A 12-week cookery programme has given new hope to people in need of a fresh start.
The scheme, run by Cleator Moor-based charity Goodlives, supports long-term unemployed people and those "far from the jobs market" through practical skill-building and confidence-boosting activities.
Funded by a £5,000 donation from engineering firm Forth, the pilot programme offered participants vital cooking and nutrition training, alongside wider support to help them return to work.
Karen Jones, managing director of Goodlives, said: "Forth sponsored our food and nutrition tutor to deliver some essential skills sessions with our service users.
"The donation has had a real – and what we believe will be a lasting – impact on some people in our communities who really struggle to get a job or haven’t had access to employment opportunities.
"The skills they have learned are transferrable into certain jobs, but they are also essential life skills that will improve their general wellbeing and quality of life."
The success of the cookery project has inspired Goodlives to launch a wider campaign, 'Support their Skills,' which calls on businesses across Cumbria to fund similar life-changing programmes.
Ms Jones said: "We're now asking for support from the wonderful businesses that make up the communities of West Cumbria.
"All contributions will make a difference and help us to support those who need it most.
"This is a good way for businesses to get their Social Value Impact.
"At the end of it they’ll get a report of how their money was spent and how many people benefited.
"And it’s tax-deductible because it’s a donation."
Goodlives offers a holistic approach to support, including job search assistance, therapeutic services, and programmes focused on building confidence and empowerment.
Businesses can donate any amount and choose which programme their contribution supports.
The idea of funding specific elements of Goodlives’ work was suggested by Mark Telford, chief executive of Forth and chairman of the charity’s board of trustees.
Mr Telford said: "Goodlives does amazing work across West Cumbria.
"At Forth we try to give something back to the community.
"Helping long-term unemployed people and those the furthest from the job market through Goodlives is a great way to do that.
"I hope other businesses will see the rewards in helping others and feel the satisfaction it brings to themselves."
He praised the impact of the cookery course, which he believes could have a long-term effect on participants and their families.
Mr Telford said: "The cookery programme aims to have a lasting impact on those who attended.
"It’s about educating people about nutrition, what food groups exist and the benefits of including them in your diet and explains how adopting cooking habits can have a long-lasting positive impact on them and their families."
Ms Jones is keen to highlight the impact business support can have.
She said: "Any funding we get from businesses will enable us to reach more people.
"We helped 206 last year, and 70 per cent of them went on to employment, volunteering as a way into employment, or training."
She believes the key to Goodlives’ success lies in its belief in people’s potential.
Ms Jones said: "What we do works.
"The biggest thing is believing in somebody.
"When you believe in somebody that increases their confidence.
"And once they’ve got their confidence, anything is possible."
The charity emphasises that even small donations can make a real difference.
A £25 donation covers ingredients for a cooking session, £100 replaces essential kitchen equipment, and £1,000 funds specialist training for staff.
Larger contributions can sponsor employer visits, provide therapeutic support for learners, or fund entire programmes like the 12-week cookery course.
Goodlives hopes its new campaign will inspire more businesses to invest in people and transform lives across West Cumbria.
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