Approved charities

Meningitis Now is the first meningitis patient group in the world, founders of the meningitis movement and the only charity dedicated to fighting meningitis in the UK. Over our 30 year history, we have invested over £12m in early stage research that has played a critical part in the introduction of five life-saving vaccines.

Meningitis Now has a vision where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives. We do this by funding research into prevention in the form of vaccines as we believe it is the most effective way to save lives. We offer a range of services from a dedicated helpline, to counselling and complementary therapies, to events so that families can get together and share their experiences. We believe that nobody should have to face meningitis on their own.

As a charity which receives no government funding, we rely on the generosity of the public to fund our vital work.

We are a Parent Carer Association offering support and advice to other parent carers and financial support to Mill Lane Day Opportunities for over 30 years which is a day service offering a variety of opportunities to adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities. Our financial support has enabled the development of outside activity areas, a soft play area and a sensory room. We also provide support in areas such as funding actors and musicians to perform within the building to allow those with more profound needs to access entertainment within an accessible environment. We aim to offer to provide help, support and advice to parents, carers and adults with learning disabilities within the Furness and wider area.

Millom Junior Football Club is a non-profit organisation, which was formed in 2015 to provide the children of the local area the opportunity to play football.

The club currently has teams in all age groups ranging from under 7 to under 16 level, which play in the Barrow & District Junior Football League. All teams are sponsored by different businesses in the local area, which provide the funding to purchase match day kits for all our teams.

All of the teams are coached by volunteers in the local community. The majority of these coaches are qualified to at least Level 1, with the remaining working towards achieving this qualification. All of the coaches are CRB checked to ensure they are cleared to work with children.

Current running costs are covered by donations paid by Parents and fundraising events.

Millom Stepping Stones is a charity run nursery offering full day care for children aged 3 months to 8 years old.
We also run holiday club for children in school holidays, offering lots of fun experiences with friends.

Our vision is to work proactively and in partnership with statutory and other organisations and individuals:

to promote mental health and to improve the quality of life for people suffering from, or with the potential to suffer from, mental distress by providing and encouraging user-led activities and services and
to increase awareness of those issues through education and a strong, positive presence in the local community.

Raising money to support our children and our school

The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is dedicated to supporting people affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, improving care, promoting research and campaigning to raise awareness.

We’re the MS Society – since 1953, a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, volunteers and fundraisers.

We understand what life’s like with MS, and we support each other through the highs, lows and everything in between.

And we’re driving research into more – and better – treatments. For everyone.

Together, we are strong enough to stop MS.

Narcolepsy is a rare neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to regulate the normal sleep-wake cycle. Narcolepsy is estimated to affect about 1 person in 2,500. That means that in the UK there are approximately 30,000 people who have narcolepsy, though it is believed that the majority have not been diagnosed.

Normal sleep takes the form of a regular pattern of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM stages. During a fully night's sleep, every 90 minutes or so a normal sleeper experiences several minutes of REM sleep, during which dreaming occurs, before switching back to non-REM sleep.

We are a small village school with parents interested in raising money to support the school. We are raising money for a variety of resources to use throughout the school.

We are 4 X4 Logistical support for emergency services and other user bodies in times of need or adverse conditions

Working for our community; caring for animals; making a difference.
Oak Tree has been helping animals for over 110 years. We are passionate about animal welfare and believe that every animal matters. With our supporters help, in 2020 we were able to help over 2000 animals in our region through our community and rehoming programmes.

OutdoorLads runs a range of sociable outdoor activities for gay, bi men and trans guys right across the UK and further afield - activity based things like hiking, climbing, camping, biking, canoeing, scrambling, running and sailing. as well as purely social events.

We have three dedicated members of staff running our office, but it's important to recognise that everything else we do is done by one of our many, amazing volunteers.

Friendly and welcoming:
Our events are friendly and typically people get stuck in to make sure we all have a good time. The event leader will know who is on their first event and will make a special effort to make you feel welcome.

Experienced, or novice, it doesn't matter:
Whether you already have outdoors experience or want to try something new, whether you want to get fitter or just want to 'get out more', sign up for your first OutdoorLads event.

You’ll have a great time with friendly guys who all have a shared love of the outdoors.

We are support group who try to help people with Parkinson. We hold monthly meeting and we as having a therapy clinic at the medical centre in Ulverston once a month. We are trying to encourage more people with Parkinson to come along to our meetings.

The PCD Family Support Group was formed in 1991 to:
Provide support to patients and their carers who have, or are suspected of having, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) - a rare genetic lung disease
Bring PCD to the attention of medics who may come across PCD and continue to provide an up to date information service for them and the general public
To promote research to aid diagnosis and treatment of patients with PCD
Support the NHS and other bodies to ensure patients have access to diagnostic services and on-going care
Fundraise to support the above activities

We are a registered charity which is run by a committee of volunteer trustees. We are also supported by the PCD Medical Board which is a group of clinicians with an interest in PCD. This group is chaired on a rotational basis by Professor Andy Bush, Professor Chris O’Callaghan , Professor Claire Hogg and Professor Jane Lucas.

Pennington Nursery has been providing nursery care in the Swarthmoor/Pennington/Ulverston area since 1993, mainly for children under statutory school age. It started off, many years before this as a parent and toddlers group in Pennington Reading Rooms. Over the years, due to increasing need and demand, we became a registered Charity, developed a board of Trustees and also became the provider of breakfast and after school clubs for Pennington Infants and Junior School. On average each week, we look after 20 – 2 year olds, 30 pre-school children and 50 children attending Afterschool and Breakfast Club, different children on different days. We are a vibrant and busy Nursery with great staff and a happy, caring atmosphere for local children and their families.

PSPA supports those living with PSP and CBD, two degenerative brain diseases that affects between 3,000 - possibly 10,000 poeple in the UK. We strive to create much-needed awareness plus raise sufficient funds to support the work we carry out such as research into treatments and possibly a cure, funding local support groups, and funding our helpline that offers emotional and practical support to those living with PSP and CBD and their families.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF's leading welfare charity with a proud tradition of looking after its own. We are there for all serving and former members of the RAF as well as their partners and dependent children.

At Ronald McDonald House Charities we provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation at specialist children's hospitals across the UK, enabling families to stay close to their child and maintain a degree of normal family life. We support families while their child receives care and treatment in a specialist children's hospital by giving them a warm and welcoming place to rest their heads, just a moment away from their child. For the past 30 years we have helped tens of thousands of families during some of the toughest periods in their lives.

When a child is in hospital their family can often be faced with having to travel long distances each day and either pay for costly hotel rooms or sleep on a chair at their bedside. Our Houses provide our families with a comfortable place to stay that's close to their child, giving them more time and energy to focus on being together.

There are currently 12 Ronald McDonald Houses across the UK, all just moments away from their respective children's wards, with plans for further developments well under-way. Our dedicated teams of staff and volunteers welcome families to stay for days, weeks and even years, and help them to feel as at home as possible.

As an independent charity, we rely on the support and generosity of our volunteers, fundraisers and donors, and thanks to their tireless efforts the Houses are able to help over 8,000 families each year. It is our mission to ensure we have sufficient funds and expertise to develop and sustain free accommodation at every specialist children’s hospital in the UK. This will allow us to help thousands more families stay together, while their child is in hospital, in the years to come.

The Volunteer crews and lifeguards of the RNLI continue their lifesaving work of saving lives at sea. It is a lifeline to thousands of people who need us at sea and around the coast and return them safely to their family. Last year the RNLI come to the rescue of an average of 22 people a day who were in difficulty in or around the water.

We help to rehome animals in and around the Furness area, we also give financial aid to people who are struggling due to low incomes, vouchers are provided for emergency Veterinary Appointments and neutering. We are also hear to give help and advise for people who are not sure where to go or who to turn to for help.

In August 2009, Ryan aged 1 year old from Lancaster was diagnosed with a terminal illness called Alper’s Syndrome. Ryan sadly passed away aged 6 years 10 months on 23rd June 2015.

Alper’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder which affects both the brain and the liver. It causes progressive loss of developmental milestones and severe epilepsy. This terminal illness is extremely rare and little information is known about it.

Ryan suffered from uncontrollable seizures, was fed directly into his stomach, had extremely low muscle tone and could not support his own head or make any controlled movement himself.

The Ryan Stanford Appeal is raising money to fund research specifically on Alper’s Syndrome in the hope that cures or treatment can be sought.

School Parent Teacher Association

Sandside Lodge is an Ulverston based school, which has a catchment which currently stretches from Grange, to Windermere, to Millom. Our students have a large range of complex needs. We have recently moved into our brand new school, which is very exciting and a wonderful resource for both our pupils and our staff! We are very proud of it. We need your help to keep it furnished with the kind of equipment that our pupils need and deserve. Please consider donating to our school. To find out more, visit our website www.sandside.org.uk. Thank you very much.

Grange Lido is a very rare Art Deco swimming pool in a spectacular position in South Lakes looking over Morecambe Bay.

The Lido is a much loved community asset which has a place in the hearts of people locally and across the country. Since closure 25 years ago, it has been threatened with being filled in and desperately needs some TLC.
We are progressing imaginative proposals to transform it into a vibrant community owned leisure facility with a restored 50m pool at its heart. Our plans can become reality with support from you, our community and Council.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children & young people who have lost a parent whilst serving in the British Armed Forces.

Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott following the death of her husband Cpl Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity is currently providing assistance to hundreds of bereaved Forces children around the UK.

Support offered to the children includes fun activities such as holiday breaks and group events, personal development assistance through educational grants and access to professional bereavement counselling

Our mission is to #HelpTheirChildrenSmile.

We run a Playgroup for 2,3 and 4 Year old children

We are a local charity , our aim is to provide scooters and wheelchairs either short term hire or on a yearly membership basis to enable disabled people of all ages to be mobile and therefore premote inclusion and independant living.

Advance the education of pupils in the school by
-developing effective relationships between staff, parents and others associated with the school.
-engaging in activities or providing facilities or equipment which support the school and advance the education of the pupils.

South Cumbria Breastfeeding Support’s aim is for every mum and baby to have the breastfeeding experience that they want to have. We know that having good support throughout her breastfeeding journey makes a big difference to a mum. From social support and encouragement, to skilled support with breastfeeding challenges, we’re here to help mums reach their own breastfeeding goal, whatever that might be.

Our charity supports the health and well-being of local communities through the provision of hydrotherapy services at Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool in Kendal. The Pool caters for people from across our region with short term needs (e.g. recovering from accidents or surgery) as well as those with long-term disabilities, providing a valuable service in what is recognised as a centre of excellence in this field.

Special Kids in the UK is a charity for families who have a child of any age with special needs.

Families who have children and young people with special needs often deal with similar challenges. They may have concerns about education, services, therapies, respite and other issues directly related to their child. Special Kids in the UK aim is to bring families together for friendship, to share information and to support one another.

We are church meeting at Salthouse Pavilion on Roose Road, Barrow-in-Furness, working with and in the community.

We are a newly formed group of parents, teachers and friends of our lovely primary school. We are trying to raise funds to help enhance the experiences and education our children have whilst part of the school.

St John’s Hospice has been providing care and support to patients and their families across North Lancashire, the South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire since 1986. We care for and support adults with life limiting conditions. The hospice is dedicated to ensuring that every patient enjoys the highest quality of daily life and to ensure we put local patients and families at the heart of everything we do to ensure that on the journey towards end of life we provide the right care in the right place at the right time.
We aim to achieve the best possible quality of care for patients with an advanced progressive illness and we do this through the provision of our three main services; In Patient Unit, Day Hospice and are Hospice @ Home community nurses.
Unfortunately to provide this care St John's hospice currently has to raise over 5.2 million pounds a year of which only 1/3rd is provided by the NHS leaving a shortfall of 3.4 million pounds.

We are the UK’s leading charity dedicated to conquering stroke. We rely on your support to provide vital services, campaign for better stroke care and to find better treatments.

There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That’s one stroke every five minutes.

Even though you are now twice as likely to survive a stroke compared to 20 years ago, stroke is still the fourth single largest cause of death in the UK.

We know we need to change how people think about stroke and challenge the myths surrounding it. We push for greater awareness of stroke and its warning signs and campaign for better stroke care.

We believe:
-strokes can and should be prevented
-everyone has the right to make the best recovery they can after stroke
-research has the power to save lives and ensure people make the best recovery they can.

These beliefs drive us forward to change the world for people affected by stroke.

We fund and support local and national service and ex service charities and improve the lives of ex service families locally.

Around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. They need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer.’ We’re the only charity dedicated to making this happen.

Alkaptonuria, also known as AKU or Black Bone Disease, is an extremely rare genetic condition, which can cause significant damage to the bones, cartilage and tissues of those affected. AKU normally only affects one in every 250,000 people worldwide. AKU is a recessive condition that is caused by a mutation of one chromosome, this means that if two people carry the faulty gene, their child still only has a 25% chance of developing AKU.

It causes a build-up of toxic acid in the body that eats away at the patient's bones, cartilage and tissue, turning them black and brittle – a process called ochronosis. This leads to a variety of life-changing disabilities. Patients develop early onset osteoarthritis, which leads to joint replacements and extreme pain.

Who Are We And What Do We Do..
I started the Birkett-Smith Animal Sanctuary six years ago on my smallholding in Dorset and formalised as a registered Charity two years after that in 2013. We are now the largest Sanctuary and Rehabilitation centre of it's kind in the UK. Here at The Sanctuary we provide forever homes for domestic, farm and wildlife animals. Most have behavioural issues, are aggressive, old, disabled, human scared etc. So we basically take in the animals that stand little or no chance of gaining homes let alone the security of a forever home and our experience now encompasses neurological disability and dysfunction, deafness, blindness and partial paralysis. Our 200 animals include dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, horses, all farm birds, emus and even a seagull! We are also one of the the very few UK sanctuaries that will take aggressive and fear aggressive dogs as we have a no kill policy full stop. We rehabilitate these animals as much as we can over time to enable them to achieve a happy life here at the sanctuary. I'm not classed as a rescue but I am a rescuer and that is the other side of our sanctuary.

At the end of 2014 I noticed that there was a huge gap in the system, dogs needed somewhere to recover. The poundies and the failed rescue dogs needed another option for another chance and in most cases a last chance. They needed a chance at living, a chance at rehab in order to be able to go into a home, some for the first time, some to start over and this is where the idea for SOS Havens was born. I had the space, I had the ability and the passion and I was already rehabilitating our sanctuary dogs so I extended my reach and opened the sanctuary to UK rescues. The SOS Havens give them a place of safety and a place where whatever their reactions they are accepted. A place where whatever their issues they are given time, time to link in and to enable them to face the world again but a new world under the protection of their rescues with lifetime RBU after rehab.

There are few dogs that can't be re-homed in time, there are some that could be but are safer due to their strength or issues to not go back into a domestic environment simply because thier safety can't be guaranteed but there are many more that can safely move into foster after rehab and continue their journey to their forever sofa. Unfortunately most of these dogs are beyond the remit of normal rescues and sadly many of them are put to sleep before they get the chance to mend. I work with these damaged dogs, along side my own sanctuary dogs to install faith in them and glue them all back together with love and care until they are whole again and to show the world that it is possible to undo what others have done to them. They leave here with new skills and thier rescues gain the knowledge needed to help them move onto the next step in thier journey. The SOS Havens have become a last chance for many, the final hope.

Due to the nature of the animals we have, their care can be intensive and very costly and it all takes time and volunteers and without our Birkett - Smith Family this would not be possible. So please support us in any way you can as we continue to grow and save lives and join us with our fundraising and projects as slowly one by one we take in animals to safety.

Joy Keys xx

We work in partnership with the Episcopal Church of South Sudan to provide scholarships to young people so that they can train as clinical officers, nurses, midwives, teachers and pastors. We help fund Primary Health care services and help to improve primary education by constructing new school classrooms.

The Daisy Garland is a family-run, national Children's charity working exclusively for children with drug resistant epilepsy. It was set up in September 2004 in memory of our daughter, Daisy, who died in her sleep from SUDEP (sudden unexpected Death in epilepsy patients) when she was 6 years old. We provide active support to some of the 18,000 children in the UK suffering from drug resistant epilepsy and their families. Our two main projects are to fund specially trained Daisy Garland Ketogenic Dietitians to work within NHS hospitals successfully treating children with drug resistant epilepsy. We also provide grants for night-time breathing monitors for use in the home keeping children with epilepsy safe at night while they sleep. For more information about the vital work that we do please visit our website at www.thedaisygarland.org.uk.

The Kepplewray Centre is an inclusive residential outdoor activity centre that offers adventure for all. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience outdoor adventure no matter what their ability. We tailor activity sessions to the needs and abilities of the participants and offer accommodation in an accessible building on the edge of The Lake District National Park.

The National Trust was founded in 1895 on the simple and enduring idea that people need historic, beautiful and natural places. They offer us perspective, escape, relaxation and a sense of identity. The natural world also gives us fresh air, clean water and clear seas.

We look after coastline, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, nature reserves, villages, historic houses, gardens, mills and pubs and one of the world's largest art collections. We rely on the support of our members, donors and volunteers to restore them, protect them and open them up to everyone to explore:
- 775 miles of coastline
- Over 248,000 hectares of land
- Over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments gardens and parks and nature reserves.
- Close to one million objects and works of art
The health of the countryside, protection of heritage and the wellbeing of people living in towns and cities is where the National Trust started. Looking after the places in our care now and in the future is our first responsibility, but our strategy over the next 10years is also about how we rise to the big challenges of the 21st century and how we work with others to …

- Play our part in restoring a healthy, beautiful, natural environment
- Offer experiences that move, teach and inspire
- Help to look after the places where people live

The Pulmonary Fibrosis trust is a UK charity run entirely by patients and carers to provide practical emotional and financial support to people living with PF.

The Rotary Club of Furness raises money through various fund raising activities, Street /Shop Collections ,Concerts, Raffles ,The Tour d Furness Bike Ride, Marshalling at events , etc, and then distributes it within the community by supporting local charities, projects and other needy causes .As part of a national and international organisation our charity work reaches across the globe

Every 3.5 seconds, someone in the world dies of sepsis. In the UK alone, 52,000 people lose their lives to sepsis every year. This is more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined. Globally, sepsis claims 6 million lives a year. Yet with early diagnosis it is easily treatable.
The UK Sepsis Trust exists to fight this life-threatening condition, stop preventable deaths and support those affected by sepsis

To advance the education of pupils in the School in particular by: Developing effective relationships between the staff parents and others associated with the school; Engaging in activities or providing facilities or equipment which support the School and advance the education of the pupils.

Trinity Hospice has been at the heart of the Fylde Coast for more than 30 years, providing exceptional care and support for people on the journey towards the end of life. Each year, our specialist nursing teams touch the lives of thousands - and we know more will call on us for help in the years to come.

We are a hospice without walls - helping people in their own homes as much as we do at our specialist facility in Bispham. Our family of services includes our In-Patient Unit, Day Therapy Unit, Hospice at Home, Clinical Nurse Specialist at home ad in the hospital, bereavement support through the Linden Centre and Brian House Children's Hospice.

Trinity is a charity and can only meet the needs of all who need us because of the generous help from our supporters. We get just a third of our total running costs from the government to help run our hospice services, which means we must fundraise to meet the £8 million we need each and every year.

The object of the Society is to educate the public in the dramatic and
operatic arts to further the development of public appreciation and
taste in the said arts (to assist and further such charitable
institutions and charitable purposes as the General committee shall from
time to time determine); and in furtherance of this object, but not
otherwise, the Society through its General Committee shall have the
following powers:

a) To promote plays, drama, comedies, operas, operettas and other
dramatic and operatic works of educative value.

b) To purchase, acquire and obtain interests in the copyright of or the
right to perform or show any such dramatic or operatic works.

c) To purchase or otherwise acquire plant, machinery, furniture,
fixtures, fittings, scenery and all other necessary effects.

d) To raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any person
or persons whatsoever by way of subscription, donation and otherwise;
provided that the Society shall not undertake any permanent trading
activities in raising funds.

e) To do all such other things as shall further the objects of the
Society

Ulverston is a small, friendly, community, cricket club, founded in 1849
We play our cricket at Priory Road in Ulverston.
We have two adult teams playing in The North Lancashire and Cumbria League and four junior teams in the Barrow and Furness District League. We are a ClubMark accredited club.
New players of any age and ability are always welcome.

Ulverston Orienteering Club is the Orienteering Club which was formerly run by UVHS. It is a Club for young people up to the age of 19 who want to progress with the sport of Orienteering. The Club sends teams to the Cumbria Schools and British Schools Orienteering Championships every year and every two years has had members selected for the World Schools Orienteering Championships - the most recent of those competitions was in April 2017 where 12 members of the Club were selected to represent England in the WSOC in Palermo, Sicily. The Club fund raises to provide training, kit and competition costs for its members.

Ulverston Resilience Group provides community support throughout the LA12 postcode area, including help for those affected by Covid-19, providing volunteers for events, and assisting the emergency services when responding to major incidents, such as flooding.

Unique Kidz & Co, founded in 2009 by two mums, is an OFSTED registered childcare service for disabled children, young adults and their families. Unable to find suitable childcare for their own disabled children, Jane & Denise created the charity which originally provided afterschool and holiday clubs for children aged 5-18. The charity has now extended it's services to include '4Ever Unique', which provides daytime support for young adults aged 16-25 and runs from its own building in Morecambe.
It is our mission to provide children with disabilities with the same opportunities as other children in a fun, friendly and stimulating environment.

Village hall for hire for events such as table top sales, bingo nights, birthday parties etc

VOLAAF is a parent led charity based in the West of Scotland Autism and Aspergers Centre, Station St, Renton.
We are a support service for families/carers with children who have been diagnosed with ASD or are going through the process.

We run youth clubs for the children including siblings and run support services for the parents. We have a very knowledgable committee who are available to help and offer advice on a wide range of topics. In addition we also run training events, outings and holiday playschemes.

making essential walk in available eye care to remote and deprived countries

Walney community centre was taken over by Leonard Cheshire Disability in 2016. Our aim is to make this a unto date hub for all the community to benefit from. Over the next 8 years we aim to develop the centre and bring it up to modern standards. There are already lots of groups such as karate, brownies, local college, dancing classes and much more that use the facility. We rely 100% on donations to do this.

Ambulance Service First Responders

We are an NHS Trust charity.

There are an estimated 18,000 unpaid carers in West Cumbria, caring for family members and friends who would not be able to manage without their support. Carers like 15 year old Kate who cares for her Mum who has depression and liver damage from alcohol abuse. Kate has to look after her young siblings and is struggling with her exams. Kate would like to go to university but is worried about leaving her family behind. Carers like Alan, who is 76 and cares for his wife Julie, who has dementia. Alan has arthritis and worries about leaving Julie alone to attend medical appointments. We support carers like Kate and Alan by providing breaks away from their caring roles. The money we receive from donations is used to fund trips and breaks for our carers. We organise activities such as ice skating for young carers and relaxation courses for adult carers. We are able to provide information and advice to carers in the form of benefits clinics, informal training courses and other general advice.

Red squirrel conservation in SE Cumbria, including removing threats to their survival and public education in the need for urgent action to prevent their extinction.

The charity grants wishes for children with life threatening and terminal illnesses. These range from family holidays, meeting celebrities, and of course, seeing the real Santa!

we provide our wounded warriors with the skills to achieve an exciting rewarding and sustainable future for many years to come in civil aviation