A community cafe and a special area to support traumatised children were among projects funded by the Petteril Community Panel recently.
The panel, made up of ward councillors, awards investment to community organisations. At its most recent meeting, the following investments were approved:
- Friends of Newtown Primary School, on behalf of Petteril Bank School, received £1,500 to create a safe space in Petteril Bank School for those suffering Adverse Childhood Experiences trauma. It will also be available to families supporting their children. This is a pilot scheme which, if successful, could be opened to the wider community.
- Anti Racist Cumbria was awarded £1,440 to help create events bringing black and brown communities together and helping them engage with wider public services.
- Greystone Community Centre received £24,110 for a community café. Housed in the existing centre, it will be available to community groups.
- Harraby Community Centre was awarded £24,800 for running costs, maintenance and to host clubs including a community garden, community pantomime, film club and parent group.
In total, the panel invested £51,850. All the projects support at least one of the panel’s priorities: children and young people; emotional wellbeing and mental health; and the environment.
Cllr Lisa Brown, Vice Chair of the Petteril panel, and Cumberland's Executive Member for Adults and Community Health, said: " I am inspired by the excellent work that goes on in all our communities to support residents. We have been able to invest in another round of projects that people should feel very proud of. It is great to see community panels yet again doing what we intended them to – injecting investment straight into communities, focusing on things the community asked us to. These projects will really improve lives in the Petteril panel area."
Cumberland Council has eight Community Panels, covering the entire council area. Community group representatives wishing to find out more about Community Panel investment should visit How to apply for investment from a Community Panel | Cumberland Council. Those interested are advised to seek advice from the community development officer for their area before making a formal application. Contact details are available at Community Panels | Cumberland Council.
The deadline for the next round of investments from the Petteril Community Panel is 23 July.
The Petteril Community Panel hosts its next network event on August 7 at Carlisle Rugby Club. There will be a chance to get the latest on the panel’s work and other projects. Please follow our social media platforms for more detail soon.