The Roselands Trust - Previous Grants

‘Supporting the little things that make a difference’

Grants made in 2023

Cumbria Community Foundation continues to administer a fund on behalf of The Roselands Trust and this allowed us to support a further eight charities through Cumbria in 2023.

The Winter Warmth Appeal is in its thirteenth year of appeal and we are proud to have supported it from its inception. In 2023 the cost-of-living crisis continued, impacting greatly on the elderly community which is why Trustees were dedicated in donating again.

Gary McKee completed the 365 Challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria. Running a marathon every day of the year in 2022, Mr McKee got through more than 20 pairs of trainers and covered more than 9,500 miles. A donation was made in recognition of his incredible achievement and the vital work his two chosen charities do for the community.

Revitalise Respite Holidays offer purpose-built, accessible holidays in the UK to provide disabled people and carers with the respite break that they need. A grant was awarded to subsidise the costs of a holiday for five Cumbrian families so they could spend quality time together, socialise with other families and create new memories.

Kepplewray received a grant for their ‘Participation Inclusion Fund’. This supported fifty-six disadvantaged or disabled young people from across Cumbria to participate in a weekend of tailored outdoor activities to widen experiences and enrich self-esteem. Feedback noted how beneficiaries ‘left feeling ten feet taller’.

Little Hearts Matter is a charity the Trust has supported on several occasions. As the only charity to specialise in single ventricle heart condition and an increase of individuals needing the service, a grant was given to cover the annual core costs and service delivery of their family support project for Cumbria.

Artworks4All was awarded a grant for the purchase of paper making equipment for their ‘Turning the Tides’ project. Delivered throughout Barrow-in-Furness to help support inclusion and wellbeing, a total of 944 people from various charities, schools and education hubs participated in learning the skill of papermaking. Each sheet made was then used in a final community event on Walney Island. “Your work in the community brings so many people together” noted one attendee.

Community Club CIC continues to provide regular group meetings for over 65-year-olds to help alleviate loneliness within Windermere and surrounding areas. In 2023, the Trust happily awarded two separate grants for the group. The first grant was given for armchair exercises to be delivered by a licenced instructor to help beneficiaries build confidence with their strength and physical capabilities. Due to success and demand, the Trust agreed to extend funding. When the group applied for a grant for staffing monthly themed lunches for attendees, Trustees recognised this as an additional opportunity for the older community to be together; to socialise and engage over homecooked, healthy food provided by Community Club CIC.

Bendrigg Trust received funding towards the purchase of twenty-four new canoes for their centre which specialises in delivering high quality activity courses for disabled and disadvantaged people.

Epilepsy Action were awarded a grant towards their Cumbria and Lancashire freephone services. Through this service, the charity can offer support to those with epilepsy and their families and friends with a supportive ear, signposting, and advice.

Sense support children with deaf-blindness and their families. The Trust has proudly supported previous projects by Sense and when they applied again for a grant to provide both 1-1 and group work with twenty-five Cumbrian children and their families a grant was happily made. This has enabled beneficiaries to receive support in communication, mobility, and access to education.

Friends of the X112 is a charitable bus service providing regular transport for people in the isolated areas of Ulverston and Barrow. Funding was awarded for the purchase of office equipment to assist with this facility.

Outside In Cumbria is a charity funded play centre in Kendal which uses its facilities as a family focused community hub. The Trust awarded funding to help keep the centre inclusive for disadvantaged families and subsidising sessions for attendees of whom need extra support.

Lake District Calvert Trust was awarded a grant towards its bursary scheme enabling children and adults with disabilities to stay for outdoor adventure courses and breaks. Individuals from Cumbria and North Lancashire are encouraged to go beyond what they thought was possible, helping them to feel inspired and included.

Railway Children received a donation in support of their work aiding children who have been forced to leave home due to poverty, violence, or abuse.

CCF Dora Beeforth Memorial Fund was created to help support young people from low-income families enjoy sports and foreign travel. A donation was made to aid their ongoing commitment of inclusion for all.

St Martin and St Mary C of E Primary School issued a letter within the community appealing for financial support for essential roof repairs. Recognising how the outlined structural problems were impairing the school space, a grant was awarded which enabled major building work to begin.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria. This year, The Roselands Trust renewed its Gold Corporate Membership, showing continued support for the work they do.

Stricklandgate House is currently used by fifteen charitable or voluntary organisations who support the welfare and needs of local people. Recognising the building as a centre of community wellbeing, a grant was awarded to enable essential soundproofing and insulation of its counselling rooms so beneficiaries could feel comfortable in their surroundings, maximising therapy sessions.

Better Tomorrows received a donation for its commitment to encouraging people within Cumbria to become accredited in youth work. Our Trustees recognise how young people in Cumbria’s rural communities can be at a disadvantage for readily available youth support and opportunities. Better Tomorrows launched their three-year programme in 2021 and in its first year first year alone supported 19 organisations, trained 26 new youth workers, and funded nearly 4,000 hours of provision.

Summit’s Up For Tony was an inspiring challenge completed by 8 year old Pride of Britain winner Tony Hudgell. Double amputee Master Hudgell hiked Orrest Head in Windermere to raise money for the Lake District Foundation, who ‘fund, collaborate and inspire change on things that matter to the region’.

Growing Well based at Sizergh, Kendal, is a charity the Trust has proudly supported for many years and once again provided a grant for site costs. With a focus on mental wellbeing and rehabilitation in the natural environment, it continues to support beneficiaries with help in life skills and emotional resistance.

1st Windermere Sea Scouts received their second donation towards the cost of badges for all its attendees. Creating exciting activities and opportunities for local young people, it is important the group can remain inclusive to all and their achievements celebrated.

Ulverston Bowling Club approached the Trust outlining the need for much needed toilet renovations which would enable the site to have a working and welcoming bathroom. A donation was made to help towards the costs, helping the busy club to remain active in the community.

St Marys Hospice based in Ulverston has recently undergone essential major renovation works and required updated equipment to aid its vital service. The Trust was pleased to purchase an OSKA 5 Tilting Mattress to help give comfort and dignity to beneficiaries in the hospices care.

Kendal and District Parkinsons Group approached the Trust outlining the demand for support groups for people suffering from Parkinsons and their carers. With awareness raised to the high numbers of individuals in the community needing help, the Trust agreed to fund three separate tailored exercise classes for twelve months. Feedback noted how the groups ‘have grown in numbers and members with Parkinson’s are already realising the great benefits of exercise…the social aspect is also playing a big part to their general wellbeing’.

MusicLinks LTD was given a donation towards an inclusive musical workshop, where music acts as a catalyst for those with disabilities to experience wider life experiences and inclusivity within social gatherings in Cumbria.

Youth Presence was awarded a grant towards costs for their work supporting young people in their communities and schools. Youth Presence offer young individuals’ opportunities that are focused on acceptance, support, and continual encouragement; aspects to aid a healthy and happy environment for all.

Kendal Windows on Art was awarded a grant to enable its community project “Drawing Attention To…”. The project enabled weekly group sessions for visually impaired individuals to create felt artwork pieces, showcasing their creativity in a final exhibition at Kendal Library. The project strived to help members grow in confidence, feel valued by the wider community, and highlight the creative abilities of the visually impaired participants.

Ambleside Parish Centre received a grant to host a Christmas ceilidh. All proceeds made on the night were used towards the annual running costs of this very active community centre.

Bowness and Windermere Community Care Club were awarded a grant for an upcoming project commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The project will bring members of the British Legion together with young people to share memories of loved ones from the time. Later they will create artwork together to be displayed in public spaces. Trustees recognise the value in bringing communities together and finding appreciation in each other.

Grange Methodist Church uses its facilities for a range of community groups, particularly for older individuals; so, when it approached the trust requesting a grant for improved LED lighting to benefit attendees with their activities, the Trust happy agreed.

Marchesi Centre is an active community building which offers rooms for education, charity groups and public use. Recognising how integral the centre is to residents, the Trust gave a donation towards essential roof repairs.

Kent Estuary Youth Services was awarded a grant for the cost of a residential activity weekend for young people from less affluent backgrounds or who face challenges with their health or mental well-being. Beneficiaries can gain confidence and overcome boundaries by participating in activities such as rock climbing, paddleboarding, ghyll scrambling and kayaking within their own county.

Alston Town Hall was given funding to continue operating its weekly Warm Hub. Alongside being a warm space for residents, they also offer refreshments, entertainment and activities and community support at a time when the financial crisis is still affecting many.

The Salvation Army was given a donation towards their annual Christmas appeal to help their ‘diverse and responsive aid to the realities of life in the communities it serves’.

Friends of The Lake District work to sustain the wildlife and culture that makes Cumbria and the Lake District unique. The Trust became members to support the work of those caring for the area in which we are based.

Grants made in 2022

Cumbria Community Foundation continues to
administer a fund on behalf of The Roselands Trust
and during the year this allowed us to support a
further eleven charities throughout Cumbria.

The Winter Warmth Appeal, which is administered
by the Cumbria Community Foundation, is in its twelfth
year of appeal and we are proud to have supported this
from its inception. In 2022, the Trust substantially
increased its donation to recognise the steep rise in the
cost of heating, subsequently impacting greatly on
the elderly.

Cumbria Deaf Association received a grant to aid
engagement workshops, raising awareness for inclusion
of the deaf community. As such, one of their many
successes was co-ordinating and supporting a dedicated
surgery in Whitehaven to enable deaf residents to discuss
their issues and concerns alongside their MP – the first of
its kind in Cumbria.

Little Hearts Matter reach families in need of emotional
support, essential information, and experienced advice
when a child has been diagnosed with single ventricle heart
condition. Little Hearts are there for when they are needed
the most which is why the Trust was happy to support
another application from their team.

Growing Well, based at Sizergh, Kendal, is a charity we
have supported for many years and we provided a further
grant towards their site costs, helping to support those who
are experiencing mental health issues by providing
meaningful activities outdoors.

Foodbanks have been heavily relied upon nationwide
and recognising the rising cost of living, the Trust felt
it necessary to make two separate donations to four
local foodbanks in Windermere, Ambleside, Barrow
and Kendal; helping aid the provision of essential goods
for individuals and families in need in South Lakeland.

Buddy’s received a donation in recognition of their work,
offering clubs and events for children with autism and
their families.

Epilepsy Action were given a grant towards their
Freephone Services in Cumbria and Lancashire,
which offers advice and support. Testimonials from
its beneficiaries are evidence of what a difference
having someone to talk to who understands their
situation can make to having a better quality of life.

First Windermere Sea Scouts provide a dedicated team of volunteers who create exciting activities and opportunities for local young people. When they contacted the Trust in “these challenging times”, they voiced concerns of having to pass their rising running costs onto attendees’ families. The Roselands Trust felt it important that First Windermere Sea Scouts continues to be an all-inclusive group and so has committed to three years of sponsorship; donating to the costs of badges for all attendees.

Railway Children, a charity which supports children who have been forced to leave home due to poverty, violence, or abuse received a donation in support of their vital work.

Ride2Success approached the Trust with their need for essential safety equipment. The Trust purchased ten protective riding vests to aid individuals with disabilities to safely partake in horse riding therapy. Amongst other benefits, this activity helps individuals to improve muscle strength, better coordination and improved general fitness and balance.

Stroke Association received a donation to help towards their causes; offering specialist support, funding critical research and campaigning to make sure people affected by a stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

Strongbones, a charity dedicated to supporting families through the provision of disability equipment and education opportunities, foresaw the strain of rising living costs on its beneficiaries. This left the charity with less funds for other resources. Therefore, when an application was put forward to buy a much-needed hoist for an individual in Cumbria, The Roselands Trust were happy to agree to the request.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria. This year, the Trust renewed its Gold Corporate Membership, showing continued support for the work they do.

Community Club CIC based at the Marchesi Centre in Windermere, provides regular entertainment, refreshments, and hot lunches to help alleviate loneliness and isolation for older adults. The Trust donated funds for a ‘Christmas Celebration’, for attendees to enjoy a festive meal and a guest entertainer in the company of friends, at what can be for some, a difficult time of the year.

The Salvation Army offer diverse and responsive aid to the realities of life in the communities it serves, and a donation was made on behalf The Roselands Trust to help with their annual Christmas appeal.

Grants made in 2021

The Cumbria Community Foundation has supported 9 Cumbrian charities through our fund held in the Trust’s name. In particular support of the Foundations Winter Warmth Campaign has always been important to the Trustees who have donated to it since its inception in 2010. In 2021 extra funds were made available to take advantage of its Match Funding Challenge enabling many more people experiencing fuel poverty to receive financial assistance.

The Bowness and Windermere Community Care Trust requested funds to enable their Windermeals project to continue to help the elderly and vulnerable of the area who were required to shield due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant awarded enabled a team of volunteers to deliver around 100 hot meals each week for 10 weeks. The meals were prepared at cost by The Lamplighter Dining Rooms.

A donation was made to Epilepsy Action to support their Freephone Helpline service in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

Autistica applied for a grant to continue with the support and advice they provide to families from our area “at this especially difficult time”. The challenges presented by the pandemic effects both organisations and their users and Autistica responded quickly and effectively to continue with the service they provide.

The Family Support Project in Cumbria of Little Hearts Matter found positive ways to continue supporting families of children with single ventricle heart conditions through the extremely worrying time of keeping vulnerable children safe in the pandemic. Online and telephone support and a virtual Open Day replaced face to face meetings. A grant was awarded to help assist this valuable work.

When Lower House Sensory Farm who offer farm-based activities for people with dementia, could no longer offer sessions on site due to Covid restrictions, they applied for a grant to purchase a tailer so the animals could be taken out to visit day care centres and residential homes both during and after the pandemic. This added service will benefit those most at risk of isolation and the Trust was happy to support this application.

Sense a charity which supports children with Deafblindness and their families, applied for a grant to fund work undertaken in Cumbria and North Lancashire. Virtual group sessions and 1-to-1 sessions have been provided with funds donated by the Trust.

A grant towards provision of elevators was awarded to Gatesbield Quaker Housing Association.
The residents of first floor accommodation were facing having to move home as the accessibility of some units were becoming problematical for residents with advancing years.

A donation was sent to Sunny Days Children Fund which provide grants, emotional support and holidays for children with adverse medical conditions.

Growing Well based at Low Sizergh near Kendal is a mental health charity, an organic farm and a training centre. Its volunteer’s testimonials are evidence of the positive effects of the way the charity benefits its users state of mind and feelings of self-worth. The Roselands Trust are committed supporters of Growing Well and provided funds for site costs.

A donation to Revitalise has enabled them to provide emergency hardship funding for five disabled people and carers from Cumbria to access respite breaks at their Sandpipers facility in Southport.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of our countryside to so many people. The restrictions imposed by lockdown and the difficulties in accessing open spaces for many, has brought to the fore how important nature and natural habitat is. The Cumbria Wildlife Trust have a webcam which records the life of visiting Osprey. The feedback from viewers showed how the work of the Wildlife Trust reached and helped so many people through such a difficult time. By becoming a Gold Corporate Member we have committed to support the organisation with its far-reaching work.

The Living Well Centre in Barrow-in-Furness is run by St Mary’s Hospice. A Raizer Emergency Chair was required for the benefit of users and employees of the centre. On receipt of a grant application from the Hospice funds were provided for the purchase of the chair.

Donations have also been given to four Foodbanks in South Lakeland in recognition of increased demand on their services through 2021.

Grants made in 2020

During 2020 an unprecedented year, the Trustees felt that charities in Cumbria would look to The Cumbria Community Foundation as their first port of call for assistance during the hard challenges presented by lockdown and its financial implications, and that The Foundations expertise would enable it to act quickly and effectively to help them. The Roselands Trust donated a major payment to their COVID-19 Response Fund.

The Trust has also continued with its fund held by The Foundation to support causes within the county supporting six projects in addition to The Winter Warmth Campaign which the Trust has supported since its inception in 2011.

The Bowness and Windermere Community Care Trust is an organisation with which The Roselands Trust has an active association. Exercise classes within local care homes were funded before lockdown, thereafter our normal funding routes through the Care Trust were curtailed because of the pandemic. When a proposal was received to provide and deliver a VE Day Afternoon Tea for a community wide socially distanced tea party, our Trustees were delighted to provide the funds. With a team of volunteers and the hard work of The Lamplighter Restaurant in Windermere, afternoon teas were provided to 220 vulnerable and shielding residents along with a union jack to celebrate the special day.

Create a creative arts group applied for funding to run another week-long inclusive workshop for students from Sandgate and The Queen Katherine Schools in Kendal which they have done since 2015. Having supported a successful project for them in 2019 a further grant was awarded.

A Freephone Helpline service provided by Epilepsy Action to users in Cumbria and North Lancashire has been awarded a grant in support of its work.

Funds were awarded to Autistica a charity which works with the families of autistic children from our area. The grant was awarded to help them continue with the much-needed support and assistance they are able to provide.

The Calvert Trust provides activity holidays for a wide range of people with disabilities to allow them and their families achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure. Funding was provided to help with bursary funding.

Our Trustees awarded a grant to Little Hearts Matter a charitable organisation which delivers a Family Support Project to anyone affected by the diagnosis of a child with a single ventricle heart condition. The charity supports families throughout every step of their ‘half a heart’ journey and the Trusts donation will be used for such families in Cumbria.

The Roselands Trust has a continuing relationship with Growing Well who provide training and therapy for people with mental health issues. The charity works from a farm at Low Sizergh Barn near Kendal where its offices were in need of a total upgrade – a grant was given to help purchase new portacabin offices for the benefit of staff and service users. Due to the pressure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic an additional donation was given to assist with ongoing running costs.

The charity Sense applied for a grant to provide support to children and young people from Cumbria and North Lancashire allowing access to their specialist services. Sense has been creative in providing alternative services resulting from the challenges of the Covid pandemic and our Trustees were happy to be able to award a grant to them again this year.

Again this year Revitalise Respite Holidays were awarded a grant to provide support for six disabled people and their carers to enjoy a much-needed break at their Sandpipers facility in Southport.

A long-time project came to fruition in September. After much consultation, planning, organisation and the delays caused by pandemic challenges, St Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston now have a safe and accessible footpath from the car park to the entrance of the building. Costs for the project were covered by our grant.

Ambleside Parish Centre have undertaken a wide range of support for residents of the area to help with the numerous challenges the pandemic has brought. The centres photocopier was unable to cope with all the circulars, newsletters and menus provided for users through lockdown. Funds were provided to purchase a new fit for purpose photocopier.

An application was received from the Cumbria Deaf Association requesting funding to provide the extra interpreting services required through the current restrictions brought about by the pandemic.A grant was awarded to help with this essential work.

In response to the financial hardships brought about by COVID-19, additional donations were made to Autistica, The Gateway Church, and to four local Foodbanks, as the demand for their services were greatly increased in the wake of the pandemic.

Grants made in 2019

The Roselands Trust has continued working with the Bowness and Windermere Community Care Trust throughout the year. Supporting projects within local care homes to provide exercise classes, arranging visits from local schoolchildren to the homes, holding an armed forces afternoon tea celebration, and providing funds for an afternoon tea hosted by Windermere W. I.

Goodly Dale Cottage Homes requested a grant to refurbish their community room used by residents and visitors. This was awarded with the work being completed in autumn.

A week long project by Create was part funded by the Trust. Create is a creative arts group who run creative:connection an inclusive arts project which brings young people with disabilities together with non-disabled young people. They have run the project in Cumbria at Sandgate and The Queen Katherine Schools in Kendal since 2015.

The charity Sense approached the Trust to request funding to support children and young people from Cumbria and North Lancashire access their specialist services. The grant awarded has enabled eight children with deafblindness and their families from the county to receive Senses core package of specialist support.

We were contacted by Revitalise Respite Holidays to provide funds to allow disabled people and their carers to take a much needed respite break at their Sandpipers Centre in Southport. Funds provided have allowed six people to take advantage of Revitalises wonderful facility.

The Handicapped Childrens ‘Action’ Group which provide specialist equipment for children with disabilities requested funds towards the cost of a bespoke buggy for a child from Barrow. A donation was given and the buggy was provided.

People First a charity which offers a range of services and facilities for people across the north. These are split in to three specific departments; advocacy, research and education, and representation. They listen to those who need to be heard, empower people to have their say, and engage with services to increase awareness and improve support for their service users. The award was used to run a conference and support training for the charities self advocacy project.

A community allotment group in Morecambe have opened an accessible area with raised beds for use by disabled members and a local nursing home. Once opened the need for a larger accessible hub to be built was realised. Having raised the money for the building extra funds were needed to install a dedicated disabled lavatory for site users. The Trust was approached and were happy to provide the funds.

The Trust has continued with its fund held by The Cumbria Community Foundation to support causes within the county. During the year we have supported seven projects and funds have again been made available to The Winter Warmth Campaign which the Trust has supported since its inception in 2011.

Grants made in 2018

The Roselands Trust has continued working with The Cumbria Community Foundation as it has since 2006, providing a fund which supports many causes within the county. It has been a supporter of the Foundations ‘Winter Warmth Campaign’ since its inception in 2011.

Right2Work based in Kendal has been awarded a grant allowing it to run a programme of training in woodworking and furniture restoration for people with learning difficulties from across south Cumbria. The project will enable clients to develop skills and provide them with work experience with a range of local businesses as well as allowing for the recycling of donated furniture for the organisations shop.

Donations to The Brathay Trust in Ambleside and to Cancer Research UK have been made to help fund their valuable work.

We have been happy to support the provision of respite holidays for disabled people and their carers from Cumbria through Revitalise. Revitalise is a charity which provides much needed breaks. They have a purpose built seaside centre at Southport which welcomed our sponsored guests.

Dalton Creatives have run a popular singing and social afternoon ‘Headstrong in Song’, which has been attended by people with neurological conditions and their carer’s. The sessions provide singing and use of stimulating equipment, which can help with co-ordination and speech. The social activity also provides a positive feel good factor for everyone attending.

Donations have been given to Sense and the Cumbria Deaf Association enabling these organisations to assist people within Cumbria and North Lancashire who can benefit from the specialist services they provide.

Locally we have worked with the Bowness and Windermere Community Care Trust supporting projects as varied as singing groups, tea parties, seated exercise classes and dance performances by school children in local residential homes.

We look forward to 2019 knowing that we already have many ongoing projects which we are happy to support.

Grants made in 2017

An afternoon tea with entertainment was funded by the Trust and hosted by the ladies of Windermere W.I.. Held at the Marchesi Centre, older residents from the area enjoyed a delicious tea and good company.

Growing Well a mental health charity based at Low Sizergh Barn near Kendal urgently needed a new tractor engine and quickly. The weather was against them and crops needed gathering in. A fully booked programme of tractor driving instruction was all threatened with cancellation. Happily we were able to fund the purchase. The crops were safely gathered in and the students were able to gain their tractor driving qualifications.

We are supporting a project which enables a group of visually impaired people to meet weekly for crafting sessions in Kendal. Our grant will allow it to continue it's work through 2018.

AGE UK South Lakes recently opened a new office in Barrow-in-Furness. They required funding to upgrade and furnish a meeting room for their clients. The Trust has supported this.

The Roselands Trust has worked with The Cumbria Community Foundation since 2006 providing a fund which continues to support many causes within the county. It has been a supporter of the Foundations ‘Winter Warmth Campaign’ since its inception in 2011.

The trust has been a supporter of Hospice at Home, Carlisle and North Lakeland providing grants to assist with fundraising events.

A grant from the trust has enabled the provision of an accessible footpath for residents and visitors to the garden at Gatesbield Quaker Housing Association in Windermere.

The trust is supporting The Bowness and Windermere Community Care Trust with a singing project aimed at bringing together elderly residents and children from local schools. We are also working with B.W.C.C.T. on further projects.

​‘Supporting the little things that make a difference’