About the Project

At BEC, we believe extraordinary people drive incredible change.

After speaking with local residents about what matters most to them, we’re turning their ideas into action through the Kick Start Fund – funded by Sellafield Ltd’s SiX Programme and delivered by BEC.

We’re a profit-for-purpose company, reinvesting our profits into projects that strengthen communities across Cumbria. From regeneration and development to supporting local businesses, clubs and charities, we’re here to create lasting social impact and brighter futures.

The Kick Start Fund is open to groups or individuals with ideas that support community priorities:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Training & Employment
• Activities for Young People

How much funding is available?

The total funding pot is £20,000 for the 2024/2025 financial year.

• Individuals and informal/non-constituted groups can apply for a maximum of £500.
• Constituted groups can apply for a maximum of £1,000.

Let's hear from you

Now we want your ideas!

Fill out the application form telling us all about your idea that will create lasting impact within the community - you can apply for up to £1,000.

Applications are now closed until June 2025.

About The Project

Escape Education is a unique programme based at Westlakes Science Park that offers young people an opportunity to reconnect with education through practical, experience-based learning set in nature. This programme is designed to help young people:

• Build Confidence & Resilience
• Develop Practical Skills in areas like bushcraft, construction, and creative projects
• Reconnect with Learning in a non-traditional, supportive setting
• Enhance Mental Health & Wellbeing through outdoor activities and mentorship

Escape Education is particularly aimed at those who may be at risk of disengaging from conventional education. It provides a fresh start and an alternative route to personal growth, future education, training, or employment opportunities.

Re-engaging Young Minds through Hands-on Learning

By fostering skills, confidence, and connections with nature, we aim to empower the next generation to thrive.

Find out more https://msha.ke/escape_education

Contact the Escape Education founder, John Lee, by calling 07774219667

The committee operates alongside groups such as the Ship Shapers and Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, all coordinated by Lara Schwab, former owner of "Little Whims." Her motivation? A strong belief in the town's potential and the power of small improvements—like clearing weeds - to make a real difference.

About The Project

We are working with local music charity Soundwave to redevelop the old Bus Station Warehouse in Whitehaven into a Creative Music Hub, an un-licensed venue offering a safe, social venue for all ages.

Soundwave are a West Cumbrian charity who bring people together through music, supporting them to explore and develop their interests in music making, production and the wider music industry.

Run by Cumbrian musicians, they facilitate a wide range of creative and wellbeing sessions including community music making; singing and song writing; music recording and production; choir and music groups, and; a youth-led social multimedia platform, Hollr.

Find out more

Soundwave - https://www.soundwave.org.uk/

BEC's involvement - Creative Music Hub, Whitehaven

Concept images for the Creative Music Hub.

About The Project

Goodlives is a growing initiative at Westlakes Science Park that builds real-life and employment skills through gardening and horticulture.

The Goodlives Project at Westlakes Science Park is a community-driven initiative led by the charity Skills4you. The project provides training, education, and wellbeing opportunities - especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds in our local communities.

By combining food production with personal development, Goodlives helps people move into employment, education, and training—while promoting health and wellbeing.

Want to help support? You can contact Goodlives at Westlakes Science Park using the following details:

• Email: info@goodlives.org.uk
• Phone: 01946 814576
• Address: Westlakes Science Park, Moor Row, Whitehaven, CA24 3HY

They are typically on-site Tuesday to Thursday, 10 AM – 2 PM.

You can also visit their website for more information and updates.

About Aspire Academy Cumbria

Aspire Academy, based at Westlakes Science Park, is co-founded by three local leaders committed to creating a practical alternative for young people excluded from mainstream education.

• Rachel Holliday, co-founder - passionate about hands-on learning and helping students develop real-world skills in environments where they’ll use them.
• Danny Gee, co-founder and head of West Cumbria Learning Centre - focused on building pathways for at-risk youth and bridging the gap to meaningful training and employment.
• William King, co-founder - a local construction firm owner who brings personal experience of how trade apprenticeships can transform lives.

The academy focuses on helping students who find traditional classrooms challenging. Through training in areas such as construction, joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing, mechanics, and engineering, pupils develop confidence and employable skills that prepare them for apprenticeships, college courses, or future work opportunities.

Aspire Academy is more than a training centre - it’s a place where young people can rebuild confidence, discover their potential, and take the next step toward a brighter future.

Find out more - https://williamkingconstruction.co.uk/social-impact/

Our Commitment to Biodiversity

We’re proud to partner with Westlakes Red Squirrels, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Cumbria Woodlands, and the Woodland Trust to protect and enhance our natural environment.

At Westlakes Science Park, we actively safeguard habitats by:

• Planting over 6,000 trees, hedges, and wildflowers to support wildlife, including red squirrels, bees, butterflies, moths, and birds.
• Managing non-native species that threaten native ecosystems.
• Maintaining 9 ponds, 21 hectares of woodlands, 265 acres of grounds, and public footpaths with our in-house team.
• Encouraging responsible use of our green spaces and supporting outdoor education.

A Better Future for Nature

We treat natural capital like any key asset—investing in, protecting, and enhancing it to deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Images from our tree planting initiative in 2023. Over 3,000 trees and hedges planted with the help of over 100 community volunteers.

About The Project

The STEAM trail at Westlakes Science Park has been developed with partners from business and academia and blends outdoor learning with digital to give young people a fun, interactive and informative experience. Commissioned by BEC with funding and support from Sellafield Ltd the STEAM trail is free to use and can be accessed by anyone.

The curriculum focused destination for local schools at Key Stage 2 and 3 level features knowledge boards on topics ranging from photography to solar energy, with a dedicated app to encourage learning via digital platforms.

The trail has been designed to give youngsters an understanding of how STEAM subjects are part of our daily lives and how they are represented by the many amazing businesses that call Westlakes Science Park home. The STEAM trail also encourages students to explore the integral links between the arts and traditionally promoted STEM subjects.

The trail boosts visibility for local employers based at Westlakes Science Park to potential future employees and encourages more young people into STEAM activities .

How do I book a visit?

Please call 01946 595200 or email info@discoverbec.com prior to your visit.

Information

For users of the STEAM Trail, we are able to offer free parking, please contact us for further information. Alternatively, pay & display parking is available at the Innovation Centre.

For free parking, please call 01946 595200 or email info@discoverbec.com prior to your visit. If visiting on weekends please contact us during office hours Monday-Friday (9:00-17:30).