Welcome to the Cumberland HDRC September update!
This month we've got a round up of what's happening over here at Cumberland HDRC, including updates on our research plan, some highlights from the Art of Wellbeing and our upcoming training dates.
We've also had a fantastic response to our recent adverts for our community co-researcher and support officer roles, thank you to everyone who applied or shared! We're now in the middle of chatting to our applicants and are looking forward to expanding our team and working together to connect, learn and grow.
As part of our ongoing commitment to build a culture of research within Cumberland, we've completed our annual review of our Research Plan. This process helps us reflect on the work we have done so far, how we're delivering on our goals and if we are staying aligned with the plan we've set out. By taking this time to assess how we're currently supporting and conducting research, this also ensures we are staying responsive to our findings and in tune with Cumberland’s needs.
Looking ahead, we’ll also be updating our research methodology in collaboration with our academic partners. This ensures our approach continues to reflect our values and intentions outlined in the Research Plan.
Our Art of Wellbeing sessions have been making their way across Cumberland! From Whitehaven to Millom to Workington to Egremont to Gosforth, we’ve met participants from all walks of life who shared their views on local life and what a healthier, connected future could look like.
At Lakes College, we met students from diverse fields including Nursing, Engineering, Art & Design who shared their hopes for the area. One student shared that the care and support nurses give to the community is one of many reasons they have chosen the profession. It was great to see imagination flow in the creating of the puppets and the excitement that their puppets will be displayed.
Meanwhile in Whitehaven, a group of young people shaped their puppets and spoke about concerns about school pressures and the need for more inclusive spaces. Some expressed that whilst they understood the importance of GCSEs, school was not ideal for them and that EHCPs should be made more available. It was also shared there is a need for more activities for young people, and improvement in areas where there are accessibility issues.
In Cleator Moor at the Yam Frae Yam Coffee Shop, our administrator Kristine expressed gratitude for the opportunity for Cumberland HDRC to share their incredible space, with Yam Frae Yam spreading the word and gathering such an amazing group to share powerful stories. She expressed that “a strong, healthy community thrives on connection, where everyone feels welcome - no matter their past or present circumstances. Daily activities, from coffee mornings to sessions at the community shed, bring people together in meaningful ways. However, transport and outreach can pose its challenges. A special shoutout to the otherworldly puppets, which helped us tap into our creativity and amplify our voices. P.s. Red-haired puppet stole the show!”
At the Carnegie Theatre in Workington, we heard rich insights into what it’s like to live in Workington, with a wonderful mix of attendees. Their contributions were invaluable and poignant and our thanks to the Carnegie Theatre allowing us to use their beautiful space.
These sessions have offered more than a space to be creative, they've led to connection, fantastic conversations and reflections. As our project officer Lianna beautifully put it, “These sessions have been so much more than creative workshops, they’ve opened a window into the heart of Cumberland and the people who live here. Through the puppets, I’ve come to understand what it feels like to truly live in this place, and to see the good and bad through different eyes and connect with others in ways words alone couldn’t capture.”
From paper birds to puppets with wings, these workshops are showing that creativity can unlock stories, enable powerful conversation, and connect people in ways that words alone often can't.
We’re busy planning for our annual event in November! This year, we’ve working together with Westmorland & Furness Council to create an opportunity to share best practice, and explore ideas, approaches and challenges in supporting health and wellbeing across Cumbria. We’ll be showcasing our Art of Wellbeing project, talking about our work and training opportunities, whilst also holding a world café and having plenty of time for networking. We’re looking forward to connecting, learning and growing with our attendees. See you then!
A big thank you to everyone who has shared information with us so far. We have received some really useful information including research, consultations and evaluation reports, ranging from council colleagues to community organisations.
We're still continuing in our call for evidence as we aim to have a full and wide ranging base of knowledge. If you have anything on things like financial poverty, housing, employment, mental health, neurodiversity, substance use, obesity, food insecurity, or cared for children, we'd love to see it!
Not sure if what you have counts as evidence? Reach out to us and we can chat about it! You can find us at hdrc@cumberland.gov.uk
This session with Dr Sue Wilbraham will present insights from a recent evaluation of a loneliness initiative in Barrow, delivered through the 'Furness for You' partnership where ten local organisations working together with support from the Know Your Neighbourhood fund. The evaluation explored participants’ experiences, challenges to engagement, and the impact of the programme on reducing loneliness and isolation. We'll reflect on key lessons for future projects, focusing on how to better communicate opportunities, encourage involvement, respond to community needs, track outcomes, and foster stronger social connections.
Health Inequalities and The Determinants Of Health – Intermediate
Tuesday 14th October 9am-12pm via Teams
During the session we will identify factors that may be contributing to a local health inequality, and articulate national policies that underpin service design to improve health inequalities.
Health Inequalities and The Determinants Of Health – Advanced
Tuesday 21st October 9am-12pm via Teams
In this session we will identify and formulate plans to address issues from health inequalities in communities and conduct health impact assessments.
Planning and Delivering Research - Intermediate
Thursday 16th October 2-5pm via Teams
In this session we will look at stages of a research project including legal, ethical and practical issues that may arise in a project, conducting a literature review, involving the community in the design and delivery of research, and requirements for putting in funding bit.
Co-production And Co-research – Introduction
Tuesday 4th November 2-4pm via Teams
Join us for a practical training session on strengthening resident involvement in research and Council work. You’ll explore a range of ways to involve residents meaningfully, understand the benefits of doing so, and learn how this enhances trust and impact. We’ll unpack key concepts like engagement, involvement, participation, co-production, and co-research, and discuss the principles that make resident engagement effective—such as respect, transparency, and fair recognition. Whether you're new to this or looking to deepen your approach, this session will offer useful insights and tools you can apply in your work.
Ensuring Continous Quality Improvement - Intermediate
Tuesday 11th November 9am-12pm via Teams
You’ll learn how to develop a clear, actionable improvement plan tailored to your own service area, using a range of CQI tools effectively—while also understanding their limitations. We’ll also explore the critical role of evidence, evaluation, and research in driving meaningful change. Whether you're new to CQI or seeking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to lead improvement with purpose and precision. We also offer an advanced session.
Performing Service Evaluations – Introduction
Thursday 13th November 10am-12pm at Allerdale House, Workington
This introductory session covers: understanding what a service evaluation is, what it is and what it is not and learning about different ways to design an evaluation. We will also explore models of evaluation and identify challenges identify challenges between a theoretical design of an evaluation, and how and when the evaluation is actually administered.
Performing Service Evaluations – Intermediate
Thursday 27th November 9am-12pm at Allerdale House, Workington
This session will explore different approaches to monitor and evaluating a service and using a logic model to plan and design an evaluation. We will also look at strategies on how to involve other stakeholders in the design and delivery of service evaluation as well as working with and using your evaluation results.
Performing Service Evaluations – Advanced
Tuesday 2nd December 9am-12pm at Allerdale House, Workington
In this session, you will put together your won toolkit of techniques for service evaluation, and consider issues surrounding ethics and governance in evaluations. We will also look at where to access further resources and support for evaluation.
You can now find us on Facebook and Instagram, give us a follow!
In addition to our newsletter, we also share news on our LinkedIn page and are in the process of updating our website. You can also find us on Cumbria Observatory.
You can always find us at the end of an email so don’t hesitate to contact us at hdrc@cumberland.gov.uk with any questions, comments or if you’d like to invite us round for a cup of tea and a catch up. We love being invited to any events that might be a good fit or let us know if we can use your space and always eager to chat with the people who use your services!
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