People First Independent Advocacy

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People First Independent Advocacy People First is an independent charity, providing advocacy, training, education, skills development and support services.

We help those in need to understand their rights and options and support them to make their own choices. People First is an independent customer-led organisation that has worked in Cumbria for over 25 years. We have a deep understanding of the area, our communities and the unique challenges. We are the largest provider of Advocacy in Cumbria, supporting thousands of people every year to have their voices heard and helping them to live their best lives. Our independence is very important to us, we are not run or controlled by any other service. We are a passionate organisation which dedicates itself to representing people’s views, we are dynamic and courageous and not afraid to stand up and be counted.

23/10/2026

Confidence has a funny way of growing. You build it in one area of your life, and before you know it, it starts to ripple into others.

That’s something we’ve seen with Morgan through our Travelling with Confidence programme. Learning to travel more independently hasn’t just been about getting from A to B. It’s helped build Morgan’s confidence, freedom and belief in what he can do and how he speaks up for himself and those around him.

And that growing confidence is a huge part of why Morgan was named our Self Advocacy Award winner 2026. 👏

A big thank you to the University of Cumbria for sponsoring the Self Advocacy Award and helping us celebrate just how far Morgan has come 🫶

📢 We're Hiring: Head of CommunicationsAre you a strategic communications leader who can shape reputation, influence chan...
21/10/2026

📢 We're Hiring: Head of Communications

Are you a strategic communications leader who can shape reputation, influence change, and amplify the voices of people and communities?

People First is seeking a Head of Communications to lead our communications team, develop a dynamic communications strategy, and help drive impact across both People First and The Well Communities. The role offers the opportunity to work across charity, health, recovery, and social impact sectors while helping to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

📅 Closing date: 5pm, 13 November 2026
🔗 Apply now: https://bit.ly/HOC-Recruit

21/10/2026

There’s no ‘I’ in team… and William definitely got the memo. Our Team Player Award is all about recognising someone who understands that sometimes the best thing you can do is lend a hand, support the people around you and play your part.

This year, that person was William 🥳
And William is a brilliant example of why giving and receiving help matters. Take a look at his story.

A big thank you to Cumberland Council for sponsoring the Team Player Award and helping us celebrate William 🫶

20/10/2026

If there was ever an award made for Olly, we think this might be it. Over his time with People First, we’ve watched his confidence grow and grow. He uses his initiative, gets stuck in and, most importantly, you can really see just how much he’s grown within himself.

That’s what makes seeing him named our Rising Star 2026 so special. 🏆

Take a look at the moment Olly was announced as our winner 🥰

A huge thank you to Print Point Group for sponsoring the award and helping us celebrate this brilliant moment.

19/10/2026

This one feels like a real full-circle moment. After seeing the People First Awards last year, Eden Valley Hospice decided to get involved with our Creating Careers programme and offer an opportunity to one of our learners.

Fast forward a year, and they were back at the awards, this time being named our Placement of the Year 2026, sponsored by Julie Bell Consulting 🏆

For businesses, getting involved means tapping into a pool of talented people who are too often overlooked. Eden Valley Hospice is a brilliant example of what can happen when we look at what someone can do and make small adjustments to help them succeed. With the right opportunity and support, people can thrive.

And businesses don’t have to figure it all out on their own. Our People First team is there throughout the Creating Careers process, helping to remove the uncertainty, fears and barriers that can sometimes stop businesses from taking that first step.

🎥 Watch the moment Eden Valley Hospice were announced as this year’s Placement of the Year.

17/10/2026

Some of the most important things in life start with a simple connection: A conversation, shared moment or someone taking the time to listen. 👂

The Deeper Connections Award 2026 celebrates Callum who is the king of ensuring others feel valued, included and a sense of belonging which is crucial for us all.

A huge thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for sponsoring this award and championing the power of connection and community. Your support helps us celebrate the people who make a difference every single day 🫶

16/10/2026

Some people simply do more than what's expected of them. They step up, support others and make a lasting difference 🫶⭐💛

That's exactly what the Above and Beyond Award, sponsored by The Halston , is all about.

This year's winner, Harvey has made a HUGE impact through his kindness and dedication to go the extra mile. Press play to find out why he was recognised at this year's People First Awards.

Want to learn more about the work we do in the Hospitality Academy? Click the link below 👇
https://bit.ly/Academy-PF

On Monday Your Voice Counts, Adapt North East, Bridge Creative, Darlington Association on Disability, Skills for People ...
15/10/2026

On Monday Your Voice Counts, Adapt North East, Bridge Creative, Darlington Association on Disability, Skills for People and People First hosted our Travel with Confidence event in Newcastle.

Here we showcased all of our findings around Accessibility Auditing on public transport. This included auditing routes on buses and Trains in Cumbria and the North East, as well as the Metro in Newcastle. We then held table discussions around common themes pulled from these audits including accessible information, sensory needs, physical access and more. 🚅🧏

Transport providers, along with our lived experience Travel Champions, worked in partnership to come up with recommendations on how to improve services. Providers will now have the onus to take these forward and help improve accessibility on public transport for everyone. 🫶

15/10/2026

At our Awards, we didn't just celebrate learners and their achievements. We also shone a light on the businesses that have played a crucial role in their journey, going above and beyond to help learners settle into their roles and create an environment where they can thrive. 🫶

This year's winner of the Shining Example Award, Cumbria Health, has done exactly that. Press play to find out how ▶️

If this video inspires you to learn more about Creating Careers, click the link below.
🔗 https://bit.ly/Creating-Careers

A massive thank you to Carr's Billington for sponsoring this award!

14/10/2026

This year's People First Awards, we turned up the volume on learners stories and their journey. 🔊
We spoke to family and friends, staff and colleagues to capture how far they have come, and the impact they have made on the people around them.

We kick off with Millie and she is famous at the People First Academy. She knows what she knows and she loves coming alongside others to share it. This year Millie was voted by her fellow learners for the Learner's Choice Award, sponsored by Dodd Accountants, and we couldn't agree more with why.

Take a look at her video to discover why... 🌟🌟

Address

The People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street
Carlisle
CA25XB

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

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