About Us
The Northern Fells Group took over from the Northern Fells Rural Project (NFRP) in November 2002. This was one of HRH The Prince of Wales's three 'Rural Revival Projects'. He launched NFRP in Caldbeck in November 1999. Undoubtedly, we would not be where we are now without the Prince and we are extremely grateful to him.
The Group has three paid part time Co-ordinators: the Group Co-ordinator (20 hours a week), the Minibus Co-ordinator (10 hours a week), the Lend a Hand Co-ordinator (10 hours a week) and a Benefits Worker (5 hours a week).
The Minibus Service began in 1999 and enables people of all ages to get around in an area that lacks an effective public transport system. The Lend a Hand Service, Benefits Awareness Service, and Youth activities have been equally effective.
The Services all depend on a willing band of volunteers with 26 voluntary Minibus drivers, 19 Lend a Hand volunteers, and another 47 volunteers who help to run Mosedale Coffee Shop to raise funds for the Group in July and August each year.
The Group currently runs the following services:
- Core administration, research, development and fundraising
- The Minibus Service provides a flexible, accessible door to door service for people of any age without their own transport and does group outings
- The Lend a Hand Group provides neighbourly support to people who are ill or disabled, and to their carers
- The Youth Initiative runs a range of activities including cycling, first aid for baby sitters, art, craft, music and sport as well as networking with local, county and national youth schemes
- The Benefits Awareness Scheme, part of the Lend a Hand Group, assists the elderly, people with disabilities, carers, and people on low incomes
- Parish based lunch groups
- Tai-Chi for older people
- Friday Drop In at Millhouse (weekly coffee morning)
- Support of other organizations such as the First Responders.
Also see: Management and Committee | Awards