Working Together To Create Career Opportunities in West Cumbria
A fund created to help people into employment in West Cumbria
The ‘Supporting People Fund’ will run in a similar way. The programme anticipates supporting a minimum of 25 individuals, with an estimated budget of £200 per person. Support may include funding for a CSCS card, provision of bicycles and PPE to facilitate employment, or a bus pass for travel to work trials. Costs will vary depending on individual needs. It is expected that at least 20 participants will attend the community centre during the programme.
This engagement also provides an opportunity to connect individuals with other services and support available at the centre – the laptops will be available for use and guidance will be on offer. Eligibility will primarily include individuals in receipt of Universal Credit, including young people living at home. Asylum seekers become eligible to work after residing in the UK for 12 months. At that point, TTC can apply for a temporary work permit on their behalf. Employment opportunities are restricted to roles listed on the Government’s Shortage Occupation List. TTC state that securing letters of employment offers is challenging, as employers are often reluctant to commit prior to candidates obtaining qualifications such as a driving licence, which can take several months. This barrier frequently prevents individuals from accessing Jobcentre funding. The purpose of this fund is to remove such obstacles and enable progression towards employment.
Thanks to a partnership of companies that work together to deliver major infrastructure projects at Sellafield.
Phil Lazell, Account Director, Atos said, “As a business with roots here in West Cumbria, we strongly believe in supporting the local community. We’re delighted to be able to help the team at PPP in the vital work they do, removing barriers for people to get back into meaningful and fulfilling work.”
A new fund has been created to help people into employment in West Cumbria, thanks to a partnership of companies who work together to deliver major infrastructure projects at Sellafield.
The Programme and Project Partners (PPP) Social Impact Fund – managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and funded by Kellogg Brown and Root Ltd, Amentum Clean Energy Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock Ltd – will provide grants to individuals and community groups.
The fund aims to enable access to educational and training activities that raise career aspirations; support individuals in becoming “work ready”; facilitate entry into meaningful employment; and remove barriers to employment and economic participation.
Laura Doughty, Head of Strategy for Major Projects at Sellafield, said: “This fund is more than an investment in skills – it’s an investment in the future of West Cumbria. 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.
This sits alongside PPP’s long-term commitment to extracting maximum social value from our supply chain – a consolidated, collaborative effort spanning 20 years. Together, these actions reflect our dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive West Cumbria for generations to come.”
The Programme and Project Partners (PPP) Social Impact Fund will prioritise projects that support unemployed people, 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, living in the former boroughs of Allerdale and Copeland. Applicants must have the backing of a recognised professional, such as a support worker or teaching professional.
Voluntary and community groups in the same areas can apply for up to £10,000 to deliver projects that improve employability and raise aspirations. Groups must demonstrate at least 50% match funding as part of their application.
Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to work with Partnership and Project Partners to ensure this funding reaches those who need it most. 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.
Projects could include work-readiness programmes, such as CV writing and interview preparation, or vocational training courses.”
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.
Find out more about the fund at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/programme-and-project-partners-ppp-social-impact-fund/.
For further information, please contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.
Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £7 million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 100 grant making funds set up by generous businesses, individuals and families.
To find out more about setting up a fund and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.