Carlisle United and Carlisle Key are two organisations who have worked closely together over many years on a number of projects and initiatives designed to tackle what is an important issue not just here in the city, but across the county and nationwide.
Carlisle Key, who were one of the club’s charity partners in 2016, works with young people aged between 16 and 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
They provide assistance and support within their independent and impartial drop-in and housing service to alleviate the hardship and distress caused by homelessness, housing, financial and other related difficulties. They are also heavily involved in helping some of our young refugee community.
Importantly they give people the knowledge, support, and confidence they need so that they can live independently and take an active role in the local community.
For more information on Carlisle Key, click HERE.
Strengthening the links between the organisations more recently has been Diana Vlad, the Business Development, Fundraising and Finance Manager with Carlisle Key.
She has played an active role on some home match days as part of our Meeter & Greeter team working closely with our SLO Simon Clarkson, and now Nigel Davidson, the club’s EDI Officer and CUOSC Fan Director, as part of the club’s community inclusion initiatives.
We’re delighted to confirm that, with the really cold days and nights now edging in, we’ll be holding a clothing collection with Carlisle Key outside the Study Centre ahead of the Sutton United game on Saturday as we look for our generous fan base to support those facing less fortunate circumstances during these testing and difficult times.
Diana will be leading their team and will be ready to accept your clothing donations. Carlisle Key volunteers will be outside the Study Centre from 11.30am on Saturday until 12.45pm.
Clothing of all kinds will be most welcome (particularly aimed at people between the ages of 16 and 25, but other ages will be gratefully received with our refugee community in mind) and will be put to good use by the team at Carlisle Key.
Diana said: “Carlisle Key stands by each person in Carlisle having the right to an adequate standard of living.
“Access to clean quality clothing before winter is very important to us. Our volunteers have given their time to ensure clothing is collected and passed on to people seeking asylum.”
Nigel Davidson said: “It’s a great opportunity for the football club and the supporters to come together to help in supplying clothing to some of the people in the area who are seeking asylum, especially at this time of year and when many of the people have come to the UK from countries where the climate is much warmer than it is here.
“Hopefully Carlisle Key will be able to collect some quality clothing from Carlisle United fans to distribute as soon as possible now the weather has turned colder.”
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “The club works throughout the year to help make a difference in the community.
“As we approach Christmas, with the cost-of-living crisis, this is even more important.
“Carlisle United, like others across the EFL, is supporting the ‘Together – Supporting Communities’ an initiative helping communities and fans during this crisis.
“We hope our fans will give generously and help to help others who are less fortunate.”
Click HERE for more on the EFL Together – Supporting Communities initiative.