About us

Our Story – Millom and Around the Combe CIC

Our small but passionate team came together in June 2024 with a shared mission: to give back to our community in meaningful and lasting ways. United by a common goal, we aim to support individuals and families who are struggling with the pressures of daily life, particularly in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. While this crisis affects us all, some in our community are being hit much harder than others.

We began with a Community Donation Shop, staffed entirely by volunteers—including our directors, none of whom receive payment. Everything in the shop is offered at low, accessible prices to ensure affordability for all. This approach is at the heart of our ethos: community-first, inclusive, and supportive of everyone, regardless of circumstance.

Then, on January 6th, 2025, we launched a small Community Food Shop, offering truly affordable food options that are priced to ensure accessibility for all.
We work in partnership with private, government, medical, and third-sector organisations, enabling a two-way referral system that ensures individuals receive holistic support. Whether someone needs food, clothing, homewares, or just a listening ear, we are here to help without judgement as most of us have been in their shoes at some point.

While our commitment is strong, our financial resources are limited, and we rely heavily on the generosity of others to continue our work. Sustainability is a challenge—but one we are determined to meet.

Through meaningful partnerships across the private, public, and voluntary sectors, we strive to maximise our impact. Our goal is to provide coordinated, community-led services that improve health, wellbeing, personal development, and educational opportunity. Ultimately, we seek to reduce food poverty, encourage self-empowerment, and foster a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient environment for all residents of Millom and the surrounding areas.

Millom is the most geographically isolated town in Cumbria, located 25 miles from the nearest hospital or supermarket. The town faces significant challenges, including a mental health rate that is 12% higher than the national average and a high incidence of poverty. Yet, despite these hardships, there is a remarkable spirit of resilience within our community—something we are deeply committed to nurturing and building upon.