Cumbria County Council's Allerdale Local Committee agreed at a meeting on 5 December 2017 to fund the creation of a new apprentice role for 12 months within the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The project will provide training and increase the skills and knowledge of a young person aged between 16 and 25. On completion of the apprenticeship the young person’s prospects of gaining employment are increased significantly.
The committee also agreed to support the purchase of eight new defibrillators at a total cost of £14,400 as part of a larger project through the North West Ambulance Service. The new defibrillators will be placed in rural and isolated areas across Allerdale.
Members also agreed to support Cockermouth Women’s Institute with a grant of £1,500 to run a family cooking day, a six week community cooking course and to produce a printed recipe booklet that will be used by the wider community.
Lorton Tennis Club was awarded £5,000 to convert two courts to all weather artificial playing surfaces. With flood lights already in place, the new surfaces will enable players to use the facilities all year round and encourage more people to use the club, with non-members permitted to use the courts.
Councillor Alan Barry, Chair of Allerdale Local Committee, said:
“I am pleased that these applications dealt with a range of needs - including the provision of training for future employment, saving lives and supporting local organisations to provide services that meet the needs of the local community. This feels like a great way to spend public money.”
Councillor Duncan Fairbairn, Vice Chair of Allerdale Local Committee, said:
“It is good to see investment in a young person in a role that will gain experience that impacts right across Allerdale. It is also reassuring that rural communities are continuing to benefit from Allerdale Local Committee.”
For more information on the grants available, please contact the Allerdale Community Development team on 01900 706013 or visit Cumbria County Council’s website. Please note that to be considered for a grant in 2017/18, applications need to be submitted by 5 January 2018.