A summer of positive community action is planned, as Cumberland's Operation Respect events return.
Cumberland Council’s Local Focus Hubs will bring residents, partners and services together at three amazing free events designed to build pride in communities.
Local Focus Hubs include the council, police, housing providers and voluntary organisations. They work together to reduce antisocial behaviour, improve safety and strengthen neighbourhood connections.
Activities at the Operation Respect events will include community clean-ups, sport, games, food, advice and the chance to meet the organisations who support the area.
The events will run from 10am until 2.30pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday, 22 July – Hammond’s Pond, Carlisle
- Thursday, 23 July – Westfield Estate, Workington
- Thursday, 30 July – Mill Hill, Cleator Moor
The events offer residents a mix of fun activities alongside practical help with wellbeing, finances and other everyday concerns. Crucially, they are also an opportunity to raise issues directly, in an informal setting, with agencies such as the police, council, housing providers and community organisations.
Social housing providers host the events – Home in Cleator Moor, Westfield Housing Association in Workington and Riverside in Carlisle – supported by Copeland, Allerdale or Carlisle Local Focus Hubs.
Cumberland Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Communities, Councillor Justin McDermott, said:
“I am looking forward to another summer of community spirit with Operation Respect. These events are completely free and as well as offering great family activities, they are an opportunity to make connections with service providers such as the council, police and social landlords. This means putting real, human faces to these organisations, who are part of our communities and help keep us safe every day.
"There will also be a ton of practical help and advice on offer, plus a chance to clean up the area and dispose of waste - and a lot of fun! Do come along and make the most of it."
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Richard Smillie from Cumberland Basic Command Unit said “Operation Respect continue to be a success, and we are pleased to be able to support this summer’s events across Cumberland.
“These events provide valuable opportunities for residents to engage directly with their local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and partner organisations — to seek advice, raise concerns and talk through the issues that matter most to their communities.
“We remain committed to a strong partnership approach, working closely with organisations both within and beyond our local focus hubs to respond to concerns and help build safer, more connected neighbourhoods”