The event took place last week (Thursday 12th January) from 3-6pm with an estimated 100 residents attending.
The event was organised by the Allerdale Local Focus Hub, a partnership between various organisations such as Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Cumbria County Council and Castles and Coasts. The event offered Northside residents the chance to engage with others in their community, to access advice and guidance on council services, and to discuss any issues in their area with Cumbria Police officers.
Residents attending yesterday, had access to free resources and free food donated by local businesses with the event acting as a temporary Warm Spot, offering residents the chance to get warm and enjoy a hot drink and a friendly chat.
Emma Thompson, Senior Manager of Community Safety and Resilience with Cumbria Police, attended the event and picked out some of her highlights:
“A large family with 5 children were delighted with the well-being packs from Castles and Coasts, the children could pick up fruit and warm clothes, dental packs from our Family Action team and housing support for mam and dad. I was talking to a lovely gent aged 88, who told me how long his days were and it was great to get out and talk to people, he went away with some warm gloves, a thermal hat, toiletries, free fruit and some soup and a roll for his tea. Our new student PCSOs were amazing and have made valuable connections with many residents and partners. We spoke to a lady whose partner was in bed unwell due to chemotherapy and was really feeling the cold – she was close to tears when she received a fluffy hooded Oodie and matching hot water bottle. I am genuinely blown away by everyone’s dedication to the community safety and well-being of our community, as this partnership continues to grow and thrive I am so excited to see what we achieve next.”
A huge well done to everyone involved in organising and running the event. We will keep you updated with further information about any future events or any of our work with the Allerdale Local Focus Hub.