A new fund has been created in West Cumbria to help individuals and community groups access education and training, with the goal of increasing employment opportunities in the region. The Programme and Project Partners (PPP) Social Impact Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, has been established through a partnership between companies working on major infrastructure projects at Sellafield.
The fund will provide grants to individuals and community groups, with the aim of supporting people in becoming “work ready,” removing barriers to employment, and raising career aspirations. The partnership between Kellogg Brown and Root Ltd, Amentum Clean Energy Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock Ltd has enabled the fund to provide its first grant to Goodlives, a charity that runs training centers for adults facing long-term unemployment, social exclusion, or poor mental health.
The £10,000 grant will go towards salary costs for a Project Trainer, who will provide support for adults to improve their skills, self-confidence, and job search abilities. Goodlives offers courses in areas such as food and nutrition, horticulture, and customer service, equipping unemployed individuals with transferable skills to enter the workforce. The charity also provides assistance with CV writing, interview preparation, and work experience placements.
Karen Jones, Managing Director of Goodlives, shared the impact of the project, stating, “Our project offers local, long-term unemployed and ‘hard to reach’ benefit claimants the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and motivation.” She also highlighted the added challenges faced by younger individuals in securing employment.
Laura Doughty, Head of Strategy for Major Projects at Sellafield, emphasized the positive change that this fund will bring to the region, stating, “By working together, we’re helping people overcome barriers to employment and build meaningful careers. It’s about working with Sellafield to create lasting change in the communities we’re proud to be part of.”
The PPP Social Impact Fund will prioritize projects that support unemployed individuals, particularly those facing complex barriers or living in areas of high deprivation. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for individuals aged 18 and over, while voluntary and community groups can apply for up to £10,000.
Dr. Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, expressed her excitement for the new fund, stating, “We know many people in West Cumbria face significant barriers to securing employment and are confident this new fund will provide practical support where it is most needed.”
The PPP is a 20-year partnership established by Sellafield Ltd in 2019 to transform how major projects are delivered. The fund is supported by donations from Kellogg Brown and Root Ltd, Amentum Clean Energy Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock Ltd.
For more information on the fund and how to apply, contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org. Cumbria Community Foundation, which gives around £7 million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups, also encourages individuals and businesses to set up their own funds to support those in need in the region. To find out more, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.
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