT

Citizens Advice Mental Health Project – Citizens Advice

Supporting Stronger Communities

Punch Bowl Inn Community Pub – Punch Bowl (Broughton) Ltd

Seascale Community Beach Park – Seascale Community Beach Park Project

Revamp the Solway Hall – Rosehill Youth Theatre & Solway Hall

Supporting the Younger Generation

A Voice for All! – Mayfield School Development Fund

Youth Rugby Development Programme – Egremont RUFC

Freedom Project – Improving Lives for Children and Young People – West Cumbria Domestic Violence

Safety Net – Keeping our Young People Safe and Improving Their Wellbeing – Safety Net (UK).