AN award of £158,000 will help South Copeland voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations to become more sustainable and resilient.

The award, to Cumbria CVS (Council for Voluntary Service), will pay for a new development officer for the next three years, with the role providing support to organisations to help them develop services, access funding to sustain their activity, and recruit and train volunteers.

Ged McGrath, chair of South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to award £158,000 from the Community Investment Fund to Cumbria CVS.

"The recruitment of a new part-time development officer will be a positive advancement for the community in South Copeland – the support provided will enable local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups to develop their sustainability and resilience, ensuring the vitality of our local groups in the future."

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Bridget Johns, Cumbria CVS’s district manager for Allerdale and Copeland, added: “I’m really excited that we will be offering dedicated support to community groups operating in South Copeland.

"I’m looking forward to working with the new development officer and the groups in the area.”

Find out more information on the Cumbria CVS at their website.