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Eaves Funeral Service, part of the Funeral Partners network, has provided £1k in grants to two local community initiatives in West Cumbria. This funding comes from the third round of the funeral provider’s community assistance programme.
Healthy Hopes Cumbria and ICU Steps Cumbria each received £500 to fund training and equipment. The programme supports non-profit projects located within three miles of the Whitehaven funeral home.
Healthy Hopes Cumbria is a community interest company running weekly health groups at Bransty Legion, New Life Church, and Monkwray Court. The grant will fund first aid training for staff and volunteers.
Meanwhile, ICU Steps Cumbria provides support groups and exercise classes for people recovering from critical illness. The charity, based at St John’s Church Hall, will use the funds for facilities, refreshments, and recovery equipment.
Eaves Funeral Service launched the programme in February 2025 to target projects focused on health, education, employment, or the reduction of social deprivation.
Mike Jolly, business principal at Eaves Funeral Service, said: “We are very proud to support these exceptional projects in the Whitehaven area. Both organisations are dedicated to making a difference to people’s lives.”
Funeral director, Sophie Openshaw, said: “Our third cycle of funding has allowed us to highlight again the kindness and dedication happening right on our doorstep.”
Mike Hawkins of Healthy Hopes said: “It will enable us to offer first aid training to not only staff but to our members who would like to volunteer with us.”
Laci practitioner at ICU Steps Louise McCreadie added: “The money donated by Eaves community assistance programme will be a huge help in the development of the exercises classes. Some of the funding will also be used to purchase equipment to aid with finer dexterity for our patients.”
