Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment

17/06/2026

💙 What's On at Appleby Hub? 💙

Step Forward is pleased to share details of Thoughtful Tuesdays at The Appleby Hub , a welcoming monthly programme offering support, companionship, and opportunities to connect with others in the community.

There's something different each week, with refreshments, lunch, games, crafts, friendly support, and the chance to find out more about what's happening locally in Appleby.

🧩 1st Tuesday (10am–2pm) – Creative Café & Walk and Talk, delivered with Carlisle Eden Mind. Enjoy a crafty session and, if you wish, join a guided walk for some fresh air and conversation.

💜 2nd Tuesday (9am–1pm) – SEN Support Group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. A warm, inclusive space to chat, connect, and take part in crafts.

💚 3rd Tuesday (10am–2pm) – Dementia Carers Group. Meet other carers, share experiences, enjoy activities, and access support in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment.

☕ 4th Tuesday (10am–2pm) – Men's Café. Drop in for a coffee, browse the books, have a chat, and learn more about what's available in the local area.

📍 Location: Appleby Hub, Chapel Street, Appleby, CA16 6QR

No need to book – simply drop in when you can and stay for as long as you'd like.

For more information, pop into the Hub and speak to Jane or email [email protected].

16/06/2026

16/06/2026

💚 **Volunteer with Oxfam in Keswick** 💚

Step Forward is pleased to share volunteering opportunities with **Oxfam** in Keswick. If you’re looking to gain experience, build confidence, meet new people, or support a great cause, this could be a fantastic opportunity.

There are a variety of roles available, including Stock Specialists, Till Volunteer, Retail Office Volunteer and Ecommerce Volunteer positions. Volunteers may support customers on the till, help keep the shop organised and welcoming, sort and price donated stock, assist with office-based tasks, or help list and dispatch items sold online.

There are also specialist volunteer roles for those with particular interests or knowledge. These include opportunities working with coins and stamps, books (including genre and antiquarian), homeware (general and vintage), music such as vinyl and CDs, linen, fashion and vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery.

Volunteering with Oxfam is a great way to develop retail and customer service skills, gain transferable experience for future employment, and make a positive difference through supporting a global charity.

To apply or find out more about the Keswick shop, visit:
https://volunteering.oxfam.org.uk/opportunities/results? =13148&display=grid&s=date_advertised&o=desc&limit=14&include=image&public_search=true

📍 Location:
Keswick Oxfam Shop
1 Museum Square
Keswick, CA12 5DZ

📞 Phone: 01678 774494
📧 Email: [email protected]

Step Forward encourages anyone interested to explore how they could get involved.

15/06/2026

💙 Client feedback like this reminds us why we do what we do.

It’s a privilege to support people on their journey into volunteering and employment, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and achieve their goals.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re proud to be part of your journey and wish you every success in the future.

13/06/2026

📣 Have something to share with the community?

Whether you're promoting an upcoming event, launching a new group, recruiting volunteers, advertising a job opportunity or offering training.... Step Forward can help spread the word!

✅ Upcoming Events
✅ New Groups
✅ Existing Community Groups
✅ Volunteer Opportunities
✅ Job Vacancies
✅ Training Opportunities

Get in touch and let us help connect your opportunity with people across Cumbria.

📧 [email protected]
📞 01768 800350

Together, we can help more people get involved, learn new skills, and access opportunities in their community.

11/06/2026

🚶‍♀️✨ ARE YOU READY TO STEP FORWARD INTO VOLUNTEERING OR EMPLOYMENT? ✨🚶‍♂️

Our referrals are OPEN – and you can refer yourself or someone else 💙

Step Forward supports adults (18+) living in North Cumbria who live alongside mental health experiences to move towards meaningful volunteering and employment in a way that feels right for them.
We offer:
✅ Person-centred, strengths-based support
✅ Help to build confidence and skills
✅ Support into volunteering placements
✅ Support into employment opportunities
✅ Ongoing guidance every step of the way

Whether you’re looking to take that first step yourself, or you’re a professional, family member or friend supporting someone – we’d love to hear from you.

🔗 Make a referral here:
https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/.../step-forward-online.../
📧 [email protected]
📞 01768 800350

Let’s take that next step together 💫

11/06/2026

📢 Exciting News! We’ve Moved! 🎉

Cumbria CVS and Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment are now operating from a new office:

📍 Cumbria CVS, Suite 3
Warwick House
Alanbrooke Road
Rosehill
Carlisle
CA1 2UT

We look forward to welcoming you at our new location and continuing to support people on their journey into volunteering and employment.

If you have any questions or need directions, please get in touch.

10/06/2026

More amazing feedback! 💜💙💚

09/06/2026

Happy Birthday to one of our Volunteering and Employment Officers, Sam! We hope you have a wonderful day 🎊🎉

08/06/2026

💼Employability Fund 💼

We’d like to highlight the Employability Fund, which is available to support residents who face financial barriers on their journey into training and employment.

Small pots of funding (up to £400 per individual) are available to help unemployed residents progress along their employability pathway.

Fund criteria:
• Applicants must be members of the Skills & Enterprise Partnership covering the area formerly known as Copeland
• Applications can be made for up to £400 per person
• Applications should demonstrate a clear gap in funding within the wider Partnership

If this could support someone you’re working with, or benefit you directly, you can enquire by contacting:

📞 Chris Cunliffe – 07385 362798
📧 [email protected]

Or, if you need help exploring this, please let us know at your next Step Forward sessions and we can have a look at it together!