The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Chris Holmes experienced firsthand the benefits of community engagement and leadership programmes run by the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) during his recent visit.
He interacted with individuals of all ages who participate in these programmes, supported by the Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF).
Chris Holmes said: "Today, we’ve seen and heard first-hand the wonderful opportunities you are creating and putting into society.
"Without organisations like the CforLP and support from CCF and other organisations, none of this would be possible."
His visit started at Netherton Infants School, where he met young entrepreneurs.
The pupils have created a social enterprise called Water Difference through the Bright Stars programme.
This programme aims to foster meaningful change in the community by empowering primary school students.
The children's enterprise focuses on promoting water safety and raising funds for Maryport Rescue, undertaken through various fundraising initiatives like a bingo day and selling water awareness wristbands.
Business mentor, Susanne Kirkbride from Forth Engineering, who has been working with the children, said: "They are absolute superstars."
School head teacher, Lynn Millington, said: "They’ve grown so much in confidence; without Bright Stars, I don’t think that half of them would have been able to stand up and present today."
Next, the High Sheriff visited the CforLP offices, where he met participants of the Positive Enterprise programme, an initiative run with the CCF.
This programme helps individuals turn their passions into sustainable social enterprises.
Ava Marshall, one participant, has created Lightside Equestrian & Pet Products.
She designs eco-friendly pet products and intends to market them via agricultural shows and social media.
Another participant, Aaron Groggins, said: "We’re all very young on the programme, so we don’t have much business experience.
"This programme, the grant, and mentors have been great.
"You can tell they are really passionate about it, and it’s a good feeling that people want to support you."
The High Sheriff also interacted with Clare Charters, a delegate of Sense of Purpose.
The programme engages retired individuals through meaningful activities and volunteering opportunities in the community.
Ms Charters said: "What am I going to do?
"We all went with the same mindset—what do we want to do and what do we want to get out of it?
"Sense of Purpose has helped me plot and plan what I want to do."
CforLP executive director, Sarah Glass, said: "It was fantastic to receive such high level recognition of our intergenerational learning and cross sector development opportunities that enable businesses to inspire future generations."
Several key organisations support these valuable initiatives.
Bright Stars and Cumbria Future Leaders are backed by the Cumbria Community Foundation, whereas Sense of Purpose is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Positive Enterprise programme is financed by Brian Scowcroft, a Cumbrian property developer, and also receives match funding from Sellafield Ltd, Nuclear Waste Services, Well Whitehaven, Morgan Sindall and Kaefer.
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