The proportion of older people living within The Melbreak Communities is much higher than for Cumbria as a whole and reflects both the ageing population and the attractiveness of the area as a retirement destination. From its conception the Melbreak Communities (TMC) has been keen to support and encourage young people within the area.
Description of the bursary
TMC allocate £200 per annum for an educational bursary for a young person living within The Melbreak Communities area.
TMC take a view of education in its widest sense. In previous years we have awarded the bursary to a variety of young people e.g.
- travel and taking part in voluntary work abroad as part of World Challenge scheme
- doing a major endurance run and publicising the stories of people met on the way who were impacted by climate change
- working on a community poetry trail in Scale Wood in conjunction with the National Trust.
- needing IT storage equipment as part of a Performing Arts course
The bursary is advertised locally. Young people are able to discuss their idea with a member of the Steering Group and are asked to put their idea in writing to be discussed at the next Steering Group meeting. The young person is asked to share with the community what they have used the money for. This may be in the form of a report, slideshow, artistic work, talking with community members at a social event or other way to be agreed with the Steering Group.
Criteria
- A young person should be aged between 5 and 25 years and live within the parishes of Blindbothel, Buttermere, Lorton or Loweswater
- A maximum allocation of £200 is available for a young person
- The bursary is allocated on a one-off basis, a second request from a young person who has previously received it will not be considered
- The bursary is not means tested
If you would like to apply for the Young Persons Bursary please contact Pip Wise on 07729004943 or email: pip.wise@hotmail.co.uk
Pip Wise November 2026
