A charity which helps long-term unemployed and people ‘far from the jobs market’ to find employment has launched a new initiative – and is asking for support from the business community.
Cleator Moor-based Goodlives helps people to find the skills they need to get back into the world of work, or to enter it for the first time.
For the last six months the team has piloted a project using a £5,000 donation from leading engineering firm, Forth, which has helped fund a 12-week cookery programme for local people, teaching them lifelong cooking skills, improving health and wellbeing and creating lasting social connections.
Following the success of this trial, the charity has launched a campaign – called Support their Skills – to get more businesses involved in funding its life-changing work which benefits people living in Cleator Moor and surrounding areas.
Karen Jones, Goodlives’ Managing Director, says: “Forth sponsored our food and nutrition tutor to deliver some essential skills sessions with our service users.
“The donation has had a real – and what we believe will be a lasting – impact on some people in our communities who really struggle to get a job or haven’t had access to employment opportunities.
“The skills they have learned are transferrable into certain jobs, but they are also essential life skills that will improve their general wellbeing and quality of life.
“We’re now asking for support from the wonderful businesses that make up the communities of West Cumbria. All contributions will make a difference and help us to support those who need it most.
“This is a good way for businesses to get their Social Value Impact. At the end of it they’ll get a report of how their money was spent and how many people benefited. And it’s tax-deductible because it’s a donation.”
Goodlives transforms the lives of individuals and families in numerous ways, including job search support, therapeutic support, and a confidence, assertiveness and empowerment programme.
Karen is happy for businesses to pay any amount that will allow Goodlives to help those who need help, over whatever timescale they like. Businesses can specify which programme their donation is spent on.
The idea of funding part of Goodlives’ work for a certain period came from Forth’s Chief Executive Mark Telford, who is also chairman of Goodlives’ board of trustees.
Forth is one of the largest privately owned engineering companies in Cumbria, specialising in creating and delivering advanced technology solutions. During its 25th anniversary year in 2025 the company aimed to raise £25,000 for Goodlives and raised close to £30,000.
Mark said: “Goodlives does amazing work across West Cumbria. At Forth we try to give something back to the community. Helping long-term unemployed people and those the furthest from the job market through Goodlives is a great way to do that. I hope other businesses will see the rewards in helping others and feel the satisfaction it brings to themselves.
“The cookery programme aims to have a lasting impact on those who attended. It’s about educating people about nutrition, what food groups exist and the benefits of including them in your diet and explains how adopting cooking habits can have a long-lasting positive impact on them and their families.”
Karen added: “Any funding we get from businesses will enable us to reach more people. We helped 206 last year, and 70 per cent of them went on to employment, volunteering as a way into employment, or training.
“What we do works. The biggest thing is believing in somebody. When you believe in somebody that increases their confidence. And once they’ve got their confidence, anything is possible.”
Some ways that donations to Goodlives can change lives
£25 – Provides the ingredients for a food and nutrition session, helping people learn to cook healthy, affordable meals while building independence and confidence in the kitchen.
£100 – Replaces essential kitchen equipment such as chopping boards, blenders and saucepans, ensuring Goodlives’ food and nutrition sessions remain safe, engaging and fully equipped.
£250 – Provides branded high-visibility clothing for community litter-picking volunteers, helping them stay safe while promoting community pride and the Goodlives mission.
£500 – Enables a group of participants to visit a local employer, broadening their understanding of different careers, inspiring ambition, and helping them prepare for future employment.
£1,000 – Invests in staff development through specialist training, such as first aid, social media, or professional development, ensuring the Goodlives’ team continues to deliver high-quality support.
£5,000 – Funds a 12-week cookery programme for up to 10 participants, equipping them with lifelong cooking skills, improving health and wellbeing, and creating lasting social connections.
£10,000 – Provides one-to-one therapeutic support for 20 learners experiencing significant challenges, helping them improve their mental wellbeing, build resilience, and overcome barriers to education, employment and independent living.
