Passionate volunteers are being sought to help lead £60m of investment in Cumberland communities.
This follows the appointment of independent Chairs to lead boards of local representatives who will decide how to spend the money from central government’s Pride in Place programme.
Annalee Holliday is Chair of the Neighbourhood Board for Flimby, Ellenborough and Broughton Moor, and Florence Hanlon-Bone is the Chair for the Kells, Mirehouse and Woodhouse board. Pride in Place funding has also been awarded to the Raffles and Morton area, where a Chair will be appointed soon.
Each has £20m to spend over the next ten years on projects which build communities, create thriving places, and empower people to take control.
There is no single ‘type’ of person being sought, and applications are encouraged by people from all backgrounds. Board members must be over 18, have a strong connection to the area, and be committed to positive change.
There are likely to be in-person meetings once a month, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid.
Ms Holliday, who lives in Maryport, is Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, and a trustee with the Francis Scott Trust. She said:
“I’ve worked alongside communities to secure funding and support resident‑led decision‑making, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be when people are trusted to lead.
"Local people will set priorities, guide investment and shape what change looks like here. As Chair, I’m keen to ensure all voices are heard, so the programme genuinely reflects the whole community.
"This is a real opportunity to build confidence, strengthen connections and invest in things that will make a lasting difference, so residents can say, “This is my community, I’m proud of where I live, and I helped make that happen.”"
Ms Hanlon-Bone, who is Associate Director at Mace Consult, is from Whitehaven, and brings extensive experience in regeneration and place-based programmes. She said:
"I’m keen that Pride in Place delivers real, visible change for our community, not more of the same.
"This means working differently, with the community leading the conversation and ensuring decisions translate into clear, tangible improvements people can see and feel in the area."
Cllr Justin McDermott, Cumberland’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Communities, added:
“It is great to see the Pride in Place process moving forward. I'm delighted we have appointed two committed and enthusiastic Chairs and now local people have the opportunity to get involved. We want a real mix of people on the boards - it would be good to see people who don't normally engage with this kind of project, or who feel their voice is rarely heard."
Pride in Place funding is awarded by the UK government, and Cumberland Council is the accountable body responsible for administering the process and delivering the investment, through the Neighbourhood Boards. Each board must include their local MP, a ward councillor, and a varied and representative group of members.
The Pride in Place programme is aimed at areas of deprivation and weak social infrastructure, with populations of around 10,000. It celebrates the power of people and partnerships, bringing together residents, MPs, councils, businesses and community organisations.
Each Neighbourhood Board will lead the community in producing a 10-year vision, and set out how it will be delivered. They will also see how further investment could be leveraged in to increase the impact.
The projects will begin to be delivered in Spring 2027.
To find out more about becoming a board member in one of the three Pride in Place areas, and to apply, visit : Pride in Place programme | Cumberland Council