People of Carlisle - have your say

People who live and work in Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas are being offered the chance to contribute to a major report about the city which will be published later this year.

Cumbria Community Foundation has commissioned the report – Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges – which will analyse the city’s social needs and community issues, highlighting work already being undertaken to address disadvantage and identifying opportunities to help communities thrive.

It follows three similar reports produced by the Foundation since 2017: one looking at the whole county, and others focusing on West Cumbria and Furness.

A steering group made up of local people has been set up to ensure the report reflects the needs and priorities of the Carlisle area. It will be chaired by Kevin Walsh, Vice Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation.

Kevin Walsh said: “The previous reports have proved to be key resources, both for bringing people together and securing investment to address areas of need in these communities.

“We are now turning our attentions to Carlisle, at the request of – and with the support of – local partners. This is a really exciting time for Carlisle, with projects such as the Southern Relief Road, the Carlisle Station Gateway project, Uncovering Roman Carlisle and the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, but we know the city also faces many issues.

“We hope this report will be a key resource and reference document for organisations and businesses in Carlisle, the wider county and beyond.”

Members of the public are invited to attend an online meeting on Tuesday 9 July to hear more about the project. Book a place online at https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/CarlisleOpportunitiesandChallengesLaunch2024.

There will also be chance for people to give their views via an online survey. Details of this will be announced soon.

The report has been funded by Kingmoor Park, Sellafield Ltd, Riverside Housing and the previous local authorities of Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council. It will be used to inform and influence key decision makers, including local authorities, government, potential philanthropists/donors, funders, healthcare providers, businesses and third sector organisations.