Community Catalysts are a social enterprise working across the UK to try to make sure that people who need care and support to live their lives can get help in ways, times and places that suit them, with real choice of attractive local options. They help local people use their energies and talents to deliver sustainable community enterprises that can support other local people, creating jobs and volunteering opportunities.

They are running a new and exciting project in the South Lakes (Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Grange-Over-Sands), in partnership with Cumbria County Council, following the successes of the project in North Allerdale. The project aims to stimulate the development and growth of community enterprises that provide a wide range of help and support for older and disabled people at home. People can choose to offer care and support at home such as cleaning, help to dress and wash, cooking, dog walking, trips out or they may want to offer support in their community, like an inclusive yoga class, digital support sessions or whatever their community needs.

The local Community Catalyst supports people through their free development programme to get set up working for themselves as a small community enterprise. Supporting people to follow the right rules and regulations, market their offer, access training to increase skill level, and feel part of a community of other entrepreneurs.

The development programme can:

• Offer people a friendly and supportive point of contact to explore ideas
•  Support people to develop their community enterprise
•  Give people practical information on regulation, training and opportunities in the health and social care sector
• Direct people to other organisations who can help

The support provided by the programme allows people to use their skills to support their community and earn an income. People can:

• Work for themselves
• Work locally
• Choose their own hours
• Set a fair rate of pay
• Help others and provide support they can be proud of

The South Lakes project and development programme is coordinated by their Community Catalyst- Jade Gibson, for more information contact Jade Gibson on 07435 943933 or email at jade.gibson@communitycatalysts.co.uk