Give your views on life in Carlisle

People who live, work and study in Carlisle and the surrounding rural towns and villages are being asked to take part in a major survey into life in the area.

Cumbria Community Foundation has commissioned a 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.

Over the next few months, people in Carlisle, Brampton, Dalston, Longtown and the surrounding rural areas are being asked to give their views to feed into the report.

The consultation process was launched with an online public meeting last week (Tues 9 July) where people had the chance to ask questions and find out more about the project.

An online survey is now live at www.cumbriafoundation.org/community-needs for people to give their views on what they like about Carlisle, what could be improved, and what changes they would like to see in Carlisle district in five years’ time.

The findings of the survey will feed into the report, which 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, 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.

“For the Carlisle report, we will be consulting widely, from youth groups and community organisations to businesses and individuals, to get the fullest picture possible.

“In order to ensure the report fully reflects the views of Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas, we would love as many people as possible to fill in the survey and share their thoughts.”

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.

The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete. Fill it in online at www.cumbriafoundation.org/community-needs. To request paper copies or for any queries, email: carlisleneeds@cumbriafoundation.org.