The Centre West Cumbria formed as a charity in 2023 out of award-winning community led work delivered by ELT (the Ewanrigg Local Trust) and ENTRA (the Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenants Association) between 2010 and 2023.

ELT and ENTRA have spent ten years working ‘on the ground’ together in Ewanrigg. Supported by a £1m Big Local grant awarded in 2012, between them they have delivered many award winning projects such as HUG A MUG and WE WILL youth mental health campaign as well as launching and running community initiatives such as Maryport Matters and Coffee and Crack.

They also continued to serve residents throughout the Covid pandemic with digital and telephone support as well as the Covid safe delivery of Maryport Matters and other socially distanced projects as and when possible.

The Centre brings together:

  • The strengths, experience and learning of ELT and ENTRA
  • The input of the hundreds of individuals who have contributed to the work of these two-award winning community led groups and who want to make a difference in their area
  • The undeniable impact achieved when communities are given the permission and resources to lead the way in making their area an even better place to live

There are significant, ongoing challenges faced by many people in our community, that have been exacerbated by Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. Our work with ELT and ENTRA proves that LONG-TERM investment in a COMMUNITY LED response to a community problem can and does work. The Centre is a response to the need and opportunity for a long term, community led approach to developing plans that really matter to residents. Plans that residents really care about and take responsibility for making happen. Plans they get on with delivering, and that work, because they know their community. We welcome the involvement of any individual or group who can support us on this journey.
 
Welcome to The Centre.