Other Sources of help

There are a lot of great organisations that work to support people. We have collated this list for you to use. 

Thrift Hub Food Pantry
Can provide fresh food parcels and store cupboard essentials as well as personal care items. Call 07388996202 or email joanne@pheonixenterprisecentre.co.uk for more information.

North Lakes Food bank
We can help you to get food vouchers for the food bank call us on 01946 693321

Cumberland Council’s Housing Options
They can help if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness using preventative measures and rehousing options. Call 0300 373 3730  and ask for housing options or email Housing.Options@copeland.gov.uk

Cumberland Housing Renewals Team
Help with all disabled facilities adaptations, housing standards and general housing advice. Call 0300 373 3730 or email grants@copeland.gov.uk

Cumbria Choice Based Lettings
This is the central access point to register for social housing in Cumbria. This service is provided and administered by the major housing providers in Cumbria. Applicants are banded by priority. Visit their website

Castles & Coasts
Social housing and associated support for both general needs and sheltered housing.
Call 0800 085 1171 or visit their website. 

Home group
Housing Association services. Call 0345 1414663 or visit their website. 

Impact Housing
Provide “general needs” houses and flats in Copeland. They also have a Foyer in Whitehaven that provides accommodation and support for young people. They are members of Cumbria Choice the main “waiting list” system that operates across Cumbria. Call 03448 736290, email enquiries@impacthousing.org.uk or visit their website. 

Shelter
Got a housing problem? Shelter can help:
Locally
Through advice and support services offering one-to-one, personalised help with housing issues and homelessness.
Online
Via their website, find expert information about everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless, or speak to an adviser over webchat.
Over the phone
Their free emergency helpline offers urgent advice if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight or are at risk of harm or abuse in your home: 0808 800 4444
Legal
Their solicitors provide free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.
Visit their website

Whitehaven Community Trust Homeless Hostels
Whitehaven Community Trust has 2 homeless hostels – Lowther street for 16-24 year olds and Bakewell house, a mother & baby hostel. Both hostels have bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens and laundry rooms alongside support and training to assist young people into independent living. Their aim is to provide safe, secure accommodation with housing related support to vulnerable young people having varied and complex needs, the ultimate goal being for the young person to move into permanent, stable accommodation, having the skills and knowledge for living independently and successfully managing their own tenancy.
Call 01946 590590 or visit their website. 

Cold to Cosy Homes
Offering free clear advice and practical help that could save money and energy including: advice calls, home visits by qualified advisors, free draughtproofing and energy saving kit, free LED light bulbs, advice on energy tariffs and switching, referrals for many other improvements such as fixing boilers, insulation, smart meters, replacement appliances, referral to other services for support.
Call 01768 216500, email cosyhomes@cafs.org.uk or visit their website. 

If you, or someone you know is suffering from Domestic Abuse here are some organisations who you can go to get help:

If you believe you are in immediate danger at any time please call the police on 999.

Call 999 if a crime is occurring or 101 for a non-emergency

Victim Support:
0300 303 0157 0r
www.victimsupport.org.uk
Free and confidential support or 0808 1689 111 for 24 hour support

Women’s Aid:
chat.womensaid.org.uk or email helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Free online chat 8am-8pm

Men’s Advice line:
0808 801 0327 or www.mensadviceline.org.uk 
Confidential helpline for men

West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support:
01900 67167 or 07712117986
www.freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk
Full advocacy and support service. 

The Bridgeway:
0808 118 6432 or email info@thebridgeway.org.uk
Sexual assault support service

Copeland Borough Council Prevention & Crisis Support Officer:
01946 598300 or email Housing.Options@copeland.gov.uk
Crisis support, emergency housing and prevention services. Copeland Borough Council offers specialist advice and support to residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and at risk of abuse or sexual exploitation. They offer confidential, one-to-one support and prevention services, alongside emergency accommodation and housing advice

National Domestic Violence Helpline:
0808 2000 247
24 hour free phone service for women provided by Refuge and Women’s Aid

Broken Rainbow Helpline:
0300 999 5428
National helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

 

Mindline Cumbria
The mental health charity. Who believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They’re here for you. Today. Now. They’re on your doorstep, on the end of a phone or online. Whether you’re stressed, depressed or in crisis. They’ll listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner.
Call 0300 561 0000, text mind to 81066, or webchat is available via their website 7 days a week visit their website. 

Every Life Matters
Suicide prevention, mental health training and suicide bereavement support.
Email info@every-life-matters.org.uk or visit their website 

Together We
Provides a range of services in Allerdale and Copeland. There are 3 parts to the service; Talk, Fitness and Carry, which aim to combine mental and physical health interventions. Aiming to provide a service that is flexible, individual and portable to the community.
Call 08081 961 773, email info@togetherwe.co.uk or visit their website  

Healthy Hopes
We provide weekly health and wellbeing support groups and drop-in sessions across Cumbria for people struggling with mental health issues or who feel lonely due to social isolation. Call 07763152529, email admin@healthyhopes.co.uk or visit their website

Emma Hunt Art
Landscape art therapy for pain management, depression, anxiety, loneliness, wellbeing and addiction. There is something for every age range and ability. For details on how to join email social.prescribing@copeland.gov.uk, emmahuntart@gmail.com or visit Emma Hunt’s website

Whitehaven, Egremont & District Credit Union
Access to savings accounts, low cost loans, budgeting sessions and hardship funds. Call 01946 66755, email info@wedcu.co.uk or visit their website 

Phoenix Enterprise Centre
Offer help with:

  • Housing / council tax reduction forms
  • UC50 Medical questionnaire forms
  • Personal Independent Payment (PIP) forms
  • Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) forms

Call 01946 813555, 07388996202, email advice@phoenixenterprisecentre.co.uk or visit their website

Ways to Welfare – Cost of Living Support
If you are struggling due to the cost of living. It could be emotionally, financially or just because they need practical help to get in touch and seek support.
Call 0300 373 3730 or visit their website

Community Food Shop at Millom Network Centre
Unit 3 Devonshire Road Industrial Estate, Millom, Open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am-2pm. 01229 666025

Disability Group South Copeland
Advice and Assistance and they also have a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) representative. Call 01229 773341 or 07377192849, email scdg1@btinternet.com or visit their website 

Education & Training Millom Network Centre
Wide range of courses, 1:1 support, activities, services and facilities such as employability skills, health & safety courses, online access, mentoring support and more. IT Suite, garden, woodwork area, tutor rooms, parking, toilets and kitchen. Other training partners and agencies delivering services. Call 01229 666025, email enquiries@m-n-c.co.uk or visit their website 

Phoenix Enterprise Centre at
The Hub, Salthouse Road
Friday 10am-3pm
We can help with:
Search and apply for jobs/training
Set up an email account
Register, set up and maintain their Universal Credit accounts
Create, store and distribute their CV
Comply with DWP Claimant Commitment requirements to avoid sanctions
Phones are available for those who need to call DWP/Employers etc.
For more information call the advice and Guidance team on:
01946 813 555

Phoenix Enterprise Centre

Provides a free and independent advice and guidance service. This service is available to Copeland residents who are unemployed, at risk of redundancy or benefit dependent. They have venues in Cleator Moor, Whitehaven Town Centre and Millom. If you are looking for employment or need to keep your Universal Credit account up to date, as well as training opportunities and need supported access to computers to compete in this digital age please contact us:

  • They can help with CV preparation
  • Cover letters
  • Application forms
  • Interview techniques
  • Identifying training needs
  • Registration / Maintenance of Universal Job Match accounts

They also provide access to IT in 3 venues:

  • Cleator Moor Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am – 4pm
  • Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project Mondays & Wednesdays 9.30.-3pm
  • Millom Fridays 10am – 3pm

Call 01946 813555, 07388996202, email advice@phoenixenterprisecentre.co.uk or visit their website 

Skills4You
A charity that supports local people in Copeland of working age to gain new skills, confidence, recognised qualifications and employment. Skills 4 You have a unique approach to its work, providing you with new skills and practical support. They encourage individuals to challenge themselves, learn problem solving and life skills. Empowering individuals to move forward with a new sense of purpose and raise their self-belief.
Call 01946 814576, email team.skills4you@gmail.com or visit their website. 

Inspira
Impartial careers advice and guidance. Call 01900 604674 or visit their website 

Community Learning & Skills (Cumbria County Council)
Offers a wide range of courses for people at all levels and interests both qualification and non-qualification in a broad range of subjects. Their courses reflect local need and priority, they work closely with many high quality local partnerships.
Call 01946 506416, email copelandclas@cumbria.gov.uk or visit their website. 

Cumbria CVS
Supporting you to volunteer. They can help you to volunteer and find an opportunity that matches your skills and interests. They will advise you on what’s available in your local area and help you find something that meets your needs. There are lots of exciting opportunities, getting involved can change your life for the better. They will provide you with information about each opportunity and can put you in touch with local organisations so that you can progress things with them directly.
Call 01768 800350, email info@cumbriacvs.org.uk or visit their website. 

Copeland Age & Advice Service (CAAS)
Are a not for profit social enterprise supporting over 55’s in Copeland to live safely and independently through personalised advice and support.
Call 01946 552166, email referrals@caasteam.com or visit their website 

The Joy Social Prescribing App

The Joy App has lots of local organisations and services listed on there. All you need to do is type in your post code and it will find all the organisations and services in your area: visit their website

Hospice at Home West Cumbria

Hospice at Home West Cumbria provides high quality, palliative and end of life care to people living in West Cumbria. We are the only provider of adult hospice services in this area. This means that all funds raised by local people help us to provide care for those in need within their own community.
Call 01900 873173, email
info@hhwc.org.uk or visit their website

Carer Support West Cumbria

Provides support to unpaid carers across West Cumbria from the ages of 5 upwards. They provide support to individuals and groups. They give benefits assistance. Volunteers provide a setting and driving service. They provide support for children with after school clubs, trips and activities. They arrange clubs, trips and activities for our adult carers too. We also signpost to other organisations including health, social care and other voluntary organisations. Carer Support West Cumbria’s only paid for service is for lasting power of attorney.
Call 01900 821976, email general@carersupportwestcumbria.co.uk or visit their website

Family Action
Provides effective and innovative services that have a positive impact on people’s lives. Their work includes help for parents-to-be, parenting and relationship support, the provision of many nurseries and Children’s centres, intensive family support, emotional health and wellbeing services, counselling, mediation and therapies, a range of mental health services including supported housing, wellbeing support in schools and GP surgeries, financial grants programme and a range of training and consultancy services. Call 01946 64600, email copeland@family-action.org.uk or visit their website 

West House
Cumbria’s leading care and support provider for adults and children with disabilities.
By providing individual, genuine and caring support, they enable all those in their care to lead a fulfilling, happy life in a homely environment. They have three enterprises; Grow West, The Pottery and Cafe West. Each of these provides invaluable work experience and training opportunities for young people and adults in their care. They provide spaces within our community where everyone is welcome.
Call 01900 67777, email info@westhouse.org.uk or visit their website 

Blue Sky Trust Cumbria

Support services for people living with HIV in Cumbria. Covering Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle in the community. They also have drop in clinics at Derwent Clinic in Workington and The Solway Clinic in Carlisle.
Call 07896783361, email
julieanne.kelly@blueskytrust.org or visit their website 

CRUSE Bereavement Care Cumbria

They offer 1:1 bereavement support throughout Cumbria. Their support is free and confidential. They primarily work with people aged 16 and over. To self-refer please leave contact details via voicemail or email. They then send out a new client information pack by email or post. Clients are then on their waiting list. You are then allocated a bereavement support volunteer who makes contact and arranges an appointment. (Due to Covid-19 they offer telephone support at present, and will update their website when this changes). Call 0300 6003434, email cumbria@cruse.org.uk or visit their website 

Freedom Project

Registered charity providing families in West Cumbria help and support with dealing with the effects of Domestic and Sexual Abuse. They provide free confidential and professional counselling to Victims, Children and Perpetrators of abuse, weekly group support for victims and children and a confidential helpline. Call 01900 67167, email hope@freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk or visit their website

Safety Net

To support the recovery of those affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse across north and west Cumbria. Call 01228 515859, email office@safetynetuk.org or visit their website 

Recovery College ACCE

A peer led service within Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland & Eden with a strong belief that if we co-design, co-deliver and co-attend we will be able to collaborate and work together to support what is needed for recovery in North and West Cumbria. Call 0808 1961 773, email hello@ncrecoverycollege.org or visit their website

Silent Footprints Baby Loss Support

Pregancy and infant loss peer support group, covering all stages of miscarriage, ectopic pregancy, still birth, medical termination and infant loss. Mothers, Fathers and Grandparents are welcome. Call Gail 07825152936, Jenn 07825223796, email silentfootprints2019@gmail.com or visit their website

West Cumbria Eating Disorder Parent/Carer Support Group

Peer support group for parents/carers/family members of individuals who have/are currently suffering from an eating disorder.
Call 07807977268 or email kerryc1401@yahoo.com

Always Another Way

Provides community projects and peer support groups to meet local needs. Deaf provisions, eating disorder support for the parents of those with eating disorders, baby loss peer support, LGBT support for 8-24 year olds and their families and mental health drop in’s. Call 07516319860, 07592595865, email info@alwaysanotherway.co.uk or visit their website 

BID Cumbria

Provide equipment, information, advice and support services for people in the whole of cumbria who are deaf, hard of hearing or have dual sensory loss. This service is run by BID services in association with Cumbria County Council and is available to anyone over the age of 18 living in Cumbria working to improve their health, wellbeing and to remain independent. Through BID Cumbria they can provide access to aids and specialist equipment to support daily living alongside information, advice and support covering topics such as: 

  • Welfare benefits, debt and housing
  • Employment, understanding and applying for access to work
  • Access to council services, legal services, community care and local activities/support services
  • Advice and support to access BSL interpreting

Call 01768 868510, email cumbria@bid.org.uk or visit www.bid.org.uk/cumbria/cumbria-information-advice-support

West Cumbria Society for the Blind
Offer support for visually impaired people of all ages throughout West Cumbria to cope with living with sight loss. Call 01946 592 474, email sightloss.lifeline@hotmail.co.uk or visit their website

CADAS Cumbria Alcohol & Drug Advisory Service
Supporting young people and adults who feel their substance use is problematic. Call general enquiries 0300 1114002 addiction helpline 0800 2545658, email contact@cadas.co.uk or visit their website 

Turning Point
Are a leading social enterprise, providing health and social care services in over 300 locations across England. They work with people to support them with their drug and alcohol use, mental health, offending behaviour, unemployment issues and people with a learning disability. They aim to inspire and empower them to discover new possibilities in their lives.
Call 01946 691336 or visit their website 

Vulture Club
A safe and supportive place for people affected by drug or alcohol dependency and/or overcoming other difficult obstacles in their lives by providing social opportunities, advocacy, self-development, art and culture. Activities cover creative writing, art sessions, self-development, walking group, reading group, benefits advice and one to one counselling. Call 01946 599553, email vultureclub2012@gmail.com or visit their website 

Cumbria Family Law
Are accredited specialists in family law and divorce and have extensive experience in representing clients in all aspects of family law and divorce in Cumbria. They provide flexible and affordable family law services to suit your needs and budget. Call 01946 551996 or visit their website 

Cumbria Law Centre
A community organisation offering free legal advice and representation to people who live or work in the county. They prioritise those on the lowest incomes and focus on civil, social welfare law in Housing, Debt, Employment and Welfare Benefit matters. They have an expert team of qualified solicitors and specialist caseworkers who are supported by a group of committed volunteers. Call 01228 515129, email reception@cumbria-law.org.uk or visit their website

Coram Legal Services
Coram offer advice on children’s right and legal advice. Call them on 0300 330 5480 or visit their website

Local Solicitors:

Bleasdale and Co 14 Scotch Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7NG, Call 01946 692165
Gough HFT and Co 42 Lowther Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7JU, Call 01946 692461
Milburns 25-26 Church Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7EB, Call 01946 694818

Find a solicitor near you on the Law Society website

ACAS

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. We work with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships. Call 0300 123 1100

They provide free and impartial advice to employers, employees and their representatives on:

  • employment rights
  • best practice and policies
  • resolving workplace conflict

When things go wrong, they help to resolve workplace disputes between employers and employees – visit their website.

Family line 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried or upset about any aspect of your family life, whether here in the present or something from your past, FamilyLine can help. They offer free emotional support, information and guidance on family relationships – including siblings – conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries and more.

Open Monday-Friday, 9am to 9pm

Call
0808 802 6666
Text 07537 404 282
Email familyline@family-action.org.uk
Visit their website

Please see our Contact Us page for details on how to access our help.

You can also access help on the Citizens Advice National website.

Download Copeland Borough Council’s Help & Support leaflet here.