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Friday 25 September 2026

In this week's edition:

• TOP STORY: Room for one more? Homeshare opens doors across Westmorland and Furness
• This week's headlines:
• In other news...
• Our latest job vacancies

TOP STORY: Room for one more? Homeshare opens doors across Westmorland and Furness

A new-to-the-area service designed to reduce loneliness and isolation among older residents, while helping to address local housing pressures, is set to launch in the final week of September.

Westmorland and Furness Council is bringing the Homeshare UK model to the area as part of a nationwide network of local schemes. Homeshare matches people, often older residents with a spare room, with individuals seeking affordable accommodation, including students, professionals and those new to the area. In exchange for a place to live, Homesharers provide companionship and support with light household tasks, helping householders remain independent in their own homes for longer.

All applicants undergo thorough suitability and background checks, including an enhanced DBS check, before being carefully matched. Ongoing support and regular reviews ensure arrangements remain safe, positive and beneficial for both parties.

Homeshare Westmorland and Furness is now looking for both householders willing to share their home and Homesharers seeking accommodation.

Find out more about Homeshare on our website.

This week's headlines:

Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Programme reaches two major milestones

Two major milestones have been reached by the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund programme.

Relining works beginning Monday 28 September at Westmorland Shopping Centre

Much needed relining works will begin at Westmorland Shopping Centre car park in Kendal from 28 September.

Parking scheme set to be introduced in Barrow Island in response to community concerns

A new residents' parking scheme is set to be introduced in Barrow Island on 1 October, aimed at prioritising and improving on-street parking for residents.

Age Friendly Festivals offer opportunities to stay active, connected and independent

Residents are invited to come together and celebrate ageing well at a series of Age Friendly Festivals taking place this October.

Photography and storytelling project celebrates life across Westmorland and Furness

Together Through the Lens is a new project bringing people together through photography and personal storytelling.

People from across Westmorland and Furness are being invited to capture images of their daily lives and share the stories behind them, contributing to a collective portrait of our communities. The project is open to people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels.

A website has now gone live where people can learn more about the project.

From 1st October to 1st November, the website will be the place where people can upload images and the stories that go with them.

In other news...

Free school meals for Universal Credit recipients – apply now!

From September 2026, free school meals are expanding.

All children in households on Universal Credit, regardless of income, will be eligible.

These changes aim to give more families the support they need to ensure children get a healthy meal at school.

Find out more and check if you can receive them on the Westmorland and Furness Council website.

School admissions for September 2027 open

Make a note of these important dates if your child is starting school or transferring schools next year:

📌 Applications open: 2 September 2026
📌 Secondary deadline: 31 October 2026
📌 Reception and junior deadline: 15 January 2027

Apply on the Westmorland and Furness Council website.

Do you have unused community equipment at home?

We’re collecting back items such as commodes, shower chairs and bathing aids – ready to be cleaned, sanitised and reused by someone who needs them.

We can only accept returns of equipment that we have provided. We do not accept zimmer frames, wheelchairs, or crutches, as these are NHS-issued items. These should be returned directly to your local hospital.

📍 Penrith Leisure Centre – 1 October, 10am to 2pm
📍 Barrow Leisure Centre – 2 October, 10am to 3pm
📍 Kendal Leisure Centre – 4 October, 11am to 2.30pm

These events are happening during our Age Friendly Festivals – a mix of entertainment and activities, services and support to empower you to stay active, connected and independent.

Check out what else is on offer in your local area when you return your unwanted equipment.

Our latest job vacancies

Join us! There are currently 55 job opportunities available to apply for now.

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