Special Interest

ACAS
For free employment support and guidance call 0300 1231100 or visit https://www.acas.org.uk/

Age UK Carlisle and Eden
Services to support Older People in Carlisle and Eden to live healthy and active lives and maintain independence in their homes.
Contact Appleby Office (Riverside Building) Tel 01228 536673
Visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/carlisleandeden/ Email  [email protected]

Alzheimer’s Society
Help someone with demetia to do the things they love whether its gardening, joining a local club together, or simply going out for a cup of tea and a chat,  find out how you can support someone with dementia to do more of what they enjoy. Email [email protected] or telephone 01539 742631

Bereavement Support Group
Held at the Hub Cafe in Appleby on the first Monday of each month 2 – 4pm.  This will be an informal group and anyone who has suffered the loss of someone close to them either recently or some time ago, is invited.  We will not be following a programme and will not be offering counselling – simply the opportunity to talk about what is on your mind and share your feelings with others who may have felt the same.  Grief affects everyone in different ways and a support group doesn’t appeal to everyone, but if you feel the need to chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit, please come along.  For more information please contact Rev’d Sandy Pearl – 01931714563.

Brough Sowerby Lunch Club – we continue to meet the first Wednesday of every month for home cooked soups, rolls, sweets and biscuits.  We look forward to welcoming you at the Chapel between 12 noon and 1pm.  Just turn up or contact Carol on 41003 with any questions.

Carer Support Carlisle and Eden
Provision of information and support to Carers of any age living in Eden District and Carlisle who provide substantial and regular care on an unpaid basis.
Tel 01768 890280 or visit www.edencarers.co.uk

Christians against Poverty (CAP UK)
Do you need help dealing with unmanageable debt?  Then help is at hand for Upper Eden residents.  Christians Against Poverty – CAP UK offer a FREE, in depth, caring service for people with spiralling personal debt regardless of age, gender, faith or background.  Our team do all the negotiating with creditors and support you until the day you are debt free.  More informations is available form the Kirkby Stephen Local Links Office, and to arrange a face to face appointment with debt coach Jon Cook call 0800 3280006 www.capuk.org

Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden
We give free, up-to-date advice to everyone in Carlisle and Eden.  If you need help with benefits, work, debt and money, housing, or more, please get in touch.  For debt/money advice or foodbank referrals call 03300 563037, for help claiming Universal Credit call 0800 1448444, for all other enquiries call 03444 111444, or contact us via the Contact Us form on website http://www.ca-ce.org.uk or for Webchat advice go to http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Cobweb Orchestra
A music group that meet weekly (during term time) in the Methodist Church Hall, Tebay on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm.
The Tebay group was the second Cobweb group to be formed, and has nurtured the playing of amateur musicians over many years.  In the true Cobweb tradition, we welcome players of all abilities who live to play a wide range of orchestral music together.  Tebay is just off junction 38 of the M6 and so is very easily accessible from all direcions, and we attract players from South and Central Lakeland, Penrith, the Lune Valley and the Sedbergh Area.
Any level, all welcome, bring instrument and music stand.
For further information see website www.cobweborchestra.org.uk

Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS)
Review your fuel prices with a free and impartial comparison – Cumbria Action for Sustainability have joined forces with Energylinx to help you save money on your energy bills.  Energylinx search and compare every tariff available from all gas and electricity suppliers in the UK.  To make a comparison online, see www.cafs.org.uk/tariff or call free on 0800 520 2031 (lines are open Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm and Friday 9am to 6pm).
Change your home from cold to cosy – for free energy advice and to check elegibility for free draught proofing call 01768 210276 or see www.cafs.org.uk
For advice re improvements to your home to make it more energy efficient and better able to cope with extreme weather call the office on 01768 210276 or email [email protected]

Cumbria Easter Rally
Responsible for organising the Easter Rally held in Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding area over the Easter weekend.  For more information email [email protected] or ring 07769 949788

Cumbria Hearing Loss Equipment Service  – Specialist Equipment Service for deaf and hard of hearing 16+/adults in Cumbria.  Are you struggling to hear the doorbell, television or fire alarm?  Contact us for a free home and equipment assessment.  Our experienced Technical officers can provide information and support on specialist equipment to help maintain independence within the home and communicate with others.  Training can also be provided to make sure individuals are able to manage and maintain equipment issued.

Cumbria Law Centre
For free and impartial advice on housing, employment and benefit issues call 01228 515129 or email [email protected]

Cumbria Wildlife Trust – Upper Eden Support Group
The Upper Eden Support Group is one of a network of groups which exist to support Cumbria Wildlife Trust in its work to conserve and protect wildlife and wild places throughout Cumbria. We run a variety of fundraising activities and, members and non-members alike are welcome to join us at any of our events. These include interesting talks in winter (held at Kirkby Stephen Friends Meeting House) & walks in summer (there is a recommended donation of £3 for all events).
You can also visit our reserves (such as Smardale Gill, just outside Kirkby Stephen) any time to enjoy the wildlife or just a walk, or even roll up your sleeves and join a work party – a great way to meet people, get fit and, of course, help conserve and protect these environments and their wildlife.

To find out more about Cumbria Wildlife Trust and how to get involved, as well as events and places to visit in Cumbria, click here. You can also pick up information, books and gifts from our stand in the Upper Eden Visitor Centre in Kirkby Stephen.
Contact Steve Heath 017683 71377 or Lin Stretton 017683 72239. For other information detailing wildlife watching opportunities visit https://sites.google.com/view/wildlife-of-upper-eden/home

Eden & South Lakeland Credit Union
Eden & South Lakeland Credit Union is owned by it’s members.  To join just open an account – minimum deposit £3 plus a £2 membership fee.  The Board of Directors runs the Credit Union on behalf of our members.  The majority of staff are volunteers who help run our offices or perform a range of other roles.  The Credit Union welcomes donations, big or small which help pay the operating costs.  Loans – borrow from £100 to £7,000.  Savings – Junior savings & Easy access savings available, save as and when you like, no amount too small, option to save by standing order available. Ring 01768 890065 or visit www.edensouthlakeland.com for more information.

Eden Sight Support
We offer information to anyone with a visual impairment within the Eden area. To try to help support our members outside Penrith we hold an outreach event in Kirkby Stephen bi-monthly.  Members and non members are welcome to join us for a cup of tea and a chat and to get information and advice relating to their visual impairment.  If you think that you, a friend or family member may benefit from attending please join us for one of our upcoming meetings.  Further information can be obtained from the Resource Centre, Sandgate, Penrith on 01768 891724.

Eden Time Bank Association
The Time Bank is a way for people to share skills with others in their community and be rewarded for it – in time.  You give a few hours of your spare time when you want to, doing things you enjoy, and you receive the opportunity to get some help yourself when you need it and the satisfaction of making someone else’s quality of life better.
For more information, contact Suzanne Burns at Eden Time Bank
c/o Community and Council Centre
Kirkby Stephen Local Links
Vicarage Lane
Kirkby Stephen
CA17 4QX
Tel 017683 71775
Mobile 07419 372 882 or email: [email protected]

Fun on a Friday – Crafts and More
Bring along any unfinished projects, start a new passion project or get ideas and talk to like-minded people.  Includes knitting, quilting, tapestry, embroidery, dressmaking, patchwork, needlework of all kinds.  Friday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00 pm at Stainmore Parish Hall, everyone welcome, £3 per session.  Free on-site parking, tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits, just turn up.

GamCare
GamCare provides confidential counselling, advice and information for anyone experiencing or affected by a gambling problem.  If gambling is getting in the way of the life you and your family want to live, then what have you got to lose?  For your FREE Local Counseling Service contact 01946 820230 or visit www.thecumbriacounsellinggroup.co.uk or  www.gamcare.org.uk or ring the GamCare helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Gardeners of Eden
We aim to provide meetings of interest to amateur gardeners in the Kirkby Stephen areas.
We have a programme of outdoor visits in the Summer; and indoor meetings in the Winter in Kirkby Stephen – please contact us for further information.
Contact – Sue Bradley (Quilter), Tel 017683 72700 or email [email protected]
www.gardeners-of-eden.org.uk

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland
Hospice at Home is a local charity which provides care for patients with life limiting or life threatening illnesses, who wish to remain in their own homes.  We have various volunteer fundraising groups throughout the North and East of Cumbria, as well as a team of office volunteers and shop volunteers in Carlisle and Penrith.
For Clinical Enquiries ring 01228 608942 and for fundraising enquires call 01768 210719
Email [email protected]
www.hospiceathome.co.uk

Job Centre Office
To find your nearest Job Centre, please click here

Jobs Fuse Cumbria
Cumbria Jobs Fuse – supporting individuals and employers during the pandemic.  This is a new service helping those whose jobs have been affected by coronavirus in the local area get back into employment – while supporting key regional employers with gaps in their staffing due to the pandemic. For more information for employers ring 0808 196 3596, for more information for individuals ring 0800 100 900.

Kirkby Stephen Bereavement Support Club
Held at Church House, Kirkby Stephen the second Monday every month from 2 pm to 4 pm. Contact Kevin Robinson on 017683 51569 for more details.

Kirkby Stephen Book Club
A reading group meeting on the second Monday of the month at 1.30pm at Kirkby Stephen Local Links, to discuss a chosen library book.
Contact Anne Taylor on 017683 71518
Email – [email protected]

Kirkby Stephen Bridge Club
Contract Bridge players.  Meet Monday evening 7.00pm in the upstairs room at Kirkby Stephen Social Club.
Contact Colette Dow 017683 53887 or Jean Metcalfe 017683 71672

Kirkby Stephen Community Arts
Promoting inclusive, accessible and high quality arts events in Kirkby Stephen. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact Kate on 017683 71885
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kirkbystephencommunityarts.co.uk

Kirkby Stephen and District Cancer Research Group
Charity group which holds fund raising events for Cancer Research.
Contact Bethany Handley, Chairman
Tel 07808736304
Email [email protected]

Kirkby Stephen Dog Training Club
Dog Training – puppy to advanced. 6.30 – 7.00pm – Puppy course /Intermediate 7pm to 8pm/ Advanced 8pm to 9 pm.
Monday nights at Brough Memorial Hall.  Kirkby Stephen Dog Training Club offers training for pet dogs.  We teach manners, commands & socialisation, all leading to The Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze, Silver & Gold Awards.  Our puppy class is an 8 week course ending with the Kennel Club Foundation Puppy Award.  We are a friendly club with an experienced trainer.  Apart from the puppy course, all classes are payable on a week to week basis, but monthly or annual subscriptions are available.  Call Sandy 07974 754026 to book or email [email protected]

Kirkby Stephen Family History Group
Research your family history – Meet 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00pm at Kirkby Stephen Local Links.   We are a small group of enthusiasts who are willing to use our experience to help anyone with their family history research.  Through the library we have access to the major internet search tools, and can also use published parish records to assist in your search.  We can also help link your family history with local history if your family is local to the Kirkby Stephen area.  There is increasing interest in researching military histories and we can assist you if you are interested in knowing what your relatives did in various wars.
For more information email  [email protected]  or call into Kirkby Stephen Local Links.

Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team
Provides a search and rescue service for a large area which includes The Howgill Fells, the North Western Yorkshire Dales, part of the North Pennines and the Orton Fells. If you would like to know more about the organisation or would be interested in joining the team visit: www.ksmrt.org.uk

Kirkby Stephen Parish Church Choir
A small group meet in Church at 6.00pm. on Tuesdays to practice singing for services. New members would be very welcome.
Contact Mrs Cathy Prime, Choir Mistress
Tel 017683 71441

Kirkby Stephen Silver Band
Open to everyone.  Band practice on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Band Hut, Riverside.  Free lessons available for beginners.  Instruments can be provided.  We are a friendly group, all welcome. Good music and fun!  We are very keen to attract new members of any age; if you are new to the area, joining the band is an excellent way of getting to know new people.
Contact: Julie Hoggarth on 07866 378392 or email [email protected]
www.kssb.org.uk

Kirkby Stephen Silver Brass Band – Beginners
Learn from scratch, supportive group, all equipment provided. Meets fortnightly at Kirkby Stephen Band Room, Riverside on Fridays from 6.30 to 8.00 pm.  £3.50 per week. Email [email protected] for more details.

Kirkby Stephen Songsters
Sing well known songs alongside other local people within your community, including some of our neighbours living with dementia.  A friendly and relaxed group with a warm welcome for all.  No need to book, just turn up and sing for fun.  2.00pm to 3.30pm every Wednesday at the Quaker Meeting House, 48A High Street, Kirkby Stephen.  £2 per session.  For more information please get in touch with Alison at [email protected] or call 078500 25584

Kirkby Stephen United Charities
Group of charities providing allotments and grants for the benefit of local people.  The group meets four times per year.
Contact: Mrs Vivienne Littlefair
Address: Rancroft, Christian Head, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HA.
Tel: 017683 71064
Email: [email protected]

Lunespring Players
Amateur theatre group with a major performance each year. Meet weekly from October – March, at Ravenstonedale Heritage and Community Centre.
For more information contact [email protected]

Mind
The Connect Project by Carlisle Eden Mind works with anyone who is suffering crisis, poverty or harship and is worried about their mental health and wellbeing.  For more information or to make a referral contact www.cemind.org or call 0300 561 0000 or email [email protected]

Nateby and Wharton W.I.
Meets 1st Friday in the month at the Quaker Meeting House, High Street, Kirkby Stephen.
Contact Anne Cradock on tel 07799584101
Email – [email protected] or see [email protected]

Paying for Care – a not for profit company
A free information and advice service for older people paying for their own long term care.  You can contact Paying For Care by FREEPHONE on 0808 208 9994 or visit www.payingforcare.org

Penrith and Eden District Freegle
Offer your reusable items to others for free on the Penrith and Eden District Freegle group on the Internet. It’s free to join and everything must be given away for free. There are over 5,000 members across the whole of the Eden District. You can also ask for something you want.
Tel 01931 713240
Email  [email protected]
www.penrithedenfreegle.org.uk

Penrith and North Lakes U3A
Part of a nation-wide network of self-help educational, creative and leisure activities for the retired and semi-retired.
Currently have over 40 special interest groups, from Art Appreciation to Writing for Pleasure. In addition, guest speakers offer a range of interesting and topical talks third Thursday of each month at the Penrith Players’ Theatre, 2.15pm. For further information, visit our website
www.penrithandnorthlakesu3a.org.uk

Quitters
Social group meeting Fridays 2.00 – 4.30pm at The Friends Meeting House – to encourage and help knitters and Quilters to share patterns, information and skills with enthusiasm. Any age, any gender. Membership required for the year –  Visitors to the area most welcome.
Contact – Sue Bradley (Quilter), Tel 017683 72700 or email [email protected]

Ravenstonedale and Newbiggin Folk Dance Group
We aim to provide an opportunity for local people of all ages to dance English and American longways, square and circle dances. We meet on Thursday evenings 7.45pm. – 10.00pm. during the winter months, in Newbiggin-on-Lune Public Hall, and in the summer months at the Church Hall in Church Brough.  This is a drop in any time group – no experience necessary and no need to bring a partner. £2.50 per session.
Contact Catherine on 017683 41549 or email [email protected]  

Ravenstonedale Parish History Group
The Group’s remit is to research, collate and share many facets of Ravenstonedale’s history; its people, buildings, events, industry etc. in order to build up a picture of its evolution.
We meet on Thursdays 2.00 -4.00pm. in the Former High Chapel, Ravenstonedale. Visitors welcome.
Membership runs from the 1st January annually. Rates for membership are:
Student(under 25 years) Free. Single £5.00. Family (at one address) £7.50. Organisation £10.00.
Tel 015396 23308 for more information
Email [email protected]
Website http://www.ravenstonedalehistory.org.uk

Red Wyvern Society
A medieval (Wars of the Roses) re-enactment society.  Activities include living history, crafts, battle re-enactment, archery, trebuchet.  Regular weekends away across the Cumbria/North Yorkshire region including Appleby Castle.
Subscriptions: £10 (waged) and £5 (unwaged).
Contact via the website contact form http://www.red-wyverns.org.uk/contact-us.html
Email [email protected]
or telephone the secretary Alison Sauer on 07949 445165

Scrabble Club
Whether your a keen Srabble player or a complete beginner, come along and give Scrabble a go, it’s a great way to socialise and meet new people.  On Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. For more information please contact Jill on 017683 71104 or Wendy on 017683 71775.

Soulby W.I.
Meets third Tuesday each month (second Tuesday in December) at 7.30pm at Soulby Village Hall.  The W.I. provides women with educational opportunities and the opportunity to develop new skills.

South Eden Project
Mental Health group meets at Kirkby Stephen Day Centre.
Contact: Lindsey Holding
Tel 079666 41300

Stainmore Railway Company
Volunteer-run heritage railway project to restore Kirkby Stephen East Station and re-establish the railway. Open at weekends 10am – 4pm (FREE)
Contact Dr Sue Jones, Secretary
The East Station
South Road
Kirkby Stephen
CA17 4LA
Tel:017683 71700
Email [email protected]
www.kirkbystepheneast.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Stainmore-Railway-Company/260228887347271
www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stainmorerailwaycompanyshedappeal/?u=2GP993

Stainmore W.I.
Meets every second Wednesday in the month at 7.30pm at Brough Methodist Schoolroom.  Members subscription £29.50 per year. All women welcome.
Contact Mrs Margaret Hodgins
Tel 017683 41664

Suicide Safer Eden
We are a small but determined group of volunteers in Eden working towards reducing loss of life to suicide within our local area.    If you would like more information about Suicide Safer Eden or if you would like a free suicide awareness session in your community please contact Juliet from Carlisle Eden Mind on 07510 309527 or [email protected]

Tap Dancing and All That Jazz
Come and join us for Dance and Exercise. We are a small friendly group who meet at Kirkby Stephen Sports and Social Club.
Every Monday 2-3pm. Contact: Norma on 017683 41462

UK Care Guide
One area where we increasingly see people needing help in the UK is with regards to how to pay for their ever-increasing care costs. Whether that be for themselves or their parents. To help people navigate through this minefield of information, we have produced this handy article and infographic that explains the 12 main ways that you can pay for your care.  This is the article that we have produced – https://ukcareguide.co.uk/paying-for-care

U3A 
Are you living in the Eden Valley and either retired or employed part-time, are you still wanting to make friends? Check out our interest groups or help start a group which interests you.  Visit https://www.upperedenu3a.org/about.html

Upper Eden History Society
Lectures in winter, outings in summer.  Membership £12.00 p.a. or non-members £3.00 per meeting/lecture.  Other events as charged.  Meets third Monday of the month at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School.
The Upper Eden History Society open their archive on the first Saturday of the month 10:00 to 12:00 at the Friends Meeting House, High Street. They have a selection of copy records, books and publications and their will be members of the committee to help with research. Refreshments available
Contact: Anne Taylor, Chairman
Tel 017683 71518
Email [email protected]
www.upperedenhistory.org.uk

Upper Eden Community First Responders
Team of Volunteers, mobilised directly by the ambulance service to assist in emergency situations until the ambulance arrives. The group also run Heartstart courses.
For further information about the group contact Dave Prince, Secretary
Tel 017683 72091 or 07887 683831
Email [email protected]
www.upperedenresponders.co.uk

Upper Eden Community Choir
“The Local Choir with a Big Heart”
Wednesday 7pm – 9pm, meet at KSGS Coffee Bar.
Cost £4
All welcome, lots of fun, music to suit all tastes.
Contact Karen West 07974 759136 [email protected]

Upper Eden Memory Club
Facility for those with memory problems are still limited at this end of Cumbria, so we feel that we provide a useful service.  With an increase in numbers over the last few months, we have decided to start a second group in Brough so-enabling us to continue to accept Clients and Carers into our Kirkby Stephen family.  We continue to meet alternate Thursdays from 10.30am to 12 noon at the Friends Meeting House on High Street, where we enjoy fellowship over tea and coffee, followed by guided activities and usually end with singing some favourite songs of old.  We are always ready to accept newcomers and volunteer helpers.  For further information contact Tony Taylor on 017683 42702 or [email protected] The Brough group will meet on the other alternate Thursdays, also from 10.30 am to 12 noon, at Longway, New Road, Brough (opposite the Chip Shop and cafe).  For more information contact Heather Simpkins on 017683 42476.

Uter Pendragon Masonic Lodge
Group makes charitable grants.  Meets at the Masonic Hall, Kirkby Stephen, for social occasions organising events and charity fundraising.
For more information email: [email protected]

Upper Eden Foodbank – to provide short term support to people in need.  People can receive a food parcel which is enough to feed a family for at least 3 days.  The food can be collected from the Local Links staff and other caring organisations (health services, social services, education providers and churches) can help people to get the food they need for themselves and their families.  Contact through Local Links, health professionals, charities or church staff.  Alternatively find us on our Facebook page: http://THE UPPER EDEN FOODBANK

Voluntary Social Car Scheme in Kirkby Stephen and Brough – funded by Cumbria County Council.  The scheme provides transport to members of the community of any age (under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult) who cannot make their journey by public or private transport.  Examples of journeys include getting to doctors and dentist appointments, shopping, visiting friends and making public transport connections.  Passengers pay a contribution to the cost of the transport, if two or more people travel then the fare is shared between them.  Journeys are depending on volunteer availability.  You may be asked to share transport and you may need to be flexible about the time you travel.  To book you voluntary car sheme journey or for further information please contact the local co-ordinator Robin Haywood on 017683 72678 or Trevor Capstick (local volunteer driver) on 017683 41696.

Volunteering with families – Whether you’re young, not so young, older, male, femaile, married, single, divorced etc.  Whatever fits, we’d like to hear from you if you have an interest in the wellbeing of families, and have a couple of hours a week to spare.  Could you …. help out with children, provide a parenting role model, help families experiencing stress or difficulty. We aim to offer support and reduce isolation and health inequalities and empower children and their parents.  Our dedicated team of professional staff provide training and ongoing support for our volunteers, who in turn provide meaningful support to the families who need help.  Would you like to find out more?  Contact Sarah Craig (Eden Family Support Coordinator) 01768 593103 for a chat about how you can help.

WOW (Women of Wonder)
A new and exciting ladies only group Fridays 1pm to 3.30pm at The Cornerstone Centre, Main Street, Brough.  £2 per session.  Bring with you (if you wish) Crafting items/Knitting/Cross Stitch.  Available to share – books, jigsaws, daily papers, mindfulness, colouring books and pencils, quizzes and word searches.  Learn a new craft, meet new friends, planned activities and occasional trips.  Everyone welcome.  Further details – 017683 41923 (Krissie) ore 07508 355523 (Lesley)

Warcop Drama Group – a new drama group started up in April based at thee new Warcop Parish Hall.  The group meets at the Hall on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and welcomes anyone else wishing to join and enjoy this fun hobby.  Everyone is welcome, whether experienced or novice.  There will be opportunities to just get involved with play readings if you wish or act if that’s what you feel like doing whether it be plays, sketches, improvisations and so on.  There will also be off stage parts to play when we get to put on productions.  For more information see Parish Hall Events on http://www.warcop.org.uk

Winton Craft and Chat
Every Wednesday from 6pm.  Bring your own craft projects, share ideas, learn something new or just enjoy company when you craft.  No obligation, come when you can.  Tea and coffee provided. All visitors welcome, £2.50 donations to cover costs.  For more information call Jo on 07483 213568, Olivia on 07707 335760 or Liz 07816 572800.

Winton United Church Coffee mornings
Held the in the chapel every second Saturday of each month. An opportunity for folk to come and chat and have coffee and home-bakes. A very warm welcome is extended to everyone.