Last updated at 16:18, Friday, 20 July 2012

Successes of an organisation helping some of a community’s most needy have been highlighted in an awards nomination.

Cumbria Gateway: Its work with people involved in substance abuse has seen it nominated for a CN Group award

Carlisle-based Cumbria Gateway has been put forward in the social enterprise category of the CN Group Business Awards.

It works to support people recovering from problems including substance and alcohol misuse, helping them gain a sense of purpose, increased self-esteem and to build relationships.

The group’s nomination states: “This is the city’s only peer-led recovery facility that offers supported housing, recovery centre and training voluntary /employment opportunities to its clients. It will become self-sufficient through rented flats, contracts and a shop.

“The facility provides clients with a range of services that teachers them necessary life skills.

“This collaborative approach to empowerment is the keystone to developing self-sufficiency in the clients.”

Appleby Chamber of Trade, meanwhile, has been nominated in the same section.

It has bought four electric bikes for visitors to get around on during the busy summer season and can be used by local people in winter. Money made from hiring the bikes out is used by the chamber to support community initiatives, such as Appleby’s Christmas lights. The chamber also hopes to do its bit to help the environment by cutting the number of people in cars. Its nomination states: “It is early days and we have not been blessed with good weather since the scheme started in April.

“Despite this, we are generating a constant stream of interest in this unique scheme in the Eden Valley.”

The CN Business Awards are organised by CN Group, publishers of The Cumberland News.

The awards, in association with Barclays and Invest in Cumbria, acknowledge the achievements of business in Cumbria.

They will be presented at Rheged, near Penrith, in October.

All shortlisted entries will receive coverage in CN Group newspapers and websites.

To see a list of categories or to apply, go to www.cnbusinessawards.co.uk or call Alison Sisson on 01228 612617.

First published at 15:40, Friday, 20 July 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk