Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment

11/05/2026

Today is the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. We’re shouting loudly that great mental health care isn't just clinical, it's human. It’s the kind voice at the end of the phone when you’re worried about rent and too unwell to work. It’s the adviser who listens actively, rather than waiting for their turn to speak. And it's you reminding friends and loved ones that these contact details can save lives. Please share 💙

11/05/2026

💚 Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 💚

This week is an important reminder to check in with ourselves and with the people around us. Mental health affects us all, and talking openly can help break down stigma and remind people they are not alone.

At Step Forward, we see every day how powerful support, connection and understanding can be. Whether it’s through conversation, volunteering, employment opportunities or simply being there for someone, small steps can make a big difference.

✨ Prioritise your wellbeing
✨ Be kind to yourself
✨ Reach out if you need support
✨ Check in on someone you care about

Let’s continue creating communities where people feel heard, supported and able to step forward 💙

08/05/2026

💚 Volunteer with Oxfam in Carlisle 💚

Step Forward is excited to share a range of volunteering opportunities with Oxfam Bookshop Carlisle. Whether you’re looking to gain retail experience, learn new skills, or support a global charity, there’s something for everyone.

There are a variety of roles available, including Till Volunteers, Stock Volunteers, Ecommerce Volunteers, and opportunities for under 18s. You could be serving customers, operating the till, keeping the shop organised, sorting and pricing donated stock or helping list items online and dispatch orders. These roles are a great way to build confidence, customer service skills, and hands-on retail experience.

For those with specific interests, there are also specialist roles available. These include working with books (including antiquarian), fashion and vintage clothing, jewellery, homeware, music (vinyl and CDs), coins and stamps, linen, and accessories. If you have a passion or knowledge in a particular area, this is a great way to put it to use.

Volunteering with Oxfam is especially valuable if you’re interested in a future in retail, as you’ll gain practical, transferable skills that can support a wide range of careers.

Applications are encouraged through Oxfam’s online portal, which can be completed on a phone or computer. If needed, a shorter expression of interest form is also available.

To apply or find out more about the Carlisle Book Shop, visit:
https://volunteering.oxfam.org.uk/opportunities/results? =13147

📍 Location:
Carlisle Oxfam Shop
17 Bank Street
Carlisle, CA3 8HG
🚌(Easily Accessible by Public Transport)

📞 Phone: 01228 523450
📧 Email: oxfamshopf0325@oxfam.org.uk

Step Forward encourages anyone interested to take a look and explore how you could get involved.

07/05/2026

💼 New Career Opportunity 💼

We’re sharing a fantastic opportunity from Lakes College in partnership with Mitie supporting recruitment for Civilian Guard Force roles at Sellafield.

This week-long programme will help you build the skills and confidence you need, including:
✔️ Interview preparation
✔️ Application support
✔️ Confidence building
✔️ Customer service skills
✔️ Professional behaviour

📍 Lakes College, Workington
🗓 Starting Monday 1st June
🚗 Travel reimbursement available

At the end of the programme, you’ll have the chance to meet with Mitie for an interview and discuss your next steps.

If you’re interested or would like to find out more:
📧 teamrestart@lcwc.ac.uk

This could be a great step towards a new career 👏

06/05/2026

At the beginning of April, Shelley visited the wonderful Year 13 students at St Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven to chat with them about Step Forward and the support we offer.

It was a great opportunity to share information about volunteering, employment pathways and the different ways Step Forward can support people as they move into their next steps.

A big thank you to the lovely Ms Sewell for welcoming Shelley and making her feel so welcome. Shelley really enjoyed meeting the students and sharing what we do 💙

05/05/2026

We are so proud of our Brilliant Admin Officer Bryany! The team are so lucky to have you, and we are honoured to have been part of your journey. You have worked hard to achieve everything and we know you will continue to grow 💙💜💚

05/05/2026

💙 NHS Volunteer Opportunity – Patient Experience Volunteer (Carlisle) 💙

Step Forward would like to highlight another volunteering opportunity with North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The Trust is looking for Patient Experience Volunteers to help gather valuable feedback from patients and carers. Understanding people’s experiences is a top priority for the NHS, helping services learn what they are doing well and where improvements can be made.

In this role, volunteers will speak with patients in inpatient wards and outpatient areas at Cumberland Infirmary, asking if they would like to share their feedback. You may help patients complete short surveys using an iPad or paper forms, collect completed surveys, and check patient information displayed in wards and departments to make sure it is up to date.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within the NHS while helping ensure patient voices are heard and services continue to improve.

📍 Location:
Cumberland Infirmary
Newtown Road
Carlisle, CA2 7HY

📅 Closing date: 4 May 2026

To find out more or apply, visit:
https://beta.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9262-26-0631?location=Carlisle&distance=30&searchByLocationOnly=true&language=en&sort=distance&page=2

If you have questions about the role, you can contact Justine Williams, Patient Experience Facilitator, at Justine.Williams@ncic.nhs.uk
or call 01228 814008.

If you’re working with Step Forward, you can also let us know during your next session and we can take a look at the opportunity together.

04/05/2026

📢 Job Opportunity – Employment Specialist

We’re sharing a new opportunity with Inspira for an Employment Specialist supporting people into sustainable work.

📍 Locations: Barrow-in-Furness / Carlisle / Workington
💷 Salary: Up to £30,000 per year
⏰ Hours: 37 hours per week
📄 Contract: Permanent

In this role you will support individuals facing health conditions or barriers to employment by providing tailored guidance using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

Key responsibilities include:
• Providing structured 1-to-1 employment support
• Career planning, job matching and vocational profiling
• Supporting participants and employers with job retention
• Managing a caseload of participants
• Building relationships with local employers and community organisations

This role would suit someone passionate about helping people move into and stay in meaningful employment.

👉 Find out more or apply here:
https://www.inspira.me.uk/who-we-are/job/employment-specialist-job-ref-250

📩 Alternatively, applicants can send their CV and covering letter to: hr@inspira.org.uk, or if you are working with Step Forward, let us know you are interested during your next session and we can have a look together!

02/05/2026

🌟 🌟

We usually spend our Saturdays shining a light on the incredible organisations making a difference across Cumbria… but this week, we’re turning the spotlight on ourselves 💛

Today, we’re proud to highlight Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment!

Step Forward is all about supporting individuals across Cumbria living alongside mental health experiences to build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards volunteering and employment. We work closely with people to help them move forward at their own pace, providing guidance, encouragement and opportunities in a supportive environment.

Through our work, we aim to break down barriers, create pathways, and empower people to feel valued, capable and ready for what’s next.

Being part of Cumbria CVS means we’re also connected to a wider network of organisations, opportunities, and support — helping us make an even greater impact across our communities.

If you’d like to find out more about what we do, take a look here:
👉 https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/about-us/step-forward/

Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting each week — celebrating the amazing work happening across Cumbria.

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

We hope you all find time to do something you enjoy over the bank holiday weekend 💜💚💙

After today, the Step Forward Team will be away until Tuesday! If you need support in that time, here's where to turn 👇