Churches in Britain have been crucial to the development of health, welfare and education services. The faith sector continues to play an important role as part of the Third Sector, along with other community groups, the voluntary sector and not-for-profit organisations. Support and networking opportunities are available as below: 

• Cumbria'sThird Sector portal provides a central hub where organisations have the opportunity to advertise resources, promote events or publish consultations. It is divided into 3 sections:
  Information lists help available for third sector organisations in their development, governance and delivery of services, including funding
  Support lists networks available to support organisations according to key specialist areas such as Childrens’ Services, Arts and Culture
  Directory  lists all groups across Cumbria already up and running. You might want to add your project there.)
• Cumbria CVS (Council for Voluntary Services) is a key umbrella organisations providing support to church projects, with offices in five localities across the County each with a development officer.  We recommend you become a member of your local CVS,  which is free and receive their regular newsletters,funding news and access to a whole range of support service they provide. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Action with Communties in Cumbria (ACT) the rural community council, works with people and communities to improve the quality of life in rural Cumbria. They have four development officers, a village halls adviser and business adviser. ACT assists in the development of Parish Plans.

To see how the faith sector is organised in the region see the Northwest Forum  of Faiths website