The Cumberland Cares Co-operative

A person in a wheelchair with another person standing next to them.

Local care and support delivered by local people

Do you have an idea that could become a small business that provides care for others or helps people stay well? Maybe you have experience working in care and you're looking to start your own micro-enterprise?

The Cumberland Cares Co-operative is a new programme that helps people across Cumberland to build their skills and talents into thriving small enterprises that support and care for people in their communities.

Helping people lead full, connected and respected lives, members of the Co-operative are supported to turn their ideas into thriving small businesses that contribute to the health and wellbeing of their customers.

Delivered locally by our experienced and friendly team, we're here to help you and your enterprise get started and stay thriving, with coaching, training, peer support and practical guidance.

Take a look below to find out more or get in touch by:

Calling: 01228 474805
Emailing: [email protected]

Help getting started

Starting a micro-enterprise can feel daunting, but as a member of The Cumberland Cares Co-operative, you won't be doing it alone. We're here to support you every step of the way, turning your ideas into thriving, person-centred services.

We help local people with a passion for care to:

Shape your vision
Build strong foundations
Launch a micro-enterprise with confidence.

Our role doesn't just stop once a micro-enterprise is set up and running. Our team stay connected, offering continued support and opportunities to share learning with others across the Co-operative.

A person in a wheelchair is being helped by another person.

Help to grow your enterprise

Once you have launched your enterprise, as a member of The Cumberland Cares Co-operative, you will continue to have access to our support to help you grow your business and to help you grow as an entrepreneur.

Whether it's help navigating your first 'end-of-year' accounts, guidance and tools to promote your enterprise or you're looking to further develop your skills through training and need help finding courses or qualifications; we'll be here to help your business reach its potential.

Your Enterprise Coach will get to know your enterprise, and get to know you and your goals; they will be there, only a phone call or message away, to help when you need it.

A woman and another woman in the garden.

Who can get involved?

The Cumberland Cares Co-operative is open to anyone living in Cumberland who is:

Looking to start their own care or wellbeing micro-enterprise that can positively impact the lives of people living in Cumberland, or
Already operate an established care or wellbeing micro-enterprise that's already supporting local people to receive care or stay well

If you have the skills and commitment to create and run your own enterprise that can respond to the needs of your customers, and make a positive difference in your community, The Co-operative is ready to help.

You don't need to have ran a business before; you don't need to have degrees in business; what you need is commitment, kindness and the belief that small businesses can make big differences.

If that's you, get in touch.