Fund Team

Emma joined the Fund in October 2015 as Fund Manager, utilising her experience in the voluntary and public sector.

Emma started her career in local government with Newcastle City Council’s Leisure Services gaining experience in a number of roles. This culminated in a role as a Senior Development Officer managing the delivery of citywide projects with local, regional and national outputs.

This was followed by two years spent with a national charity in a regional community fundraising role covering the North of England and Scotland.

Emma has a Degree in Sport Science and Masters in Sport & Leisure Management.

Emma enjoys time with her children; taking advantage of living in the Lake District and the amazing walks available.

Helen joined the Fund in October 2014 as a Community Development Worker.

Helen started her career as a mental health support worker with Impact Housing Association and then as a residential social worker for Cumbria County Council.
Helen progressed to health/social care and youth sector charity management before working for Cumbria CVS for many years as a Development Officer. Her specialisms there were volunteering, training, health/social care and education based projects.

Helen has a Degree in Education and postgraduate Diploma in Management. Since joining the Fund she has gained a qualification in Project Management and recently completed a Certificate in Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement with the University of Cumbria.

She is local to Whitehaven and enjoys family, community life and gardening.

Paula joined the Fund in April 2010 as a Community Development Worker – now Projects Coordinator. She has worked with a number of groups developing projects, sourcing funding for large and small projects throughout the borough.

Since joining the Fund she has gained qualifications in Fundraising and Project Management, putting that knowledge and skills ls into practice on a wide-range of projects.

Paula really enjoys travelling around the Borough and seeing projects she has worked on really making a difference to the local community. Hosting the annual Volunteer Events is the real highlight of the working year for Paula as it links the Fund up with volunteers who make such a significant contribution.

She enjoys participating and spectating sport locally – having a real passion for netball and the general great outdoors. Paula has held a range voluntary netball positions within the Copeland Netball League and Cumbria Netball. She plays for Wild Mustangs locally and for Copeland in the Cumbria Premier League. In June 2013 she received a Regional Golden Globe Award for services to Netball.

Julie joined the Fund in July 2016 as a Grants Officer after undertaking various roles within local government and the housing sector.

Julie’s most recent role was as PA to the Chief Executive of Copeland Borough Council for over 6 years where she undertook various administrative tasks. This role required excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. Utilising these skills and Julie’s experience in finance analysis Julie currently works in a grants administration role for the Fund and enjoys supporting local projects.

Julie has lived in Whitehaven all her life as has her family and was educated at Overend Secondary School, Whitehaven and then West Cumbria College, Whitehaven.

Julie has a BTEC in Business Studies and various higher level typing qualifications.

Claire joined the Fund in September 2015 as a Grants Officer from previous roles within the public sector including the NHS and Local Authority and has significant experience in Performance & Information Analysis and Finance.

Her knowledge and skills include financial analysis, databases and a community focus.

She enjoys working with applicants and seeing community plans/ideas become a reality.

Claire loves living so close to the Lakes and enjoys travelling.

Kimberley is one of the most longstanding members of the Fund team and has been with the Fund since it was created in April 2010.

With her previous experience in grants and monitoring for West Lakes Renaissance, the forerunner to Britain’s Energy Coast, she brings significant skills and knowledge to her role as Grants Officer for the Copeland Community Fund; appraising small grant applications and monitoring the reporting of these grants.

Kimberley has a Degree in Business Management from the University of Cumbria.

Kimberley is local to Whitehaven and is married with a young family.