How we work
We advocate
We campaign on behalf of Cumbrae residents in order to make their views heard. We also offer confidential advice to residents when they need support, and we make referrals to specialist services when needed.
We also offer practical help to people as and when they need it, from delivering hot meals to someone just out of hospital, to confidential tailored support to those in crisis. If you or someone you know is facing difficulty, please get in touch. We are here to help.
We deliver
We organise events to help people connect, this includes our popular Lunch Club.
We run The Cumbrae Forum Charity Shop to generate income and encourage recycling and upcycling at affordable prices.
We also run seasonal and targeted campaigns to support the community.
We fund
We sponsor a range of community activities delivered by other organisations in Millport.
Our income comes from:
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The Cumbrae Forum Charity Shop
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Donations
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Membership
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Grants and awards
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Brands donating through Easyfundraising
Our mission
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To advance citizenship and community cohesion.
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To provide support to everyone.
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To organise activities promoting a more equal, inclusive and inter-generational community.
Our history
In 2005 The Cumbrae Forum was established as The Elderly Forum to campaign for a care home on the island. This aim did not come to pass, but we achieved many other successes on the way. We opened The Cumbrae Forum Charity Shop in 2010 which is still running. Income was used to support the elderly on the island.
Over time we broadened our mission broadened to support people of all ages on the island rather than just the elderly.
Our Lunch Club is long established and continues to flourish. From small beginnings we regularly provide a weekly lunch for 50 members.
What we did in lockdown
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We worked with Millport Support Group to fund food bags for those who were shielding as well as other individuals and families in financial need.
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Our volunteers made weekly phone calls to check in on every member and keep people connected.
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Our volunteers delivered the Library Service to people’s homes, keeping in touch with members of the community who couldn’t get out and about.
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We delivered members food bags at Christmas.
Other activities we have supported
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The Cumbrae Forum funded an event for the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration.
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We funded tickets for members to attend the Cathedral of The Isles Summer Fayre.
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We sponsored Cumbrae’s public toilets when they were on the verge of being closed.
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We gave money to the appeal for Ukraine.
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We gave money to the Turkey and Syria emergency appeal.
What Millport residents say:
"The Cumbrae Forum is the glue which holds the island together."
"When my husband, died the whole community wrapped a warm blanket around me. I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else."
"When I came out of hospital I got soup at my door. And apples. They knew they tasted good after chemo. The Cumbrae Forum is like having a big extended family. I can’t thank them enough."