M&S Carlisle

We are a small catholic school on the outskirts of Carlisle serving the community of Botcherby and the wider area. We would very much like to help our parents, carers and members of the community to come together to have meals or take food packages home during this time of food crisis. Many of our families regularly use the local food bank and in addition to that we make up food parcels for families over the school holidays.

James Rennie is a 4 to 19 special school for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties, many of whom have additional needs such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, medical needs and so on. Our charity is the James Rennie School Parents, Teachers and Friends Association and we aim to provide and pay for fun activities and experiences which are over and above the school curriculum. Some examples of the things we aim to provide for the pupils are a Christmas party with a visit from Father Christmas and a Christmas present for every student in school. We organise residential and outdoor experiences such as canoeing, climbing, sailing, cycling and walking. Theatre trips and touring companies bring their productions into school. We recently had a celebration event linked to the Rio Olympics where we employed a dancer from the Matthew Bourne ballet company in London for a day to work with our pupils and teaching them how to salsa. The day culminated with them performing their dance with a local samba band. It was amazing to see their enjoyment and in particular the response of 1 autistic pupil who doesn't normally join in with whole school activities respond to the beat of the music and dance right in front of the band. Within school we offer a varied, fun and challenging curriculum but we also need to provide additional events that allow the pupils to challenge themselves, become more confident in new and different situations and try new experiences. This year one of our aims is to take every pupil in school to visit a city other than Carlisle and use public transport to develop their independence. Your support is helping us to achieve this aim - thank you!

The Rock Youth Project – Currock At The Rock Youth Project in Currock, Carlisle, we believe every young person deserves a safe space to belong, grow, and be heard. Since 2007, we’ve provided free youth sessions for ages 7–19, offering support, friendship, and opportunities that help young people build confidence and hope for the future. The Rock is open five nights a week and completely free of charge ensuring no one is excluded. We welcome children and young people from Currock, Upperby, Petteril Bank, and surrounding areas, creating an inclusive community where everyone is valued. Our sessions combine fun, learning, and life skills. From sports and games to creative arts, cooking, and digital activities, everything we do encourages teamwork, communication, and self-belief. We also provide free, healthy meals at every session, bringing young people together around food and teaching them the importance of good nutrition and shared responsibility. The Rock is more than a youth club it’s a lifeline for many young people who might otherwise have nowhere safe to go. It’s a place to laugh, learn, and connect. A place where young people can explore who they are, discover new strengths, and realise what they’re capable of. Our team of dedicated youth workers and volunteers create a positive, welcoming environment where every young person feels supported. We help them build essential life skills, find new passions, and develop the confidence to make positive choices for their future. A typical week at The Rock includes juniors’ and seniors’ sessions at our Scalegate Road site on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, a Tuesday juniors’ session at Upperby Community Hall, and a Thursday session for home-educated young people. Each session offers a mix of fun, creativity, and learning shaped by the ideas and interests of the young people themselves. We also run projects that teach healthy eating, basic cooking skills, and outdoor learning, as well as residential trips that build teamwork and resilience. Everything we offer is free, removing barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Our impact reaches far beyond our walls. We work closely with local schools, families, and community partners to support young people’s wellbeing and development. Many tell us The Rock has helped them find purpose, build friendships, and stay on positive paths. Our vision is simple but powerful: to continue offering free, high-quality youth work in a space that reflects the worth and potential of every young person who walks through our doors. We’re currently developing our facilities to create an even better environment for learning, creativity, and growth. Supporting The Rock means investing in young people in their safety, confidence, and futures. Every donation, partnership, and act of kindness helps us keep providing warm meals, creative opportunities, outdoor adventures, and life-changing experiences.