The significant funding, managed by Cumbria Youth Alliance, will bolster wellbeing, education, training, and employment opportunities for young individuals. The fund enables young people to cover costs for professional courses, interview attire, gym memberships, and creative pursuits.
A substantial contribution of £50,000 came from Sellafield’s Programme and Project Partners (PPP), including KBR, Amentum, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock. Sellafield Ltd matched this donation, amplifying the impact.
Further financial backing was provided by a wide array of supply chain partners: Alpha Engineering Ltd, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick, Careys, DSD Construction, G&A M Lawson, The Halcyon Club, Solomons Europe, March, NG Bailey, Sir Robert McAlpine, William Hare Ltd, and William King Construction.
Steve Harnwell, Sellafield Ltd interim projects director, stated, "Every young person deserves the chance to achieve their potential, whatever challenges they have faced. The stories we heard at last year’s Rising As Me event stayed with us. We knew we wanted to help. Raising enough money to fund more than three years of support is a fantastic achievement. It shows what can happen when organisations work together behind a shared purpose. It also shows the value of investing in the communities where we live and work."
The fundraising initiative was inspired by the Rising As Me event, hosted by Cumberland Council and Cumbria Youth Alliance, where care-experienced young people shared their experiences and the impact of targeted support. Initially, PPP committed to funding one year of the Enrichment Fund, a target now surpassed thanks to the collective effort.
This achievement highlights the power of collaborative action and the positive difference the nuclear community can make beyond its operational boundaries, enabling care-experienced young people to access new opportunities and realise their potential.
Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council and Executive Member for Children and Family Wellbeing and Housing, commented, "We see every day the difference that the right support at the right time can make. Thanks to the generosity of Sellafield Ltd, PPP and our supply chain partners, more care-experienced young people will have the chance to overcome barriers, build confidence and take positive steps towards independence. This is about more than funding. It shows young people that their ambitions matter and that their community believes in them."
