A South Lakes woman who said she used to lack confidence and would not have been able to complete an online application in the past was able to secure a permanent part-time job, thanks to help from the Building Better Opportunities Getting Cumbria to Work project.Victoria, who has had historic mental health and self-harm issues as well as an eating...

Here's one a participant made yesterday - Meat and Potato PieFor the pastry225g plain flour, 100g butter, diced, pinch salt Sift 225g plain flour into a large bowl, add 100g diced butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in a pinch of salt, then add 2-3 tbsp water and mix to a firm dough. Knead the d...

"This project really helped me, the 1-1 support lifted the weight of my shoulders, and it changed how I managed situations in my life.For me, the most useful aspects were that it provided opportunities to join/work in groups and offered the opportunity to join a course; it also helped me to see the bigger picture and problem solve. I woul;d redcomm...

"BBO GCtW helped me with interaction with others and the realisation you can achieve. For me the most useful element of the project was Key worker support. This support (1:1) was very good and was a helpful distraction (from mental health conditions) which enabled me to enrol on a catering course at Furness College. Being part of the BBO GCtW ...

A Participant:"BBO GCtW helped me to develop skills and it was a useful alternative to the job center. After being on this programme, not only have I started my own business from home, but I am in a healthy relationship and on a completely different life path now. Thank you to the BBO GCtW team."

We're thrilled that the BBO GCtW (Building Better Opportunities – Getting Cumbria to Work) project has been extended to September 2020.The project is ​​funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund and this extension will ensure that Cumbria CVS and the other partner organisations in the South Lakes and Barrow areas can...

I was referred to Nicola Milby a couple of months ago by a Cumbria County Council Health and Wellness Coach after being discharged from the Cumbria Adult Mental Health Service crisis team. I had been suffering with depression and anxiety for years, was struggling to leave the house and hadn't worked for a really long time. My quality of life and mo...