CUMBRIA Deaf Association's Carlisle Hub has been selected as a finalist in The Lanes Shopping Centre's £1,000 Community Fund. 

The branch of the county-wide organisation aims to connect with deaf and hard-of-hearing people who live in Carlisle and the surrounding area.

As part of The Lanes' Community Fund, which was launched in April, Cumbria Deaf Association was selected by a panel of judges as one of six finalists who would be in the running for the funding. 

After being chosen as a finalist, Cumbria Deaf Association explained more about itself. 

They said: "Cumbria Deaf Association's Carlisle Hub opened in September 2023. 

"One of our aims is to connect with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing people who live in Carlisle and the surrounding area, to provide a social hub to reduce isolation, and to introduce activities, both social and physical, to support a healthier lifestyle and well-being.

"We currently run a weekly coffee morning, which is attended by between 15 to 20 D/deaf and hard-of-hearing people each week.

"We host activities such as bingo and invite speakers to come along to talk about interests; subjects such as Internet Safety/Scams; Healthy Lifestyles and Diet; and information talks from the NHS and local Council to provide the opportunity for their opinions to be included in research."

Cumbria Deaf Association also explained what it would do with the £1,000 fund if it was selected as a winner.

They said: "We are hoping to develop what we provide not only to social/activities at the hub but to provide the opportunity to attend BSL-supported events, such as theatre performances and garden talks. 

"Attending these types of things can be prohibitive and many of the deaf community do not drive and need a BSL Interpreter present.

"The feedback gained from those attending the coffee mornings is that it is great to be able to meet up and have fun together as well as learn new things. 

"Covid was extremely isolating for deaf people. The opportunity to socialise together and discuss their issues has proven to be invaluable.

"This funding would not only sustain existing activities but enable us to expand and provide more."

Voting for The Lanes Shopping Centre's £1,000 Community Fund opened on Tuesday, August 27 via the shopping centre's Facebook page. 

Voting will close on Tuesday, September 3, with the recipient of the fund set to be announced shortly after and locals are encouraged to support their favourite before the public voting period concludes.