The Cumbria Floods: One year on

One year on from the floods, we look back on the work to help the community bounce back in one of the county’s flood damaged communities – Keswick.

Whilst the flood waters receded long ago, the process of helping residents back into their homes and taking care of everything from their practical concerns to welfare and mental health needs has been a long one.  In Keswick, as in other flood affected areas including Cockermouth, Workington, Ulverston and Burneside, this recovery has drawn in support from a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations.

Neighbourhood Development Officer Pat Ackred still works on the ground with flood affected residents in the town, helping them  get back on their feet.

Pat says: “The first thing we did, when the initial emergency response was over, was get out in the community and understand exactly what was needed.

“We got underway with setting up a flood support centre which became a real hub of the community, as did the centres set up in Workington, Cockermouth, and Ulverston.

“It became a place where people could get insurance, accommodation and council tax issues sorted as well as getting help with making an application to the flood fund. It was also somewhere for people to come and have a cup of tea and a chat whenever they felt things were getting on top of them.

“The soup kitchen which was run by volunteers twice a week was hugely popular. It enabled neighbours who had been moved to temporary accommodation to meet up and exchange stories of their experience in the floods. We also had Trading Standards and benefits staff there to give information and advice on a whole range of issues that affected people after the floods.

“Whilst we worked with the many familiar faces in the community, there are always people who aren’t used to coming forward for support.

“We put a lot of effort in to finding ways to reach out to these residents, ensuring that they received all the help and support they needed. Children’s events and opportunities to receive freebies like free paint from Dulux and B&Q vouchers gave us an opportunity to make contact with people who might not otherwise ask for help.

Monthly flood recovery meetings have continued and these have given residents the opportunity to raise issues and concerns that they are still facing and to let us know about people in their community who are in need of help.

“Whist we’ve faced some unexpected problems, we’ve also been amazed and very heartened by the generosity and support of local individuals and voluntary groups.  

“The situation has been an extremely traumatic one for everyone affected, and one I never want repeating, but it really has brought out the best in so many people and the community here certainly feels stronger and more united.”

For more information about flood recovery work in your area, contact the Allerdale Community Unit (for Keswick, Cockermouth, Workington and surrounding areas) or the South Lakeland Community Unit (Ulverston, Burneside etc).