The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is supporting the Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC) with over £275,000 of funding to help provide some of the most vulnerable people across West Cumbria with a wide range of support.

Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC) at Cleator Moor has secured £577,000 in grant funding for its new Digital Access, Advice, Food and Support (DAAFS).

The project is also being supported by Copeland Community Fund, Cumbria County Council and Copeland Borough Council.

This three-year project is set to provide some of the most vulnerable people across West Cumbria with a wide range of support from PEC’s three I.T. Centres in Whitehaven, Cleator Moor and Millom, where residents will be able to access:

• A qualified, quality assured Advice and Guidance service.
• Free access to computers and the internet to search, apply for, and maintain Benefits and Jobs.
• Referrals to a range of Partner Organisations (Citizens Advice Copeland, Credit Unions, Social Prescribers etc).
• Access to The Food Pantry which provides weekly food deliveries to people in financial distress.

PEC aims to tackle economic deprivation and unemployment in West Cumbria and provide business start-up advice, workspace, office accommodation, provision of welfare support and support regeneration activities.

Joanne Crowe, Executive Director at PEC, said: “On behalf of PEC’s Board of Directors I want to convey my sincere thanks to our funders for their support. Securing three years of funding enables us to deliver, and further develop, vital services across Copeland.”

The NDA is tasked with safely and securely decommissioning the nation’s oldest nuclear sites, removing the burden for future generations, with care for the communities and the environment.

NDA Director of Socio-Economics, and former Copeland MP, Jamie Reed said: “We care about our communities which is why we are proud to support Phoenix Enterprise Centre.

“From helping people to get back into employment and providing debt management advice to arranging access to supplies for those in food poverty, now more than ever this project is a vital lifeline.

“We invest around £15m each year in our site communities, delivering a positive and long-lasting legacy for future generations.”