All schoolchildren aged up to 16 years old from the Cumberland area will be able to go for a swim in a choice of five indoor pools for only 10p over the February half-term school holidays.

The discounted scheme has been put in place by Cumberland Council, with the support of GLL and Wigton Baths Trust.

The council scheme will offer discounted swimming opportunities throughout the week, including one weekend at The Sands Centre, Carlisle.

We are embarking on an exciting venture to regenerate Market Square and Greenmarket, creating a welcoming and lively space for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Currently dominated by cars, the area can look unwelcoming, but with the vision to enhance its potential, the council aims to transform it into a vibrant focal point that encourages community gatherings and increases footfall.

A big 'thank you' to everyone who came along to our drop-in sessions in Wigton and Workington earlier this week to chat to our Executive members, Cllrs Emma Williamson and Elaine Lynch, and staff about our children and family wellbeing services.

We help and support children and families in a number of ways. These include a range of early help services that are either provided directly by us or are commissioned from health or community partners. This will include everything from 0 to 19 health visiting and community school nursing, to family and youth support.

We want to hear your experiences of our services so we can make any improvements.

We have more events planned, so don't worry if you missed them this week. These are:

• Thursday 22 February: 9.30am - 12.30pm at Egremont Library
• Thursday 22 February: 2.30pm - 5:30pm at Whitehaven Library
• Wednesday 28 February: 9.30am - 12.30pm at Brampton Community Centre
• Wednesday 28 February: 2.30pm - 5:30pm at Harraby Community Centre, Carlisle

Don't worry if you can't make it to any of these events, you can have your say online.

During February Cumbria Fostering is running a series of events for those who wish to find out more about joining ‘Cumbria’s Biggest Family’.

If you would like to speak to our Fostering team about any questions you may have, there are four sessions taking place over the rest of the month, including a virtual event next week:

• Tuesday 13 February - Join our virtual information event from the comfort of your home and speak to our friendly team and carers. Email crisp@cumberland.gov.uk to request a Zoom link to join our meeting between 7pm and 8pm
• Thursday 22 February - Fostering information stand at the Family Wellbeing event at Whitehaven Library from 2.30pm to 5.30pm
• Friday 23 February - Fostering information stand at The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle from 12pm to 2pm
• Wednesday 28 February - Fostering information stand at the Family Wellbeing event at Harraby Community Centre, Carlisle from 2.30pm to 5.30pm

For more information please cumbriafostering.org.uk or speak to our friendly team today on 0300 013 2065

Do join us at two important events over the coming weeks.

Residents in the Petteril and Carlisle West Community Panel areas are invited to discuss the panels’ priorities, and share their ideas for community investment.

Each event will begin with food and a chance to chat with councillors, our community development team and others.

Then, people will be invited to explore the detail of the panels’ priorities, and give us their views.

Residents, businesses and the third sector form our ‘Community Networks’ – they are an intrinsic part of the Community Panel process, and we want their input.

Petteril event:

• Wednesday 21 February, 6pm until 8pm
• Creighton Rugby Club, Sycamore Lane, Carlisle
• To reserve a place, email petterilcommunitypanel@cumberland.gov.uk.
• The Petteril Community Panel covers the wards of Botcherby, Currock, Harraby South, Harraby North and Upperby

Carlisle West event:

• Wednesday 6 March, 6pm until 8pm.
• Morton Manor Community Centre, Wigton Road, Carlisle.
• To reserve a place, email Jodie.thurlow@cumberland.gov.uk.
• The Carlisle West Community Panel covers the wards of Castle, Belle Vue, Morton, Denton Holme and Yewdale.

The Community Panels for Border, Fellside and North Carlisle, Lakes to Sea, Fells and Solway, Whitehaven and Coastal, Workington Together and South Cumberland, will all host short ‘meet your councillor’ sessions before their formal panel meetings in late February and March.