West Cumbrian charity appeals for business funding to support unemployed people

A West Cumbrian charity has launched a new campaign asking businesses to fund its support programmes for unemployed people.

Cleator Moor-based Goodlives is appealing for donations through its Support their Skills initiative following a successful 12-week cookery project funded by a £5,000 donation from engineering firm Forth.

Goodlives helps people to find the skills they need to enter the workplace.

Goodlives managing director Karen Jones said businesses could pay any amount over whatever timescale they preferred to help those in need.

Ms Jones added that businesses could also specify which programme their donation was spent on.

The idea of funding part of the charity’s work for a set period was suggested by Forth chief executive Mark Telford, who is also chair of the Goodlives board of trustees.

The engineering company aimed to raise £25,000 for the charity during its 25th anniversary year in 2025, but raised close to £30,000.

A £25 donation provides ingredients for a food and nutrition session, while £100 replaces essential kitchen equipment.

A £250 donation provides high-visibility clothing for community litter-picking volunteers, and £500 enables participants to visit a local employer.

A £1,000 donation invests in staff development, £5,000 funds a 12-week cookery programme for up to 10 people, and £10,000 provides one-to-one therapeutic support for 20 learners.

Ms Jones 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

How donations to Goodlives can change lives

£25: Provides the ingredients for a food and nutrition session, helping people learn to cook healthy, affordable meals while building independence and confidence in the kitchen.

£100: Replaces essential kitchen equipment such as chopping boards, blenders and saucepans, ensuring Goodlives’ food and nutrition sessions remain safe, engaging and fully equipped.

£250: Provides branded high-visibility clothing for community litter-picking volunteers, helping them stay safe while promoting community pride and the Goodlives mission.

£500: Enables a group of participants to visit a local employer, broadening their understanding of different careers, inspiring ambition, and helping them prepare for future employment.

£1,000: Invests in staff development through specialist training, such as first aid, social media, or professional development, ensuring the Goodlives’ team continues to deliver high-quality support.

£5,000: Funds a 12-week cookery programme for up to 10 participants, equipping them with lifelong cooking skills, improving health and wellbeing, and creating lasting social connections.

£10,000: Provides one-to-one therapeutic support for 20 learners experiencing significant challenges, helping them improve their mental wellbeing, build resilience, and overcome barriers to education, employment and independent living.

West Cumbrian charity appeals for business funding to support unemployed people – cumbriacrack.com